In a culture that emphasizes youth, it is no wonder that cosmetics and other products that purport to help keep one's skin looking young and wrinkle-free are a huge business. Since outward signs of aging can begin to appear as early as one's 20's or 30's, the market for these types of products is huge, and the solutions offered are many. Recently, there have been some alternative and effective kinds of therapies and skin treatments that come not from the cosmetics industry, but from compounding pharmacies. And in fact, it turns out that these products may have distinct advantages to mass-produced, over the counter skin care products.

One of the main advantages of a compounding pharmacy is the ability to create a customized treatment for an individual. For example, if you like the effects of a certain over the counter treatment, but, it makes your skin feel a little bit uncomfortable or you have an adverse side effect like a rash, your dermatologist should be able to decipher which ingredient is causing the trouble. Because commercial cosmetic companies have to be concerned with the shelf life as well as appearance and texture of their products, preservatives or other types of stabilizers are often part of the formula used. Many allergic reactions are caused by these additives, rather than the active ingredients. Specialist pharmacies can create a prescription that is all natural and fresh, and in most cases does not have to use additives. Also, since pharmacies are regulated more stringently than cosmetic manufacturers, especially in regards to labeling, you can be assured that you are getting exactly what has been prescribed.

Some of the ingredients that compound pharmacies use that have been discovered to be useful when it comes to preventing signs of aging include:

1. DMAE. Helps prevent the signs of aging and increase skin firmness

2. Retonic Acid. A type of skin peel that removes dead skin cells to and helps to promote collagen production and new skin cell growth.

3. Biopeptides. Helps with collagen production and also lessens the appearance of existing wrinkles.

4. Co-Enzyme Q-10. This remarkable compound helps to protect the under-layer of the skin against effects of free radicals.

5. Hyaluronic Acid. Hydrates, repairs and plumps skin allowing it to appear smoother, even glowing. Also helps wounds heal more quickly and diminishes appearance of scars.

While you cannot go directly to your neighborhood compounding pharmacy to pick up individually formulated cosmetics, you can check with your dermatologist to see if a prescription skin care regimen would work better for you.