Debunking Beauty Myths
This blog post caught my attention today and I have to share it with you… It’s from ConsumerReports.com which is American and is similar to our Consumer magazine – it’s independant and does it’s own testing.
This caught my eye:
Scar eliminators
“You can’t turn a scar back into normal skin,” says Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D., clinical adjunct associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “Some things will help, but to varying degrees, and anyone who tells you that their product will completely eliminate stretch marks or other scars is telling an untruth.”
ShopSmart says
See a dermatologist. Certain laser treatments can sometimes reduce redness and smooth skin so that scars are not as apparent, Crutchfield says. “Topical products my patients find helpful to improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars include prescription tretinoin-containing products (such as Renova) and Lac-Hydrin.” Over-the-counter products he recommends: AmLactin, Kelo-cote, Mederma, and Dermatix.
When I was at New Idea magazine I gave numerous staff some samples of a certain product to test on their stretch marks and scars. Not one of them reported significant improvements. Sure, scars heal over time and clean scars become nothing more than a silver line. But nothing can completely heal a scar and to expect a product to do so, is very misguided.
This is another one I found interesting:
Under-eye-circle erasers
Many products promise to erase under-eye circles, but they’re hard to treat. Some people have enlarged veins and very thin skin under their eyes, says Dr. Joseph A. Eviatar, assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at New York Medical College.
ShopSmart says
Some eye creams with caffeine can offer temporary help for puffiness under the eyes. If the problem is allergy-related, you can try antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone cream. Or see your dermatologist. “Overall, cosmetic surgery is the most effective option,” says New York dermatologist Deborah Sarnoff, M.D., senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. She favors CO2 fractional laser resurfacing or injectable fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane. But if the problem is hyperpigmentation, your doc might also suggest using a prescription-strength hydroquinone cream.
So far, only Garnier have caffeine under eye products. In fact, the Garnier one comes with a rollerball so the very action of applying it is quite soothing.
Anyway, read the rest of the post and let me know what you think.
What other myths would you like to see debunked? Ask me!
Tamsin xo
