Drug-Like Beauty Products Draw Concern

Surgeon: Caution Needed When Using OTC "Cosmeceuticals"

(CBS) Baby boomers are driving the market for so-called "cosmeceuticals" -- beauty aids that promise to work like prescription drugs to make you look younger and better. Many are advertised like drugs, too. And the field is taking off.

But, on The Early Show, a New York cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon raised warning flags about cosmeceuticals.

Dr. Michelle Copeland pointed out that they're not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so consumers need to be extra-vigilant about what's in them before buying or using them.

She said many over-the-counter anti-aging products, anti-wrinkle creams and sun spot reducers are examples of cosmeceuticals.

There are a number of excellent products out there, Copeland said, but there are a few that might not do any good, and it's possible some might do some harm.

She added that some companies are even using prescription medications in cosmeceuticals.

Copeland offered a for-instance to co-anchor Hannah Storm, saying, "Lots of cosmeceuticals have forms of Retin-A in them, but not at the same concentration."

So, what's a consumer to do when considering cosmeceuticals, which tend to be pricey?

"Become an educated consumer," Copeland said. "We know with our foods we have to look and see if there are preservatives. It's the same thing with the skin care. Look and see if there are dyes in it, fragrances.

"Look at the ingredients. If a product says it's allergy-tested, that means it's held to a higher standard, that it's been tested and most people will not have a reaction to it. You want to make sure whatever you're putting on your skin isn't filled with lots of dyes that could be irritating. There are a lot of products out there and some of them are very good that can really do what they say they're doing.

"Make sure you're buying a product that has been tested in some form, that comes from a reliable company. There are certainly doctor brands (that) have been tested on a clinical basis.

"I think we are entering a tremendous revolution in skin care, and today we know so much more than we ever did. People are living longer. And they want to look better. And if there's an opportunity to look better without having surgery, wouldn't that be wonderful? And I think that that is really within our grasp right now."

In general, Copeland observed, soft, smooth skin "is healthier skin. Skin that gets cracked and dry is more prone to infection. So the wonderful thing about skin care is that we now can make our skin smoother and make it look better at the same time."

Of course, you could and should always consult your doctor if you have any questions not answered on labels, on the Web, etc., Copeland concluded.

(Dr. Copeland's website can be seen at www.mcskin.com)