What do you know about anti-aging skin care?
Do you believe everything the TV commercials tell you?
Have you ever gone into a salon and spoken with representatives about their products? If you have, you already know that even with a great product there’s no quick fix.
Making your skin beautiful and reversing the hands of time is a process that includes a multitude of factors. But knowing what you’re up against is the first step.
To learn more, Beauty Academy spoke with Parand Salmassinia, president of cosmetics manufacturer Induchem.
How would you describe anti-aging salon products and techniques to a person with a minimal background in skin care?
Anti-aging salon products are the same as regular anti-aging products. Some are designed to walk the fine line of cosmetics and pharma products that are referred to as cosmeceuticals. Generally, salon products are designed with the intention of having them sold by a person who is knowledgeable about the product line, is an aesthetician or someone with an understanding of a person’s skincare needs. Cosmetic companies that choose to use salons as their distribution channel often have people who train the salon staff about the use and features of the products. This takes the confusion and guess work out of the consumer products that are found in stores.
Do they work? Why is it important that this question is answered with confidence?
I often get asked by friends about the efficacy of cosmetic products. My response is that if you have been abusing your skin for a lifetime, you cannot expect a topical cosmetic product to reverse this in a short amount of time. Generally, cosmetic raw material manufacturers do conduct clinical studies to demonstrate and prove the efficacy of such products in their controlled environments. Cosmetic products work up to a point depending on the expectation of the user. A deodorant deodorizes. A shaving gel helps to get a better shave. A shampoo cleanses. A sunscreen protects.
However, if the expectation is to look as one did in their teens that depends more on the genetics and epigenetics of the individual. It is important to know the product, the composition, the strength and the studies performed, in order to provide the consumer with the best and most confident information.
Once the skin has aged noticeably, can it be reversed? Improved?
Depending on the severity and kind of damage, some can be improved and some can be slowed down. Complete reversal may be much more difficult.
At what age should people begin their anti-aging skin care programs? Both men and women? Why?
Anti-aging can be defined as not just treatment, but preventive. Preemptive sunscreen and general protection must take place from early on for both genders. Photo-aging accounts for more than 80 percent of the signs of aging. Hydration and light anti-aging products can start as early as in the 20s. This way the constitution and structure of the skin is reinforced.
Additionally, living in urban areas and exposures to environmental pollutions may emphasize the need for antioxidants and overall better protection of the skin.
Connect with Parand Salmassinia on LinkedIn.
Brush up on your cosmetology skills. Check out our courses!