Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. a professor and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the university of Miami, has written an excellent book on skin care and using the right products for your individual skin type. Following are Five Skin Care Myths, adapted from her book, The Skin Type Solution.
Myth 1. The Best way to find the best product for your skin is to experiment with brands.
Truth 1. Unless you have a lot of money and free time that you want to spend on experimenting on your skin, this method is a waste of resources. However, the cosmetic companies are more than happy to let you but and try their products. Experimenting with skin care products works out really well for the big skin care companies, but not for the consumer.
Myth 2. The More Expensive Products Work Better.
Truth 2. Not necessarily. When skin care products are developed, the rights to the formulations are often sold under different brands. The difference between the drug store brands, department store brands, and the dermatologist formulations may be no more than the price tag. The expensive. designer brands spend a huge amount on packaging, marketing and advertising. These costs are passed on to the consumer.
Myth 3. Ivory Soap is for sensitive skin.
Truth 3. Even though Ivory markets itself as a brand for sensitive skin, this is not the case. Like any brand that foams and makes suds, Ivory is not good for sensitive skin. Soaps that make vigorous suds wash away the natural lipids that protect the skin. People with sensitive skin should never use products that make bubbles or thick suds. A thin layer of suds is OK. Shampoo should never be used to wash the face. There are minimally foaming products, such as Cetaphil, Dove, Ponds and some Nivea products that are good cleansers for sensitive skin.
Myth 4. The food we eat doesn't affect out skin.
Truth 4. The diet can affect skin. A low or no fat diet can increase the dryness of the skin. Studies have shown that patients taking drugs for cholesterol ofter have dry skin. Cholesterol is important in keeping skin hydrated.
Myth 5. Paying attention to skin is a waste of time.
Truth 5. Once you have identified your skin type and know the right routine for your skin, skin care should not take an excessive amount of time. You can learn the best routine for your skin type by consulting a dermatologist, or by reading The Skin Type Solution.
"The Skin Type Solution" has a simple quiz that identifies your individual skin type. By taking the quiz you can learn what type of skin you have and what the best type of products are for your skin. The doctor explains some of the biology of the skin and why certain products work better for you. She also provides a list of suggested products in various price ranges, from drug store brands to department store and designer brands.
Investing the time in reading this book and learning which products are best for your skin, and why, will save time and money in the long run. By purchasing the right products with assurance, consumers can save the money and frustrationion of experimenting with different brands. By using thte right products for your skin, you can get the best possible results for beautiful skin.
