By Carla Skouby ~ Catala Facial Retreat

The average person slathers, lathers, rubs and sprays many different skin care products on his or her body every day. There are organic skin care, cosmeceutical skin care and physician grade skin care products. The question: “Why are there are so many brands and products & what makes them different?”
Don’t be fooled by cosmetic advertising. Creams, lotions, and potions at the drugstore and the cosmetics counter make promises they cannot deliver. If there was one product that was truly the fountain of youth, why would there be so many other products on the market?  Once skin damage has occurred, there is no topical cream to reverse what’s been done. Using skin care with true form active ingredients will help prevent further aging and slow the aging process.

The answer to why there are so many skincare and make up lines is, “If a person has extra money laying around and wants to double their investment, start a skin care line!”

We have all fallen into the “It’s amazing”, “You will love it”, “You have got to have it” sales line, along with advertisements with the beautiful young model. Unfortunately the FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) does not control companies from over promising and under delivering.

We all have the cabinet with what I like to call “the product grave yard.” Below are some fun facts that can assist when purchasing products or seeking help from a professional.

1. Vitamin-C can only work with the active ingredient L-ascorbic acid. It is most effective when used in the PM, packed in air tight pump, and as a serum. NO C-Ester.  C-Ester is a derivative of L-Ascorbic and fizzles out before it reaches the dermal layer.  Therefore a vitamin C derivative in a product does not mean it is effective—unless it is L-ascorbic acid. This highlights and magnifies just one of the problems of vitamin C products on the market today.

2. No matter how much water you drink, it will never make your skin hydrated. The skin needs to be exfoliated first, and then apply a moisturizer in order to hydrate.

3. Steaming the skin does not open pores. Steam is used in skin treatments to soften skin for better exfoliation and to make it easier to extract congestion (pimples). 

4. In order for a sunscreen to protect skin it must have a 5% or greater zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide. The SPF number does not represent the strength, only the amount of time between applications.  

5. Benzoyl peroxide is NOT the best active ingredient to cure or assist with acne. Salicylic acid works better because it kills bacteria without drying or peeling the skin.

6. TRUTH – 85% of aging comes from sun damage!

7. Does your moisturizer feel like it sits on the surface of the skin? In order for the skin to absorb a moisturizer, dead skin cells on the surface need to be removed first.

8. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen 365 days a year, even on cloudy days and even if you don’t go outside.

9. It’s all about genetics. If you have a skin issue you don’t like, or is difficult to correct, blame your parents!

10. Bar soap is not healthy for the skin…WHAT?? That’s correct, bar soaps strip the skin’s natural acid mantel and invite bacteria to the skin that can cause Eczema and Rosacea. 

The bottom line is, consult a professional who will focus on your skin and make up needs. The words  “It’s amazing!”, “You will love it!”, or “You have got to have it!” should never be spoken, because all skin is different and is exposed to different environments. 

Carla Skouby is a licensed Esthetician, Make-up Artist, and Owner of Catala Facial Retreat and Boutique in New Melle. She has 18 years experience working with several skin and make-up brands. Carla is passionate about working with all skin types and true form active ingredients. For the past 3 years she has worked with Dr. Lawrence Samuels, Chief of Dermatology at St. Luke’s Hospital. She continues to learn, teach and help provide real results with realistic expectations.

Catala Facial Retreat and Boutique, located at 30 W. Hwy. D, Suite 105, in the New Melle Town Square, is a full service spa offering facials, waxing, peels and more. For more information call 636-398-2101.