The Effectiveness of a Cream

The idea which most dermatologists have, is that when a cream helps it is because it contains a medical product (a product only available on prescription). This comes from the idea that effectiveness originates from medical products which make a change in the structure of the skin.

However, nowadays, this is no longer as straightforward. I will now describe the difference between two types of skincare products.

An over-the-counter cream

Traditionally, creams which are freely available (for example from the chemist or beauty counter) only work on the upper skin layer, known as the epidermis. The condition of the skin improves as it retains more moisture, becomes more smooth and has a better complexion. The result is a more supple, brighter and resilient skin.

But the effect is only temporary. The top skin layer sheds invisibly from the surface and is supplied with new cells from the lower (basal) layer. This is a continual process. The whole of the upper skin layer is renewed after one month and the effects achieved from a treatment will have completely disappeared.

A prescription cream

Medicinal creams contain chemicals which have a strong influence on the way in which the different skin cells work. Principally these chemicals are aimed at counteracting diseases and restoring the skin back to normal functioning. Because the active chemicals in these creams can also have side effects, they are only made available on prescription.

New developments in effectiveness

So a clear classification with regard to creams such as the ones I have described above is no longer the case. At this moment there is a lot of successful progress being made on an intermediate: the cosmeceuticals. I will shortly write a piece on this in Jetske’s blog.

Regards Peter.

Dr. Peter Velthuis is the Medical Director and Dermatologist at the Velthuis Clinic. He is writing as my guest blogger.

You can also read Peter’s blog about the sun
the blog about anti-oxidants in cosmetic products,
‘Is an Expensive Moisturizer Better?‘ or
‘Getting Older‘.