Skin Care Products-You Get What You Pay For

Everyone wants an inexpensive solution to an array of skin care issues: wrinkles, melasma , rough and dry skin, broken capillaries, oily skin, and the list goes on. The problem is most over-the-counter cheaper skin care products don't work for the long term. People will say that they have the same ingredients as the more expensive products, and while that might be true they don't realize that those same ingredients are in a lesser percentage and/or diluted in the less expensive products. The over-counter skin care products might work temporarily, but soon the consumer will find those same skin care issues still exist.

The reason why many of these products don't work is that either the products cannot penetrate beyond the top epidermal layer of the skin, and/or the use of some of the ingredients are in such small quantity that it cannot effectively change the skin. A good example, is of Retin-A--many products claim that they use Retinols in their skin care lines, and that might be true, but how much Retinol comes out in each application? The science behind Retin-A is only proven at the prescription strength level. Also, unsuspecting consumers might purchase products with Retinols in them, and inadvertently wear those products during the day thus speeding up the aging process instead of slowing it down as sunlight and Retinols=skin aging acceleration. Retin-A and Retinols should only be worn in the evenings, and the skin should be protected with sunblock on a daily basis after using any type of Retinols. Good reason for consumers to consult with an esthetician instead of searching for products on their own.

While drugstore products are by far cheaper than professional grade products, consumers need to look at the price/cost benefit. When using professional grade products, a consumer only needs to use a very small amount to see the effects of the product, where with drugstore brands the consumer may have to use larger amounts. When a consumer shops at the local drugstore they are assuming what their skin types are and what issues they have, but without the help of a qualified professional they might not see the deeper issues that could be causing their symptoms.

And on a side note here, a lot of women trust the sales people at the department stores and local big box shops that have beauty counters. Take a look at some of those ladies, especially the older ones and really examine their skin before trusting them with your skin care routine. Do they have good skin free of blackheads, acne, wrinkles, dryness etc? It is like going to a hair stylist, if their hair is dry and brittle and their color is dull and lifeless are you going to let them touch your hair? If you found out they weren't licensed to work on hair would you let them give you hair advice? The same should be true with skin care--people constantly complain about their skin, but they continue to shop at drugstores or these box shops filled with sales sharks who want to sell everything under the sun, but the appropriate products for your skin. A professional esthetician will sell you what your skin truly needs, no less and no more. Like anything else in life, in skin care you get what you pay for, and trust me the women with beautiful, flawless skin are paying for it. Anyone can look good in their 20's, but as women age and their skin is maintained and supple--you can bet they aren't taking advise from salespeople at big box shops, but instead of consulting with a professional.