In the US, a drug is defined as a substance intended to modify the structure or function of part of the body, so a controversy has arisen about the proper distinction between drugs and cosmetics even water can profoundly change the structure and function of the skin. Europeans have no such problem, because they define cosmetics by their way of application and intention rather than effect. Researchers from companies and academies in the US, Europe, and Asia explore cosmetics that do indeed modify the skin, nails, or hair; and features that are altered by cosmetics. Among their topics are anti-oxidant defense systems in skin, cutaneous barrier repair, cosmeceuticals in photoaging, melatonin, dermatoxicology, and process engineering to utilize active ingredients. The first edition appeared in 2000. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Completely revised and expanded, this Second Edition thoroughly examines the wide array of new and emerging cosmeceutical compounds from antiaging, skin care and repair, moisturizing, and protective compounds to agents with antimicrobial and antiirritant properties.
