Healthy, radiant skin requires a diligent routine that includes proper care and hydration. A plethora of things effect the way we look from what we put into our body to what we put onto our skin. An inner glow may shine through byway of what is going on inside of us, and fortunately, in today’s world we also have cosmeceuticals available providing that extra little TLC we all need sometimes. 
Customized prescription compounds can help to increase elasticity, firm the skin, even out skin tone and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Surprisingly, not all of these conditions are the result of aging. On a daily basis, we’re exposed to free radicals that can cause damage to our cells, including the skin. Contributing factors include:
| • Improper Nutrition | • Sun Damage |
| • Hormone Imbalance | • Pollution |
Prescription skincare formulations, or, cosmeceuticals as they’re often called, help fight the ravaging effects of these free radicals with potent anti-oxidants. The term ‘cosmeceutical’ is the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients that are reported to have medical or drug-like benefits.
Diana Draelos, MD, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with 30 years of research experience in cosmetics and skin medications, recommends patients start with a moisturizer containing dimethicone, glycerin, or petrolatum. “The most robust moisturizer known to man has these three ingredients,” she said. “For anti-aging,” she adds, “Use sunscreens containing avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, reflecting spheres, or antioxidant botanicals.”
Undoubtedly, moisturizers and sunscreen are the main ingredients in most cosmeceutical regimens, though clinical trials have shown that retinoids can be especially beneficial. Patients are better served by prescription-strength retinoids to get “more bang for the buck” when compared with over-the-counter products.
With so many skin care products on the market it can be difficult deciding on which one best suits your skin type, especially if you suffer from rosacea, acne, dermatitis or eczema. When customized cosmeceuticals are prescribed for you, rest assured that The Center for Health and Wellbeing only works with an accredited compounding pharmacy, using ingredients and strengths that are available only by prescription.