Expert
Offers 10 Tips For Smart Skin Care Shopping
 Shopping
for the right skin care products often involves trial and
error.
While few people are lucky enough to have a dermatologist
shopping with them, a few tips from Dr. Jeannette Graf can
help make you a smarter skin care shopper:
1. It's important to know your skin type
and individual concerns. Many products are geared toward dry,
normal, combination, oily or blemished skin. In addition to
the five basic skin types, skin care products also target
specific skin problems or conditions such as dryness, lines,
wrinkles, loss of firmness, dullness, excess oiliness, clogged
pores or breakout.
2. If you are under the care of a dermatologist,
ask your doctor before adding any products that might conflict
with your prescription treatments.
3. Do some research. If a product looks
appealing, check it out online or via a 1-800 number. Reputable
companies have Web sites and toll-free numbers offering consumers
detailed information about their products.
4. Choose products that have been scientifically
proven to be safe and effective. Reputable companies invest
huge sums in research, product development and clinical trials
so that consumers can be assured of high quality and proven
results.
5. Learn more about active ingredients.
A basic knowledge about key actives such as retinol, alpha-hydroxy
acids, vitamins C and E and Total Soy Complex can help you
choose a product that will best answer individual needs and
concerns.
6. Keep it simple. An easy way to remember
the basics of a skin care regimen is PREPP:
Prepare-Cleansing
Renew-Products that renew and rejuvenate skin
Enhance-Complexion enhancers, like cosmetics
Protect-Moisture protection
Prevent-Sunscreens and anti-oxidants.
7. Choose a regimen that is compatible with
your lifestyle. Many products are effective but only if you
actually have the time to use them.
 8.
Consider skin care pro-ducts that go beyond daily maintenance.
Some skin care regimes can also be used to relieve stress,
pamper and relax you.
9. The more expensive products don't always
deliver better results. There are many affordable mass market
products on the market that deliver results while saving you
money.
10. Shelf life and stability. Products should
be stored in cool, dry conditions to maximize stability. Skin
care products that break down; change color, consistency or
smell; or precipitate should be discontinued.
If you have questions on skin problems, products or cosmetic
ingredients, ask Dr. Graf at 1-866-DRJ-GRAF or visit www.askdrgraf.com.
Dr. Graf
Editor's Note: Jeannette Graf,
M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified clinical and research
dermatologist specializing in the research of ingredients
that inhibit aging. Her love of science led to a research
fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where
her work on peptides resulted in an NIH patent. Recognized
as a leading American skin care expert by the cosmetic and
pharmaceutical industries, she consults and maintains a private
practice in New York.
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