They say that 90% of European and American women prefer to buy cosmetics from pharmacies. We have a completely different story in our country. And so far no one can explain why, because intuitively we understand that only safe products are presented in pharmacies.
“All medicinal cosmetics receive quality certificates and, additionally, a certificate of state registration. For this, scientific and laboratory research, as well as clinical trials are carried out, - notes Ekaterina Chelombitko, the operational director of the network of pharmacies "36.6" and the head of the A.v.e Luxury project. “It’s a pity that this doesn’t mean anything to an ordinary consumer - there are no signs and markers that distinguish pharmaceutical products from others.”
Complete composition
You probably didn’t know, but only pharmacy products completely prescribe the entire composition - you will never see phrases like “and other ingredients” on their labels! By the way, about the formulas. They are always softer in such products (for example, in comparison with the mass market), but at the same time they are highly effective. No chemicals, antibiotics or preservatives. Only useful plant extracts, antioxidants, enzymes and thermal water.
Selective first aid kit
And yet, it turns out that pharmaceuticals are selective (that is, rare, special). “In fact, everything that is sold in pharmacies is cosmeceuticals. But it can be conditionally divided into two subspecies, - says Ekaterina Chelombitko. - First of all, medical. It is needed to prevent dermatological diseases, such as eczema, seborrhea, rash. Its main components are biologically active and healing substances. But there is also a selective line. Here it is already aimed at caring for and eliminating deficiencies (dehydration of the skin, wrinkles, enlarged pores, oily sheen, brittle hair). It contains “fashionable” and very effective peptides, collagen, squalene, natural oils and microelements”.
The main plus
“Since pharmaceutical cosmetics contain many active ingredients, it can immediately“kill two birds with one stone”: cure a dermatological disease and solve a cosmetic problem,” emphasizes Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenerologist, La Roche-Posay brand expert.
Which is better: pharmacy cosmetics or mass market?
Of course, the prices for pharmaceuticals and the mass market may coincide, but otherwise they are completely different! Firstly, the requirements for cosmetics that you can buy from pharmacists are much higher than for inexpensive products, which is why they are a class higher! Its main feature is its versatility and action on all fronts at once! But with the mass market, everything is different. To select and purchase such cosmetics, no special knowledge is required. “Anyone can also buy pharmacy cosmetics - no prescription is needed, but it will be problematic to choose it on your own - it is still important to clearly know your problems and skin type,” notes Ekaterina Chelombitko. - Yes, and it is better to use such products under the supervision of a dermatologist, who will control the situation and in which case help to avoid any problems.
Another difference is that mass-market cosmetics are always bright, in beautiful packages! The Korean, Japanese, American and Chinese brands are especially different. Pharmacy products, as a rule, are in laconic bottles that do not attract much attention.
Cons of pharmacy cosmetics
If you find fault, it can be noted that pharmacy cosmetics are practically odorless. You shouldn't look for any perfumery fragrances and other "charms" of the luxury here.
Pharmacy brands
There are a lot of them, and they are quite famous in the world. Most often on the shelves in the pharmacy you can see "immigrants" from Europe: Phyto, Avene, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Klorane, Nuxe, Filorga. All of them have passed strict quality control and honestly fulfill the tasks stated on their labels!
