Cosmetic advertising is minimally regulated and cleverly designed to entice you to buy. Manufacturers can make claims without any clinical proof so it is important to do some research. Before you buy any products read these facts.
1. Some of the products that are well researched only have
benefit at specific concentrations, and ph levels.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids, (AHA) 8-10% with ph less than 4
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) 1-2% with ph less 4
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). 10% with ph less than 3.5
Some manufacturers will state they have an ingredient in their product to sell it, but it will be at insufficient concentrations or ph to have any benefit.
What to do: Read the labels, if it does not state the concentration and ph, or the sales person cannot tell you these, be wary.
2. Even well researched ingredients do not work on everyone.
Due to differences in body chemistry, a product may benefit the majority of the population, but not you. Ascorbic Acid for example does not work in a considerable number of people. However the derivative of Vitamin C Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate can work in these people when ascorbic acid doesn’t.
What to do: do the research and find a product that you consider a reasonable price and try it to see if it works on you (allow 3 months).
3. You don’t need to pay exorbitant amounts for good product.
Price is often a reflection of prestige rather than effectiveness.
4. Think about cleansers, what is a cleanser meant to do?
• It is meant to clean the face of dirt, makeup, sunscreen, pollutants.
• It is meant to prepare the skin so when you put active ingredients and moisturisers on, they will be absorbed.
• It is put on and washed off.
Paying for a cleanser that claims to have active ingredients such as AHA, or BHA or vitamin C, you are paying for it to be washed down the drain.
Cleansers should be MILD, water soluble and at the correct ph for the skin. They should not contain irritants such as fragrances and essential oils. Cetaphil is a very good affordable cleanser.
5. Think about moisturisers.
Moisturisers will help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because it plumps the skin. This is good. However, if your product claims to instantly decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, chances are it is just the moisturising effect. Once again there is nothing wrong with this.
What is wrong: if you are paying a lot of money, for an exotic sounding ingredient, that is supposed to reduce wrinkles, when it is probably nothing sexier than the glycerin, or silicone in your product moisturising your face that is causing this effect.
Glycerin and silicones are very good in moisturisers, but you do not have to pay a lot of money for these.
