The Science of Beauty… Real or Imagined?

On a little lighter subject this month, we all know that there are some very expensive skincare products out there. One of the recent IG Stories I posted about my current moisturizer made me think that it is time to take a look at this industry as a whole.

How do we know what works and what is worth spending money on?

As an Influencer, I am constantly being asked by brands to try out their products. I see many Influencers every day, telling us how some product is doing great things for them.

Can they all be great?

In high school, I worked as a salesperson at the cosmetic counter in my local Department Store. The representatives from the different cosmetic companies would come to the store and coach us on what we were to tell the customers about the products. I remember listening to them and wondering why anyone in their right mind would believe this stuff and thinking that if this was all true then all of these Reps and Trainers would be beautiful and they were not.

One day I was waiting on a lady who bought a product based on the information I was giving her and I felt terrible because I did not know for sure if any of the information was true! I had my doubts. The next day I asked to be transferred to the Toy Department! That experience left me with a good degree of skepticism regarding the Beauty Industry’s claims.

So, how much of the beauty industry is science and how much is wishful thinking on the part of the buyer?

Well, one thing for sure is that women have gotten a lot smarter since my days at the Cosmetics Counter. Today women want to know the ingredients in their products for many reasons; not just their effectiveness but their impact on the environment. Women today, not only want to know if they work but how and why the product works. In today’s world, the Wellness Sector and the Beauty Sector are converging; not just beauty but healthy skin and body are primary concerns. Naturally, not all product claims are completely accurate and there will always be marketers appealing to women emotionally and making promises that are designed to make them feel good about what they are buying. But today’s women want results not just promises.

Now there are millions of dollars spent on research and development of products. Several major universities worldwide have departments or research groups dedicated to studying skincare products, their ingredients, and their effects on the skin. Some notable examples include the University of California, Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan, to name a few.

Today as an influencer I still maintain a healthy skepticism and turn down daily requests to ensure I don't represent products that have outrageous claims to them. But now I believe there are products out there that can offer results. I am always being asked about my skincare routines. I think that when it comes to your skin less is more.  I only use Dove for Sensitive Skin Bar Soap (less chemicals) to wash my face. I do not use waterproof makeup or makeup remover because I don’t believe the tugging and wiping it takes to get them off is good for delicate skin. I use a moisturizer and sunscreen under my makeup and a moisturizer at night. 

But two years ago, I began reading about a specific moisturizer by Dr. Augustinus Bader. I don’t talk about it, and I don’t promote it, but I am honest when asked what I use. I will be the first to agree that it is expensive. However, I believe this is a case of great scientific research that backs up the product claims. I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Bader and get answers to my many questions.  In this case, the original research was not even for a skincare product. This product was developed to heal burn victims. A medical-grade hydrogel that could provide rapid, scar-free healing for those with severe burns. Which led to its use in Bader skincare products.

Do I believe that this is better than other products on the market?

I do not know because I have not tried all the products out there. Everyone is different and the only honest answer is that it works for me. I think some of the costs of expensive skincare products are because of the amount of money put into the research.  But I also believe that less expensive products, such as CeraVe, have some scientific research behind them.

How much of a difference does it make?

I don’t really know because everyone is different. Everyone’s skincare needs are different. Lifestyle and diet also contribute greatly to healthy skin. So ultimately it is all about what is right for you. The most important thing you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen and treat it as gently as possible. To quote my 92-year-old dad when he returned from buying my 93-year-old mother her wrinkle cream, “This Wrinkle Cream must really work because look how many you have!”