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Skin care is a topic that I am very passionate about, and I have always noticed the marketing claims these companies in the beauty industry use to market their miraculous anti-aging skin care products seem far fetched. What really classifies a product to be a beneficial product to include in your skin care are the ingredients, with research and evidence backing these claims. Here’s how to prevent premature aging by avoiding advertising gimmicks the beauty industry uses to mislead consumers into buying unnecessary beauty products.
Your age, is not your skin “type”
It’s important to understand that aging, “mature” skin is not considered your skin type! Skin type is a classification on how dry – oily your skin is naturally, and is classified into six skin types. Is your skin often dry? Do you find you have oily skin in certain areas of the face, the forehead, nose or chin? If you find you have a combination of both, you have combination skin. Skin can be normal (neither dry or oily), prone to acne or sensitive (rosacea, eczema). Your skin may change and be classified under several of these skin types throughout seasonal change and your life!
I recommend using skin care products formulated for your type of skin to take care of skin, which always lends the best results. Do not choose products marketing that they are formulated for “mature skin”, because no matter your age no formulation for aging skin is designed to fit all of these skin types. It is essential to find products formulated for your particular skin type, which will work the best for your skin and preventing signs of aging.
Avoid Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist-Tested, & Cosmeceutical Claims
These products are marketed to imply that their products are less likely to cause allergic reactions and are more suitable for those who experience sensitive skin. There is currently no accepted testing method, ingredient restrictions, regulations or guidelines that qualify if a product is “hypoallergenic”, and doesn’t give a product any credibility whether or not it is beneficial to use on your skin. The term “dermatologist-tested” is a marketing gimmick, leading the consumer to believe that doctors have their best interest in mind. In the business of beauty and skin care, there is a business known as claim substantiation that doesn’t not measure results, and has very little to do with science and research on these ingredients. The problem with buying into “dermatologist-tested” products does not tell you what dermatologist did this testing, how they performed the test, and what their results were. To add on, the term “cosmeceutical” is another misleading marketing claim! The term “cosmeceutical” suggests that these products contain pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and are somehow superior to other products in the cosmetics industry. The term “cosmeceutical” has no legal or regulated distinction between non-cosmeceutical products and since this term isn’t regulated, any cosmetic company can use it regardless of the ingredients their products contain.
Eliminate the term “age spot” for dark brown discoloration
Did you know that brown, freckle type of skin discolorations are not caused by aging? These dark spots are a result of exposing unprotected skin to the sun. These discolorations are solely induced by sunlight and are known as sunspots, unprotected sun exposure is the culprit! Sun spots can appear at any age and treating these spots do not require one particular product, however a proven product for reducing the risks of sun spots is to use sunscreen diligently everyday, even when it’s overcast! Harmful UVA rays emitted from the sun are damaging your skin, even when the sun doesn’t shine! Ingredients in skin care products that reduce the appearance of sun spots are hydroquinone, niacinamide, stabilized forms of vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and magnesium, ascorbyl phosphate), and various plant extracts such as licorice root extract (glabridin), azelaic acid, arbutin and its derivatives. Hydroquinone is the most effective ingredient for lightening skin and is a proven, safe ingredient with research behind it. All of these ingredients may be used safely with hydroquinone and even work effectively on their own.