http://fightfinelines.com/2011/05/19/top-10-tips-for-choosing-skincare-products-that-work/

“No more wrinkles in 6 days” ….“See the reduction of fine lines in less than 10 days”… “Dermatologists tested” “Clinically Proven” “Clinical Studies”…

Buyer beware. Magazines are full of claims from manufacturers touting new technologies and advances in skin care products. There is so much marketing hype today around skin care products that promise results, that it’s hard to know what really works.

If this wasn’t confusing enough, we are now in an age of ever-emerging new technologies and anti-aging breakthroughs. From “micro-beads” to stem cells, products are getting more and more complex both in what they’re made of and also how they are delivered to your skin. As exciting as this seems, it’s also questionable whether or not these new advances are really going to live up to their claims.Cosmeceuticals, high-end “Dr” brands, and everyone under the sun claiming to have the latest skin care can leave you   searching for the next best thing before you even get to the register. Even with seemingly potent active-ingredients, there is little regulation on what claims companies can make. You have to wonder, was the entire formulation tested or just the active ingredient? Who was the product tested on? If it was tested in a lab, how do we know it actually works on human skin cells?

So, what should you be on the lookout for to help you cut through the skin care product clutter?

Before you buy your next face cream, cleanser, anti-aging lotion or brightener know what you are buying, and from whom you are buying it.

Try these 10 Tips for your next skin care shopping trip:

1.  Your skin care needs change with age, buy accordingly.
2.  The normal cell cycle is 26-42 days, this cycle actually lengthens as we age and skin thins as we mature. Recognize the hype for fast acting wrinkle cure skin care products. They can only go so far…
3. Physician brands, which are sold in the physician’s office, have stronger active ingredients than mass-market store brands. Don’t be confused by a doctor’s name or “MD” on a mass-market brand. These brands are still made with lower percentages and strengths of important ingredients.
4. A medical aestheticism or dermatologist has the training and knowledge to prescribe a good skin care routine for you. Many plastic surgeons offices also offer expert advice on medical-grade skin care products.
5.  Ask questions and read up about studies, ingredient strengths and percentages of ingredients.
6.  Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) remain at the top of the list for fighting fine lines, improving the tone and texture of skin, and for excelling at exfoliation. Glycolic acid and glycolic compounds are two highly effective AHA’s due to their very small particle size which allows them to penetrate deep into the skin.
7. Nanotechnology is a current buzzword used in products. This technology reduces the molecular size of the ingredient to penetrate the skin better. This technology is still new, so stay tuned!
8.  Look for products that build collagen such as Retinol, Vitamin A, Hyaluronic Acid, or Tretinoin (prescription).
9. Buy products that contain anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, 
L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, Coenzyme -Q-10,(ubiquinone), Alpha lipoic acid,  and Ferulic acid. They prevent fine lines,  help fight off wrinkles, and are perfect for plumping the skin.
10.  Use products with brightening agents to diminish dark sunspots and discoloration. Such agents include, Hydroquinone, Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Niacinimide, Azalaic acid, TCA, Green Tea (EGCG), and Licorice extract.

Do your homework and don’t be fooled by the hype to make sure you get the most bang for your beauty-buck.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

www.niptuckcoach.com

Featured in  MAS | MAY 19, 2011