It's been several years since I interviewed this special guest about skin care on my BlogTalk Radio show, but it's such helpful information I felt I needed to share it again.
(BTW, my weekly podcast is now associated with FlyLady and Friends. Just put 'Flylady and friends' into the search box at BTR's website and search for my 'archived' or 'upcoming' MissusSmartyPants weekly podcasts).
Dr. Hegi has worked extensively in the cosmetic industry as a bio-chemist and research scientist. He’s retired now but continues developing exclusive skincare products for spas and plastic surgeons.
Dr. Hegi shared a wealth of product information on this past BTR show (link to listen is at the bottom of this post). Since he's Swiss and had an accent that was a bit hard to understand... I’ve have compiled a list of skincare suggestions based on this interview. You’ll find this list below helpful when determining what ingredients you want in your skincare products.
Dr. Hegi pointed out that the skincare/cosmetic industry spends millions on marketing and packaging—and not necessarily the product ingredients! There is a lot of “hype” when it comes to claims of younger, smoother skin in this business. However, there are new innovative ingredients available and every woman needs to find the right one for her skin type.
You don’t have to spend lots of money to get quality products if you know the desirable ingredients you want. Often neck cream, eye cream and face cream from the same brand ARE the same product but in different consistencies—so buying different products often ends up wasting your money!
The first ingredient on your skincare label most often is water (up to 90%) it is the active ingredients you want to look for (or avoid) that are listed below:
Dr. Hegi says AVOID:
Animal by-products from the fur & leather industry: mink oil, emus oil (only exception is lanolin)
Fishing by-products like shark liver oil, squalane (fish based)
Oil-based products like petrolatum and mineral oil
ONLY squalane from olive oil is desirable
Dr. Hegi says to look for the following active ingredients:
Peptides (firms skin): can also be called Oligopeptides, Dipeptides, Thetrapeptides, Polypeptides
Olive oil: contains fatty vitamins like A, E, D, F and squalane (an emollient)
Squaline: only if it is processed from olive oil.
Shea Butter: a good natural emollient.
Cocoa Butter: another good natural emollient.
Lanolin: and its derivatives are also excellent emollient. Lanolin is the only acceptable animal by-product emollient ingredient.
Vitamins: are essential to healthy skin. Look for vitamin C (also called Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid among other similar names). Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) B5, Pantothenic Acid.
Oil soluble vitamins: vitamin A, D, E and F.
Dr. Hegi also pointed out some other interesting skincare facts:
- Your skincare products should be based on botanicals (plant-based).
- Skin cell turnover occurs every 28-35 days and slows down as you age. You want to increase your skin cell turnover for a more youthful glow.
- Wash face 2X daily (morning & night) and follow up with a good moisturizer based on your skin type.
- Weekly exfoliate your skin gently to increase skin cell turnover.
- Look for products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or glycolic acid to reduce aging and improve skin’s texture.
- For oily or acne-prone skin use a product with Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- For mature/aging skin use Retinoids (a vitamin A derivative) which encourages skin to renew it’s self.
- For rosacea (redness and bumps) use primrose oil and vitamin F.
Here is the link to listen to this archived show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MissusSmartyPants/2009/08/18/Missus-Smarty-Pants-Fashion-Rescue
Again, you can now find my current weekly style podcasts here:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/flylady-and-friends/upcoming/mostrelevent/_/_/_/_
