Know Your Source, Know Your Stuff

While the advent of the Internet offers an abundance of resources on every topic imaginable, the “information highway” can be overwhelming at times.  How is one to know if the article or “news-item” you are reading has a source of authority, or is just part of a marketing campaign of some kind?  I cannot tell you how many times I am having a conversation with a client that this topic arises. Primarily, I think, because consumers are confused by conflicting information coming from advertising on television, radio, magazines, and internet media.

Take skin care ingredients, for example. Much of what we “hear” about focuses on anti-aging products. In fact, there are more than 300 scientific theories about why skin ages. Almost all skin care resources are abounding with explanations about how free radicals are bad for the skin because they accelerate aging, and how the sun increases aging because it’s the main source of free radicals. So, while skin care ingredients are certainly an important and beneficial part of a daily health regimen, products are not all clinically the same in terms of effectiveness.  And while the sun does age our skin if prevention isn’t in place, every physician (dermatologists and otherwise) will tell you that a little bit every day is necessary to avoid vitamin d deficiency. Vitamin d supports not only our bone mineralization, but affects the neuromuscular system and inflammation in our bodies.  Inflammation is another major source of free radicals. Because of this, reducing inflammation will decelerate aging.  Inflammation can be reduced by incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients in your skin care routine.  The addition of topical vitamins and antioxidants help your skin fight the battle against free radicals. 

All of the above information is supported by various skin care physicians and educators with a minimum of a Ph.D degree.  But why believe me? Conduct your own evaluation on topical ingredients, such as vitamins a, c, and e, and antioxidants, such as licorice or bearberry extracts, by going to www.googlescholar.com. Then, find a knowledgeable skin care professional in your area who can give you a complimentary skin analysis and talk to you about products customized just for your skin.

By Valerie Connelly, California State Licensed Esthetician

Article sources: Dr. Peter Pugliese (www.drpugliese.com), Skin Science (www.skininc.com)