Okay, okay, hands up, I admit that I use this word a lot, so it’s time that I explained what it actually means. In plain English, a cosmeceutical is the bringing together of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Pharmaceuticals are loosely termed as chemical substances used for medical purposes. Whereas cosmetics, as we know, are substances that are designed to enhance the appearance of an individual.

When we tie these two together, we feel the benefits of a medical product combined with the personal enhancements of a cosmetic. But to actually get the official label of ‘cosmeceutical’, the products must be applied topically, such as creams and lotions.

A really simple example is shampoo. Your regular old shampoo is a cosmetic shampoo, designed to clean the hair and improve its smell, whereas an anti-dandruff shampoo uses a pharmaceutical ingredient to fight the causes of dandruff. Another great example is whitening toothpaste, the whitening agent is a pharmaceutical chemical intended to help with the cosmetic appearance of your teeth – hence, it’s a cosmeceutical dental paste.  Read more... (537 words, 1 image, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)

OK, so we don’t get MUCH of a summer in the UK, but it’s still important to protect your skin. Even when it seems cold outside, with wind or clouds, the sun could still be there, and prevention now could help you to avoid sun damaged skin later!

The Riverbanks Clinic Shop has a number of products you should consider if you want to spend time in the sun and avoid any bad after effects:

Priori Advanced AHA Daily Defense SPF30

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Contains 3% LCA Complex (2% Lactic Compound + 1% MFAS) plus broad spectrum UVB and UVA active ingredients to protect against the sun’s damaging rays that lead to premature skin aging. An essential part of any anti-aging skincare regime. pH 3.8

VITAGE Skin Protector SPF30

3g

Our Price:

£14.00

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Contains powerful antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E to protect against environmental stresses.

VITAGE Age Defence Hydrator SPF15

Our Price:

£36.00

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A light daily moisturiser to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stresses fighting the signs of ageing before they start.

You can buy these and other products in our online shop – protect your skin this summer!

At this time of year you’ll probably reveal more of your body than usual, whether with shorter dresses or strappy tops – or simply sunbathing in a swimsuit or bikini.  Does your body pass the reveal test?

Here’s Dr Jain’s recipe for a great summer silhouette and strokable skin!

• Facial & Body scrub – do this once a week to exfoliate the skin at a deep level and allow your moisturising and other care products to work more effectively.
• Hand & Body Lotion – dry skin on your arms, legs, shoulders and hands is simply not attractive.  It’s just as important to remember the rest of your skin, not just your face.

And if you need to streamline your shape, choose from these body treatments to boost your confidence this summer:

• Accent – to reduce cellulite and tighten flabby arms, legs, bums and tums
• Coffeeberry Body tightening gel to get that toned look and feel
• Vitage Body Refining gel to create a softer, smoother skin surface that is irresistible.

You can make a real difference to your skin with a little effort – and reveal your body with confidence!