Cosmeceutical Agents: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Cosmeceuticals represent one of the most promising, yet challenging treatment options available to physicians. They are the fastest growth segment in the skin-care market, and a number of topical cosmeceutical treatments for conditions such as photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles have come into widespread use. This comprehensive review attempts to examine the current literature of the more commonly encountered cosmeceutical agents in order to determine their utility in treating various dermatologic conditions, as well as their potential use in the area of wound healing. Each section, dealing with a different agent, provides a brief chemical background, a review of the published research studies, and nally concludes with a prediction about its potential role in skin regeneration. Although further research needs to be conducted, adjuvant cosmeceutical therapy may help in prevention of skin cancer, photoaging, and the rejuvenation of skin during wound healing. Author interview Read an interview with Dr Basil Hantash here.