Modern women are beginning to realize the dangers of overloading their skin with products, especially sensitive facial skin. And yet, we’re told to moisturize twice a day after cleansing. Is this wise?

Tracey Chappell, a skin expert, says, “The idea that we should moisturize twice a day is traditional beauty lore and does apply to a great many of us. But it’s not necessarily the best thing for everyone.

“The belief probably came about because our desire for squeaky clean skin has meant that traditionally cleansers are quite stripping and leave skin feeling tight and dry, making us reach for the moisturizer both morning and night after we wash our faces.

“Only you can know what your skin feels like on a day-to-day basis. Occasionally it is wise to let the skin breathe, particularly as over-using creams that are too rich can make the skin “lazy”, taking over from its natural functions and leaving us dependent on lotions and potions.

“We get trapped in a vicious cycle.”

Col-Pure’s Rejuvenating Face Mask is described as “incredibly refreshing” and said to visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while plumping and nourishing the skin.

“Its formula of bio-active ingredients quickly absorb into skin’s underlying tissue, immediately plumping the skin to reduce the look of wrinkles, while improving the tone and texture of your skin for an overall radiant complexion and also boosts collagen production and improves circulation.”

The press release says :

Here’s the quick and easy secret: The face mask contains Decorinyl, a tetrapeptide shown to help control collagen fibril growth, improving firmness and elasticity of the skin. A recent study showed an increase in skin’s elasticity after just 28 days of use. Green Tea is a soothing anti-oxidant that helps skin fight off damaging free-radical cells and is one of the main ingredients. Finally, Tripeptide-3, an advanced anti-aging ingredient, mimics the body’s own mechanism to help produce collagen giving skin a more youthful appearance.

“The face mask not only makes my skin look better, but I also love applying it after a long day at work or after hanging out in the sun because it’s so refreshing,” says Suzanne Peterson of Golden, Co.

We can’t confirm this, of course, as we don’t test beauty products ourselves.

A survey by the UK College of Optometrists reveals the 92 percent of women are putting their health and appearance at risk by using old makeup.

It’s not generally known that makeup has a sell-by date in most advanced countries. For example :

* Mascara has an expiry date of 3–6 months.
* Liquid and cream foundations, concealer, cleanser, moisturiser, 6–8 months.
* Pressed, loose and compressed powders, eye shadow, blusher, lip gloss, lipstick, toner, 1 year.
* Eye and lip liner, 18 months.

The problem is that these products can be a “hot house” for bacteria which can cause infections when the makeup is applied. The bacteria builds up over time until it becomes dangerous to use. Mascara is a particular problem because the stick used to apply it can scratch the soft tissue surrounding the eye.

The worst offenders, says the study, are women in their 30s and early 40s.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the college, said, “Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s not surprising we’ve found nearly half of women suffer from itchy, watery and red eyes when they are holding onto their eye makeup for so long and sharing it among their friends.”

Researchers at the Université Lavel’s Faculty School of Medicine have discovered that a common ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams and products causes a pathological reaction in skin cells.

The substance, DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) first causes a rapid swelling of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts act as reservoirs and interface between the inside and outside of the cell.

But after a few hours there is a noticeable slowing of cell division and a dying off of fibroblasts. The initial thickening of the skin from the swollen fibroblasts is probably what causes the “anti-wrinkle” effect.

Cosmetics are not subjected to the same rigorous testing and safety trials as medications or other regulated products.

The researchers aren’t saying whether or not DMAE poses a health risk. But many compounds used in cosmetics are absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream, they may even be stored in the liver. That’s why Dr. Francois Marceau, one of the authors of the study, thinks it’s time that the possible dangers and health risks of cosmetic ingredients be studied.

Université Laval