Fact vs Fiction: The Top Nine Myths of Anti-aging Skin Care

This is one of the top questions clients ask me-What’s the difference between drug store/department store products and physician skin care?

Fact vs Fiction: The Top Nine Myths of Anti-aging Skin Care

Myth #1: You can get a face lift in a bottle. Fact: The marketing spin of over-the-counter skin care products has resulted in unrealistic expectations regarding results. While there is no “face lift in a bottle,” a comprehensive, physician-strength skin care regimen can correct many of the signs of photodamage, as well as prevent further damage.

Myth #2: Good advice can come from anyone. Fact: Nobody understands skin like a licensed medical aesthetician. A licensed medical aesthetician has been through specialized training and become licensed to focus on skin and its care. You can’t get that kind of expertise at the drug store or cosmetics counter.

Myth #3: All product claims and promises are true. Fact: Only claims made by prescription products are reviewed by the US FDA. Many women do not know that claims made by skin care products sold in drug stores and department stores are not regulated, evaluated or verified by a governmental agency like the FDA.

Myth #4. The newest ingredients are the best and most effective. Fact: Just because a product includes the newest ingredient on the market, doesn’t mean it will deliver results. More important is the formulation, the effectiveness-and the science behind the product.

Myth #5. No pain, no gain. Fact: Irritation doesn’t equate to results. Many very effective products and ingredients can work well-without irritation, dryness or peeling. In fact, glycolic acid, a gold-standard anti-aging ingredient that pulls moisture into the skin, can be partially neutralized to maximize results and minimize irritation.

Myth #6. Expensive products work better. Fact: There is no direct correlation between cost and results.

Myth #7. It doesn’t matter where you buy your products. Fact: Physician-dispensed products-which are products offered only through a doctor’s office-contain active ingredients at a higher percentage than over-the-counter products. Plus, there’s the added benefit of a medical aesthetician’s guidance. Many women do not know that skin care physicians offer non-prescription skin care product lines.

Myth #8. Skin care is less important than cosmetic procedures. Fact: Topical skin care should be used alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures to protect and maintain anti-aging efforts and prevent the signs of aging. I compare not using professional products to maintain treatment results as the same as not continuing to exercise to maintain results.

Myth #9. One size fits all. Fact: There is not a single approach that works for all skin types. Clients should consult a licensed medical aesthetician who can develop an appropriate regimen, monitor improvement and make changes based on the results. When a medical aesthetician customizes an anti-aging skin care regimen, he/she considers the client’s skin type and lifestyle, envisions a goal and then chooses synergistic products-or products and procedures-that work in concert to achieve results