NAVIGATION

One of the most world-renowned skin care companies, Beauté Pacifique, claims that its users have experienced remarkable skin rejuvenation and an overall more youthful appearance by using their skin care products. However, people continue to express apprehension regarding the safety of anti-wrinkle treatments, in general.

Do anti-wrinkle treatments really work? Here are some conclusions arrived at, by leading dermatologists.

Skin care products do have the ability to reduce the signs of ageing and slow down the ageing process, but users must remember that skin creams are not permanent wrinkle removers. What these creams usually do is to remove the dead outer layer of the skin, hydrate it and make you look younger. It usually takes a month for you to see the results. Besides, if you stop using the product, wrinkles return.

A clear-cut scientific basis does not exist as to how the components of beauty products work. However, beauticians are of the view that certain ingredients in well-known brands like Beauté Pacifique are beneficial to the skin.

• The American Academy of Dermatology is of the view that over-the-counter topical products that contain the anti-oxidant vitamins C & E can rejuvenate the skin. In fact, a study suggests that a combination of both vitamins C and E provides very good protection from UVB damage (though the formulation preferably must contain a good quality sunscreen).
• Products that contain alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) have the ability to remove the dead outer layer of the skin providing the face with a youthful appearance.
• Creams containing vitamins B3 and A have proved beneficial in reducing wrinkles, besides treating skin problems, such as pigmentation and acne.
• Latest injectable dermal fillers, such as Hylaform, can help retain moisture in the skin. This is especially beneficial for older people whose skin naturally loses some of its sheen with age.
• Skin products from Beauté Pacifique contain vitamin A derivatives that have the ability to stabilise cutaneous free radicals. Synthetic vitamin A derivatives, also called retinoids, are used in the treatment of many skin disorders, including severe acne and psoriasis.

An anti-wrinkle face cream may provide a temporary glow, but the real solution to looking younger lies in making a making significant changes in lifestyle. Here are some pointers that should help everyone look younger.

• Drink plenty of water every day, preferably 6-8 glasses.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially when the daylight is at the harshest, from about 10am to 2pm.
• Exercise regularly to tone your skin.
• Limit consumption of alcohol and avoid smoking. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and smoking causes the skin to age prematurely.
• Take adequate rest. A refreshed physique makes the skin look younger.
• Eat a balanced diet containing foods high in anti-oxidants.

You should bear in mind, however, that some anti-ageing products can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. If you are in doubt, a safe bet is to look for a product that contains mainly natural ingredients. In addition, users are also wary of creams containing ingredients of animal origin. A good way is to check this out with the company brochure. Beauté Pacifique clearly specifies that no animal ingredients are included in any of their products.

Fortunately, many of the beauty products available on the market today, from well-known companies like Beauté 
Pacifique, have components that have been proven to be clinically safe.