The most frequent question that both current and potential patients ask Monica Gavin, M.D., owner of the Azani Medical Spa, is “Which skin care products are the best?” While she is happy to guide patients towards a great line of products sold in her office, Dr Gavin, who is a diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, wants people to know that if you are able to understand the labels on skin care products you can find the best products for yourself, regardless of whether you shop at a drug store, an upscale department store, or at a doctor’s office.
The result you are looking for in any skin care product is going to be sensational skin. More specifically however, is the way in which the product will help you achieve that goal through its active ingredients. No matter what your age, Dr. Gavin says, you can take steps to restore and protect your skin’s appearance and resilience. It is important to keep in mind that as your skin changes over time, and while you age, your skin care regimen needs to change as well. But, it is never too late to reinvent yourself. Since your skin is constantly changing, why not make the most of it?
In recent years, there have been some truly remarkable advances in skin care products, says Dr. Gavin. The formulas just keep getting more effective and less irritating to your skin. The key is to educate yourself on what you are buying so that you become a smart, savvy skin care consumer.
Buying the right products: Too many people buy skin care products based on the ads they see, or by the recommendations of sales people in department stores. Instead, stop yourself from buying into a promise, and set out to look for the most beneficial ingredients to put on your skin. After all, it is the ingredients in the products, and not the promises on the packaging, that are going to really improve your skin.
The product you purchase should aim to do at least one of the following:
- lessen lines
- lift sagging contours
- balance skin tone
- reduce redness
- clear and minimize pores
- hydrate scales and flakes
- lighten dark shadows around the eyes
- provide sun protection
Understanding the labels: It is important to not only know which ingredients are in the products, but how much of each ingredient there is. For the most part, ingredients are only effective if they are present in a certain strength. All ingredients on the label will appear in descending order of concentration. The further down in the ingredient list, the less there is. Also, Dr. Gavin advises that fragrance will generally make up .25% of any skin care product.
As a rule of thumb, if the ingredient is one of last five on the list of a label, or one of the last 10 of a long list, than you won’t be getting enough of the ingredient to make a difference. For example, if you are looking for an anti-aging cream, alpha hydroxy acid should be one of the first ingredients on the label. The acid acts as sponge, holding the water in place to hydrate skin, keeping it looking plump and full while decreasing any creases or sagging. If the ingredient appears too far down the list, then there won’t be enough of the acid to help your skin.
What doesn’t matter when it comes to your skin care regimen is the order in which you distribute creams and lotions on your face. The smallest molecules are absorbed first regardless of the order in which products are applied.
You should now be able to go through your products to determine what you should keep, and what you should part with. Look past the colors and shapes of the package because the label is what tells the real story.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
