The best source of anti aging skin care products is  not high end department stores.  Neither is it the corner drug store or over the counter.  Where is the best source?  Keep reading to find out and also why some skin care products range from cheap to expensive.

The question is: Why do so many companies manufacture a skin care product that does a poor job, if it works at all?  Why do so many women keep switching anti aging skin care products?

Big Department Store Hype

We often pay too much for inferior products just because it has a popular name on it.  Often we find skin care sections right at the main entrance of large stores offering free makeovers.  Actually they should be called ‘do overs’.  Because you have to do it over at home.  And the cost sends quivers through your credit card.

Why it the Cost So High?

The cost of running a store, big or small, eats up a lot of profit.  To stay in business a company must make a profit.  Store overhead and advertising often dictates the price of a product.

A few companies turn out fairly good products but must charge a very large price to do it.  The reason is, as mentioned, advertising, employee costs, taxes, etc. etc.  If a company tries to offer a decent price, they may get a lot of sales but often pull the product.  Or raise the price so high that sales drop off dramatically.  The cost of ingredients and the cost of overhead determine the price tag.

Promoting a Product is Expensive

Products must be promoted or advertised so the public will know it exists.  This is expensive.  The price must be acceptable by the consumer or no sales.  What happens is research and development dollars are shifted to the advertising department. As a rule,  there goes the product quality.

Anti Aging Skin Care Product Formula

It is no secret among skin care companies as to what ingredients are needed to make an effective product.  Usually only a small amount of these ingredients ever make their way into most skin care products.  The ones listed on the label have so small amount that they may as well put in whipping cream or some other filler. They do just that, not the whipping cream but other ingredients that just take up volume.  So what should be in the skin care product?

What a Quality Anti Aging Product Should Have

The concentration of ingredients that work should be about 50% of the total product.   This will make the product effective and do what it should.

However, what you will usually find in most anti aging skin care products as the main ingredient is: purified water.  Add parabens (a potentially dangerous perservative), some coloring, nice smelling fragrances and you have an effective glob of gunk.  Read the label of every skin care product that you are thinking of buying.

High End Department Stores-Not the Best Source

If the expensive department stores are not the best place to find safe and effective skin care products, then where is?  Not the corner drug store either.  Surprisingly, the Internet has some pretty good skin care product companies.  What is nice about buying online is that the price is usually fair because the overhead and advertising hasn’t jacked up the price.

Some of these companies understand what a healthy body should have.  Many carry in addition to skin care products a high quality line of nutritional supplements that I find are even better than what the health store may have. 

What Ingredients Work

Ingredients such as CoQ10, Wakame seaweed, grape seed oil, natural vitamin E and a new ingredient that I highly recommend, Cynergy TK.  I found all of these ingredients and more in just one company during my research.  For more information see my website.  Thanks, Margaret Bell

 

 

The Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for neonatal skin care, including a Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS), has been validated by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Within the Guidelines, the use of emollients is recommended for infants less than 32 weeks during the first 2-4 weeks. For infants younger than 30 weeks, gestational age emollient use is recommended to reduce excessive transepidermal water loss (e-TEWL).

Over a period spanning three decades, the handling of neonates has radically changed and the new guidelines highlight this growth and development. However, this area of skin care has lagged behind. One concern that remains is the issue of the toxic effects of ingredients found in water-based products like preservatives and fragrances. While it is possible that these may be toxic, this article will present evidence that the current skin care products that contain petrolatum and lanolin may be more toxic and potentially harmful. Further, using a product that is not preserved, yet occlusive, may in fact allow for microorganisms in colony forming units to multiply, thereby yielding systemic implications. The purpose of this article is to further illuminate these issues and to allow for greater understanding and discussion.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and provides protection between the body and its environment. In term babies, while there may be issues related to skin breakdown and infection, the stratum corneum is fully developed and protects the newborn. In contrast, the skin and skin barrier of a preterm neonate is not fully developed.

The skin of a premature neonate accounts for approximately thirteen (13) percent of its body weight. This compares to three (3) percent of body weight for adult skin. The body weight to skin ratio is four (4) times greater in the neonate when compared to an adult. As related specifically to skin care, these characteristics in neonate skin call into account:

• Fluid imbalances

• Percutaneous absorption of toxins

• Tissue injury

• Infection

The structure of adult skin is understood, while embryonic and neonate skin is not fully appreciated. Development of the skin within the uterus is complex and still under investigation. In utero, the skin undergoes two-dimensional growth to cover the surface area of the developing embryo and fetus. Premature neonate’s skin has not gone through full epidermal and dermal epidermal development.

In neonatal intensive care units (NICU) skin care product selection is carefully reviewed. With the risks outlined above, great care must be taken to ensure the wellbeing of the neonate within the first hours and days of life. Care of the skin is one of the most important areas of care for these at risk infants. Currently, NANN and AWHONN recommended a Aquaphor?, a petrolatum-based product as neonate skin care emollient.

In earlier work done at Stanford University, it was concluded that emollient cream moisturizer therapy of premature neonates decreases dermatitis without changing the microbiological flora. An emollient is an agent that softens or soothes skin. This definition is important because just as the standard-of-care has changed in NICUs over the past three decades, the selection of emollients has changed in the pharmaceutical industry.

High-tech silicone excipients have displaced petrolatum as companies have sought ways to improve treatment compliance traced to poor aesthetics associated with petrolatum-based formulations. Silicones are not new to the pharmaceutical industry. They are used in transdermal delivery systems, catheters and specialized medical devices, including pacemakers.

In a test to determine aesthetic benefits of silicone formulas over petrolatum-based formulas, 18 untrained volunteers were impaneled. They were asked to evaluate whether two products present any differences on individual sensory properties. The evaluation was conducted on the panelist’s forearms. Each panelist was asked to evaluate wetness, spreadability, speed of absorbance (not biologically, just feel), gloss, film residue, greasiness, silkiness and slip after perceived absorbance.

Figure I shows the silicone-containing formulation was perceived to be easier to spread and was clearly less tacky before and after absorption. A perceptible film was present on the skin for both formulations but the silicone-containing formulation was less greasy, silkier and more slippery (better lubrication) than petrolatum. The panelist’ perception of higher wetness for the silicone-containing formulation was attributed to its lower oiliness.

In a study conducted at a 48-bed NICU private hospital in Houston, Texas, to evaluate why the rate of systemic candidiasis (SC) per 1000 NICU patient-days increased from 5.1% in 1996 to17.4% in 1997 (a three-fold increase), it was determined that the increase in SC incidences was linked to the use of topical petrolatum ointment (TPO). In this well designed study, the investigators went on to hypothesize that TPO enhanced the adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Also referenced in the study was a finding by Law S, et al, that unlike petrolatum, skin surface lipids inhibit adherence of candida albicans to stratum corneum.

By way of further examination, let’s more closely examine these two hypotheses. As observed in the Houston study, petrolatum enhanced adherence of C albicans to mucocutaneous surfaces. Petrolatum is known as an occlusive barrier. Occlusion is problematic because while it blocks TEWL, it also blocks cellular respiration necessary for barrier repair. Further, occlusion traps microorganisms under the petrolatum where they can breed in the moisture trapped therein. On the other hand, natural skin lipids, like omega 3-6 fatty acids, inhibit adherence of microorganisms to the stratum corneum.

Studies linking petrolatum to increased incidences of infections in preterm infants is ongoing and demonstrates mixed results. However, long term studies reflect a concern over the use of TPO protocols in NICUs. Petrolatum based ointments, like Aquaphor’s? twenty five year old formula, are the emollients of choice in NICUs. When one considers the changes in the standards of care in NICUs over the past three decades, perhaps now is the time to focus on new technologies in emollients that achieve skin care objectives without the aesthetic, epidermal challenges renders skin vulnerable to chemicals & infection, prevents normal TEWL & gland secretions, inhibits barrier repair, suppresses barrier recovery and reduces the epidermal proliferative response and microbial risk disadvantages of petrolatum.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of high products using molecular height silicones against petrolatum, Nutrashield TM was tested in a wash-off study against Aquaphor? and other leading skin barriers to determine each product’s ability to maintain skin protection after cleansing. As shown in Figure II, Nutrashield performed well against Aquaphor?, and did so while providing a breathable barrier instead of the occlusive barrier associated with Aquaphor? (a lanolin and petrolatum-based product). In clinical trials Nutrashield has proven effective in the treatment of skin breakdown in disordered and damaged skin, encountered in the wound care setting, as compared to previously available products.

Based on the above results, Medline Nutrashield outperforms products containing petrolatum levels as high as 49%, and petrolatum combined with 15% Zinc Oxide. Additionally, both Sensi-Care 2 and Sween 24 also contain Dimethicone as an active ingredient (Sween at 6% versus 1% in the Nutrashield). The extended performance of the Nutrashield is most likely due to the addition of Divinyldimethicone/ Dimethicone Copolymer, which has an internal phase viscosity that is greater than 100,000,000 cst in viscosity. As it is delivered in an emulsion form, it is capable of laying down a thin, but consistent and robust film.

An in-vitro study at an independent laboratory was conducted, to determine the effectiveness of Nutrashield and Skin Repair Cream in reducing e-TEWL. Collagen samples were cut into 4×4 inch squares. Each square was pre-coated with 0.1 g of product. The product was applied by rubbing a finger over the collagen material to simulate actual use for a 20 second period. The product was then allowed to dry for five minutes. Each square was placed over Fisher Payne Permeability Cups, containing 3g of water. The samples were placed in a 37 degree oven and checked every four (4) hours. After 24 hours the cups were removed and a final weight was recorded.

Figure III shows that both REMEDY Nutrashield and REMEDY Skin Repair Cream were effective at reducing e-TEWL without occlusion. Nutrashield provided a fourfold reduction in e-TEWL over the control, while Skin Repair Cream showed a twofold improvement. The objective of topical skin care intervention is not to stop all TEWL, just excessive TEWL.

Skin care for neonates is an emerging science. But, since the reduced risk of infant mortality is paramount, improved emollient treatments deserve thoughtful consideration. Skin care for the high-risk neonate requires knowledge of the unique aspects and physiology of their skin. During the neonatal period many newborns develop preventable, clinically apparent skin problems and many more, especially preterm neonates, experience morbidity caused by compromised skin barrier integrity. Anatomical and physiological differences in the skin of premature and term infants place them at increased risk of skin injury and breakdown. All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, sent out a questionnaire to 482 NICU’s to learn how nurses describe and measure skin breakdown. Of the 45% that responded, it was reported that in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, 21% suffered skin breakdown during the first week of life.

The reduction of microbial contamination and the protection against skin breakdown has been discussed. Another critical factor is TEWL associated with immature barrier in neonates is the rate of TEWL. A Swedish study calculated TEWL in infants 24 and 25 weeks of gestation maintained at an ambient relative humidity (RH) of 50%. The study found that TEWL on the first day after birth (58.4 +/-14.8g m(-2) h(-1) and remained at the same level during the second day. It then decreased significantly to 48.3+/-9.5 at postnatal age of day three. The use of a semipermeable skin care product like Nutrashield will reduce excessive TEWL by as much as fourfold.

Semipermeable dressings have been tested as a method to reduce TEWL in neonates to address skin breakdown and high fluid requirements common in ELBW infants. The studies revealed that semipermeable (breathable) barriers can be used safely on premature infants.

The use of ingredients perceived as “toxic” to neonates has limited the choices within the NICUs. Much of the literature points to preservatives and fragrances as falling into the “do-not-use” category. Both are found in the REMEDY products. Consideration of the potential toxicity of ingredients found in the “recommended” products may not have been fully clarified. This is interesting when one considers that lanolin and petrolatum, forming an occlusive barrier, are recommended. Let’s take a closer look at what is being recommended:

Lanolin originates as a secretion from the sebaceous glands in sheepskin. It is removed from the wool by scouring and high-speed centrifugal separators. Lanolin has had 33 alcohols and 36 fatty acids identified as constituents including aliphatic, steroid and triterpinoid alcohols; saturated nonhydroxylated, unsaturated nonhydroxylated and hydroxhlated acid. Commercial lanolin is allowed to have up to 40 parts per million (ppm) pesticide residues. However, it is not clear who monitors for this compliance.

Animal medicines, which include sheep dips for controlling lice and other parasites on sheep, are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the common sheep dip ingredients is organochlorine (OC). This pesticide is based on the benzene ring with one or more chloride atoms attached and includes; DDT, lindane, dieldrin and aldrin. Other sheep dip pesticides include; synthetic pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, spinosyns, ivermectins and magnesium fluorosilicate. In 1994 in Wagga, NSW, a team of shearers successfully sued woolgrowers for allegedly endangering their health by improperly using chemicals. Shearers are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to chemicals (sheep dip), particularly organophosphate group which can cause a serious nervous disorder.

There are about 26 pesticide residues found in commercial lanolin. The combined effect of pesticides acting by a common mechanism can be greater than the individual effect of any single pesticide. Since children are subject to non-dietary sources (like lanolin) of exposure pesticides, it is important to consider total exposure to pesticides from all sources combined. Nine hundred and ninety eight (989) references to lanolin and DDT were found in a Google search, April 2005.

La Leche League International is an important advocate for breastfeeding and their commitment has assured thousands of infants receive the vital nutrients found in colostrum and mother’s milk. While the organization acknowledges that toxins from the environment, including pesticides, show up in breast milk, the benefits outweigh the risks. However, the organization does recommend against topical use of commercial lanolin because of its pesticide content.

Petrolatum is a crude oil/petroleum fraction. Petroleum is a complicated mixture of chemicals, thought to have formed from the decay of ancient marine animals millions of years ago. Most of the constituents of petroleum are hydrocarbon molecules, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms. The hydrocarbon atoms take principally four different forms; paraffins, olefins, cycloparaffins and aromatics. These constituents give us gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, lubricating oils (like mineral oil), petrolatum, asphalt and tar, to name a few.

During the manufacturing process, longer unbranched paraffin molecules are able to join together to form crystalline solids. These solids are called paraffin waxes. With time, paraffin waxes settle out of the lubricating oils and are usually removed. At lower temperatures, shorter unbranched paraffin molecules also settle out of lubrication oil. The semi-solid material that forms in cold lubricating oil is petrolatum or petroleum jelly.

The processing of petroleum into petrolatum removes varying amounts of toxins. The yellowish petrolatum has more residue than that of the white petrolatum. Two of the refining methods include sulphuric acid and earth filtering. The acid treatment and filtering is an old process still used to remove the impurities of the “cake” (petrolatum + technical oils). Another purification method is hydrogenation which pressurizes hydrogen through the hydrocarbons with the help of a specific catalyst.

Once one understands the source of petrolatum and why there is a risk of toxins, one must move on to a biologically more concerning issue. Petrolatum is occlusive. In an article by Fore, it was found that the degree of skin occlusion has an effect on barrier recovery. Occlusive products suppress barrier recovery and reduce the epidermal proliferative response to an abnormal stratum corneum barrier. An occlusive product, like petrolatum, will prevent TEWL and will slow the epidermal maturation and barrier repair. Occlusion of the skin increases the infectious organisms, potentially raising the skin’s pH. Occlusion will also directly increase the pH of the skin. Occlusive products also interfere with cellular respiration and may lead to cell death.

This information presents a powerful message that one may want to rethink the use of lanolin and petrolatum on neonate skin. The use of modern emollients like silicone, combined with natural omega 3-6 fatty acids, barrier-building amino acids and natural antioxidants and vitamins may deserve another look. Water-based skin care products are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be preserved. This keeps them free of bacteria and protects the products from contamination when microorganisms from sources (like unclean hands) contaminate the product in the container as well as during use.

The requirement of preservatives and their use is not well understood. Preservatives are not optional in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monographs covering the manufacturing of “Safe and Effective Drugs” or cosmetics. A manufacturer is required to perform a twenty eight (28) day preservative effectiveness challenge on its products and maintain a record of such testing for FDA inspections. Further, each batch requires proof that the batch meets microbial challenge requirements. Batches are tested in the tank, prior to filling, and then again at the beginning, middle and end of the filling process. This testing is done to ensure each product shipped is free of microbial contamination.

Since the use and safety of preservatives, especially parabens is under consideration in this article, comments from three regulating bodies are brought forward for consideration.

• The FDA recognizes parabens as a class of preservatives that have been used in a wide variety of foods, drugs, and cosmetics and that they keep products safe from microbial contamination. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require that cosmetics and non-prescription drugs and their individual ingredients must be safe and that labeling must be truthful and not misleading. The FDA can take immediate action to stop the sale of any product that does not meet its high standards. This includes the use of an effective preservative system.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the use of parabens in food and other products. The European Union (EU) Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) evaluated parabens in 1994 and established a temporary Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-10mg/kg bw, as the sum of methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens. Further study also demonstrated that nooestrogenic activity took place in-vivo, and that there was no effect on forestomach cells in rats. In a teratogenicity study on 300 rabbits with oral does of methyl paraben, at doses of 550 mg/kg, no evidence of toxicity was found. The panel recognized that this dose far exceeded any anticipated oral dose.

• The Cosmetic, Toiletries, Fragrance Association (CTFA) is the body in the United States and through its Scientific Review Board, reviews all new cosmetic ingredients and assigns their INCI nomenclature (the required language found on packaging for all ingredients). The CTFA first studied the safety of parabens in 1984 and concluded they were safe as used in cosmetics. On November 14, 2004, as part of the normal re-review process, the CIR Expert Panel determined that it wanted to conduct a through review of the literature since the previous report in 1984. The safety of parabens has been once again reconfirmed.

Why then can there be a product that is not preserved? It is best that all products have some protection. However, some products that do not contain water can pass the challenge because microorganisms breed in water. Testing is done without the introduction of water. Consider this: a) an unpreserved product is placed on the skin, b) the product is occlusive, like petrolatum, c) the skin and its moisture, due to TEWL, contains microorganisms that are multiplying and trapped between the occlusive barrier and the skin, d) the skin care product on the skin is not preserved and now, e) a microorganism-rich moisture is being added. What are the consequences? Is there a systemic link and what is the potential sequela?

Toxins will be introduced to the neonate’s environment. They will come from mother’s milk, linens, clothing, human contact and a myriad of other sources. Careful consideration must always be given to the source of toxins and how multiple sources of them will impact the neonate. Product preservatives and fragrance are but two of these sources. The protection against e-TEWL and reducing the risks of systemic infections are worth considering when making neonate skin care choices.

Nutrashield from Medline Industries, Inc. is a semipermeable emollient barrier cream that:

• has excellent wash-off characteristics

• may reduce the incidence of colony forming microorganisms in the neonate population associated with petrolatum

• offers excellent aesthetic benefits including spreadability.

Additional creams and lotions in the REMEDY product line provide semipermeable barriers and nourish the skin37. Further research is necessary to confirm the product’s suitability in NICUs.

Article by Darlene McCord, Ph.D.

As a person grows older their skin begins to lose its elasticity and it begins to lose its shine and won’t look as vibrant as it did when they were younger. Plus a person as they grow older has to contend with lines and wrinkles appearing on their skin so by putting in place the right anti aging skin care regime one can reduce or reverse these signs that appear as we age.

Having the right anti aging skin care regime will make a big difference when you are trying to improve the appearance of your skin as you age. Most of the problems associated with our skin as we grow older is caused through it being exposed to sunlight too much and not down to our genetic makeup.

As well as taking the right supplements and using the right types of anti aging products there are other things you can do to help one’s skin from aging. One way is through exercise as it is beneficial in many ways to the skin by keeping the heart working properly, your weight down and muscles tones and makes sure that blood carrying oxygen flows around the body properly. So if you want to remain looking younger for longer you need to get some type of exercise regime in to place.

As you will soon learn each type of anti aging skin care product works on treating the problem in a different way. It is best if you do intend to use such products that you use ones which contain only natural ingredients in them. The problem with those that aren’t natural are they contain chemicals and other ingredients which can be harmful rather than good for your skin.

Below we offer you a few tips so that when setting up your own anti aging skin care program you choose one that is going to be most beneficial to your skin.

Tip 1 – You should never wash your face just using any soap and cold water in the morning, but rather you should use a medicated type of soap and warm water instead.

Tip 2 – The best types of anti aging products to use are not those which are oil based but those that have light antiseptic properties instead. Oil based products tend to make the problems worse by causing blemishes which need more stringent treatment to be got rid of and which are going to be harmful to your skin.

Tip 3 – You should always make sure that your diet consists of lots of fresh green vegetables and fruit and that you drink plenty of milk. All these contain nutrients that help your skin to mend and also will help it to retain its elasticity. To further help your diet taking supplements of Vitamins A, C and E are good as they contain anti-oxidant properties which not only help the skin to stay more supple, but also it makes it look softer and smoother.

In this article we have shown you just a few things you can do for setting up your anti aging skin care regime and by using them you will soon wonder why you were worrying about looking older. Plus you may well have people asking you what the secret is that your skin looks so young and fresh.

It is really unbelievable how far people go to achieve a young and glowing skin. Their endeavors include plastic surgeries, botox injections and purchasing the most expensive anti aging skin care products. You need not go through all this. An effective anti aging skin care product that contains scientifically proven natural ingredients is all you need to achieve a young and juvenile skin.

You need to do some research of the best alternatives available in the market. You should look out for such ingredients that perform effectively all these 3 vital functions in 1 anti aging skin care product for skin rejuvenation -

1) Enhance the natural production of collagen and elastin in the body.

2) Preserve the balance of hyaluronic acid in the body.

3) Effective antioxidant potency.

As we age, the natural production of vital skin proteins begins to decelerate. Therefore we get wrinkles, saggy skin and old age spots when these 3 functions start to slowdown in our body. Collagen and elastin are the skin proteins that give us firm, supple and pliant skin. Hyaluronic acid works like “glue” and binds the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.

Thus, they play a vital role in maintaining and regaining skin youth. Antioxidants are required to neutralize the free radicals in the body which cause a lot of skin cell and tissue damage. Free radical damage is responsible for premature skin aging and acceleration of the aging process.

After a great deal of research and many years of experience in skin care, I have discovered some unique natural ingredients that play an amazing role in fulfilling all these 3 functions effectively. They are being used in the best anti aging skin care products due to their outstanding medicinal properties in anti aging and skin rejuvenation.

Cynergy TK is a cutting edge natural ingredient pioneered and developed in New Zealand. It enhances the natural production of collagen and elastin in the body. It cures wrinkles and fine lines naturally from within.

It is rich in functional keratin which plays a key role in new skin cells regrowth. It is contains protein and zinc complexes which are very helpful for skin regeneration. Cynergy TK gives the skin a renewed vitality, firmness and tone.

Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 is a nano emulsion version of the well known effective health supplement and antioxidant Coenzyme Q10, which is also used in various brands of anti aging skin care products. It is a powerful antioxidant and protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and harmful UV-A rays. It has the ability to penetrate 7 layers deep into the skin and from deep within it neutralizes the free radicals effectively.

Phytessence Wakame is an extract of a special Japanese sea kelp. It is a well known beauty preserver and one of the best kept Japanese skin care secrets. It gives a smooth, creamy skin and nourishes the skin with minerals, calcium (it contains 15 times more calcium than milk), vitamins and antioxidants.

It moisturizes the skin deeply and improves the moisture retention and elasticity. The most unique role is that Phytessence Wakame preserves the hyaluronic acid balance in our body by inhibiting the action of evil enzyme – hyaluronidase. This way it preserves skin youth and beauty. No wonder why Japanese women age so gracefully!

Visit my website to know more about such effective and scientifically proven natural ingredients that you should look out for in the best anti aging skin care products and what harmful substances you should avoid. You would be amazed to know that achieving a young and beautiful skin glowing with natural health is as easy as a child’s play.

The anti aging and skin care industries are huge. Millions or billions of dollars are spent by consumers on anti aging skin care treatments, and so there is big money to be made. And there are plenty of big companies in the anti aging and cosmetics industry that take advantage of this.

The result is that many mainstream anti aging skin care products just don’t work. The cosmetics and skin care industry is quite unregulated in the US, and so the big cosmetics and skin care companies can put any product on the market without first proving that it works, and even without showing that it is safe for the people who use it.

As a result there are many anti aging skin care treatments available that don’t work, and contain suspect, or known to be dangerous ingredients.

But they sell in spades to cater to the desire of so many consumers to look younger, or at least to believe that they will look younger. And so there are hundreds of well known brand name products that promise all sorts of anti aging benefits everywhere you look.

So, how do you navigate your way through all this to choose an anti aging skin care treatment that does work, and doesn’t contain ingredients that you should be scared of?

Here’s how not to choose a good anti aging product.

1. Don’t buy any skin care products that include fragrances in them. Now of course everyone likes to smell good, and the cosmetics companies pander to that, by adding fragrances to their products. Apply the cream and smell good and look young all at the same time.

There’s 2 problems. Firstly you won’t look younger because chances are the skin cream won’t make you look younger, though you may feel good about having used it.

Secondly, fragrances are not good chemicals to put on your skin. Because that’s what they are, chemicals that smell good, and many of them aren’t that good for you. It’s the same with perfumes, for example, but if you apply a perfume it’s only a small squirt on one spot, it’s not massaged all over your face where it disappears, into your blood. So just use a perfume instead.

2. Don’t buy skin care creams that have collagen in them. Now this at first glance appears counterintuitive doesn’t it? Everyone knows that collagen, or the breakdown of collagen in your skin, leads to sagging and wrinkling of the skin so putting more collagen on must be good.

Not necessarily. Yes it’s good to replenish the collagen, however collagen molecules are quite large and don’t really enter the skin. So rubbing it on might make you feel good, but doesn’t really add to the levels of collagen in your skin.

The best way to improve the collagen levels in your skin is to stimulate the body to produce more collagen itself.

However remember, the big cosmetics and anti aging companies are in the business of selling their products. If they put collagen on the label people buy it. And if they put it in a fancy bottle and get a good looking celebrity to say how much younger they look using it, then it will sell.

Even if it doesn’t do anything for you. Even if it’s got suspect ingredients. It will sell.

That’s marketing for you.

Problem is, all this marketing is expensive. The good looking celebrity has to be paid, usually lots, the fancy bottles need to be purchased, and the advertising costs a bomb.

So the anti aging skin care treatment that really doesn’t do much costs a bomb too. But that’s ok because people believe that if it’s expensive it must be good. So they pay anyway.

So there is 2 things to avoid when looking for a good anti aging skin care treatment. There’s more but this is getting long.

Does all this mean that you should give up on anti aging creams and products because they don’t work? Not at all. There are excellent anti aging products that work fine, produced from ingredients from plants that are safe to use.

But they are produced by small niche companies that you’ve probably never heard of, who quietly produce high quality products at reasonable prices because they don’t pay the good looking celebrities and spend up big on TV advertising. That’s why you’ve never heard of them. If they started doing that their products would cost a bomb too.

So don’t despair. I’ve given you some things to look for when buying an anti aging skin care product, and told you that there are excellent products available. Now it’s your turn to find them.