Cosmetics for women: skin care through life
A woman’s skin changes in unique ways throughout her life. Hormones, genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental influences shape the appearance of the skin and present cosmetic products with ever-changing challenges. Cosmetics for women are therefore not a static concept, but a dynamic companion that is tailored to individual needs.
While acne often affects the skin in youth, protection and regeneration are the main concerns during pregnancy. From the mid-30s onwards, the first signs of skin ageing become apparent, and with the onset of the menopause, the skin’s moisture balance, elasticity and barrier function change significantly. In the post-menopausal period, dryness and the loss of collagen and firmness become dominant.
This article shows how cosmetics can be designed for women in a phase-oriented manner, which active ingredients play a key role and how innovative products can be developed for every phase of life.
Puberty and young skin: balance and purity
The start of adulthood is often accompanied by skin problems. The increase in androgens stimulates the sebaceous glands, which can lead to oily skin and acne. In this period skin microbiome also changes, promoting inflammation.
Cosmetics for women in this phase should:
– gently cleanse without drying out the skin
– regulate sebum production
– inhibit inflammation and strengthen the microbiome
Product idea:
Sebum Control Gel-Cream with niacinamide, zinc PCA and Cosactive Avena 250 for gentle mattification and anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Suggested active ingredients:
– Niacinamide (sebum regulation, barrier strengthening)
Zinc PCA (antibacterial, sebum-regulating)
Panthenol (soothing, regenerating).
Pregnancy and new mothers – protection and soothing
Pregnancy is a phase of hormonal hyperactivity. Pigment shifts (e.g. melasma), feelings of tension and increased skin sensitivity are often the result. The skin barrier also becomes more vulnerable.
Cosmetics for women in this phase of life must be particularly well tolerated, avoid critical ingredients and still provide maximum care.
Product idea:
‘Pregnancy Care Body Lotion’ with panthenol, almond oil, shea butter and ‘Cosactive Olus Oil’ to soothe, increase elasticity and prevent stretch marks.
Suggested active ingredients:
– Panthenol (relieves itching, regenerates skin)
Almond oil (intensive care, very well tolerated)
Cosactive Olus Oil (sensory improvement, 100% plant-based, skin-friendly)
Hyaluronic acid (moisture retention).
Mid-30s to mid-40s: First signs of skin ageing
In your mid-30s, skin ageing begins to become visible. The first lines appear, elasticity decreases and the complexion becomes dull. The causes are oxidative stressors such as UV radiation, air pollution and the natural decline in collagen production.
Cosmetics for women in this phase should have antioxidant, repairing and preventive effects.
Product idea:
A collagen booster serum with vitamin C, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Cosactive phytosterol and hyaluronic acid for more firmness and radiance.
Suggested active ingredients:
– Vitamin C (antioxidant, collagen stimulation)
Peptides (matrix building, anti-wrinkle effect)
Cosactive phytosterols (barrier strengthening, skin soothing)
Hyaluronic acid (intensive moisture binding).
Menopause: dryness and loss of elasticity
During menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. The consequences are dry skin, loss of elasticity, wrinkles and increased sensitivity. Studies show that up to 30% of collagen in the dermis is lost within the first five years after menopause.
Cosmetics for women in this phase should therefore be rich, antioxidant and barrier-building.
Product idea:
‘Menopause Night Cream’ with retinal (Cosactive Retinal), hyaluronic acid, phytoestrogens such as genistein and moisturising oligopeptides.
Suggested active ingredients:
– Retinal (vitamin A derivative with anti-ageing effect)
– Phytoestrogens (e.g. resveratrol, genistein, equol) to promote skin thickness and elasticity
– Cosactive Retinal (highly effective, stabilised retinal)
Ceramides (barrier building, protection)
Post-menopause: regeneration and protection
After the menopause, skin changes intensify. Collagen breakdown continues, the skin barrier weakens and oxidative stressors have a greater impact. The goal now is to regenerate and protect the skin structure as best as possible.
Cosmetics for women should focus on deeply effective anti-ageing concepts.
Product idea:
‘Ultra Repair Cream’ with ceramides, vitamin E, resveratrol and ‘Cosactive Zinc Hyal’ for maximum regeneration, antioxidant protection and deeply effective hydration.
Suggested active ingredients:
– Ceramides (protection and barrier formation)
Vitamin E (antioxidant against UV and environmental stress)
Resveratrol (phytoestrogen, antioxidant)
Cosactive Zinc Hyal (hydration and anti-inflammatory).
Conclusion:
Women’s skin changes continuously throughout their lives: from hormone-related acne in youth to pigmentation changes during pregnancy to dryness and loss of elasticity during menopause. That is why cosmetics for women are not a universal concept, but rather a phase-oriented skincare concept that combines scientific findings, high-quality active ingredients and innovative formulations.
Based on these findings, Cosmacon develops tailor-made, scientifically sound skin care concepts that accompany women in all phases of life.
With Tojo Cosmetics, immediately available private label products are ready to position brands quickly, successfully and with high quality in the market.
Cosmetics for women – your brand, our passion for science, effectiveness and innovation. Feel free to ask us – we will be happy to advise and develop for you!
Further reading
Robert Koch Institute – Women’s health