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(By Alice Odera) Consumers are bombarded daily with a myriad of information about skin care, skin science and skin health from the media, manufacturers and an ever-increasing number of physicians, all attempting to justify that what they profess and advocate is the truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes claims are accurate and sometimes they aren\u2019t. More often than not, the truth may lie somewhere in between.<\/span><\/p>\n 1) Skin repair only happens at night.<\/strong> 2) Skin care products can last three or more years.<\/strong> 3) Strong scrubs, soaps and abrasives are good for your skin.<\/strong> 4) Skin damage and signs of aging can be cleared up quickly.<\/strong> 5) Using larger quantities of a product will yield better results.<\/strong> 6) Natural and organic products are always better.<\/strong>
\nA good night\u2019s sleep is certainly helpful to skin health; however, skin repair is an ongoing process. Inadequate sleep can cause stress, skin puffiness and can slow the natural development of collagen.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nDespite a number of claims to the contrary, most skin care products lose a great deal of their potency within 12 months. It is best to use the entire contents within one year because preservatives do not last forever and ingredients can get contaminated with bacteria, or they can evaporate.<\/p>\n
\nBe careful how you wash your face. Too much scrubbing or too many abrasive products can remove protective oils, create tiny micro tears and contribute to aging, irritated skin. Less is more, and a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer work well for most people.<\/p>\n
\nIf a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet its claims are false. The damage did ![\"AA032582\"](\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/lifestyle\/files\/2009\/08\/african-american-woman-washing-face.jpg\")
not happen overnight, and it cannot be magically repaired. Expect at least three skin cycles\u2014a cycle can be between 21\u201340 days, depending on age\u2014to begin to see measurable results.<\/p>\n
\nLess is more. Normally, a pea-sized amount of facial product will do the trick. Excessive amounts can cause skin problems and waste money.<\/p>\n
\nBuyer, beware! Many natural and organic products are not as they claim. Plus, many times, active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more effective. Natural vs. laboratory-processed should not lead to an up or down decision about whether a product is good or bad. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural or organic ingredients are good.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n