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speakup

As women we are always aware of the changes that happen with our bodies as the years go on. Some things we can avoid but others we have no choice but to go through. We have changes with our bodies from the time we are born and it is an ongoing process. The one stage that seems to take the most toll on women is menopause.

It can start from your early thirties to your fifties but no matter what age the changes are apparent especially in your skin. Since our skin is our biggest organ (and on the outside) we can't help but be aware of the changes.

With estrogen loss at menopause the collagen content of our skin decreases more rapidly. Through this process the elasticity and thickness of our skin diminish. Our water retention in our skin also decreases and this is when lines and loss of elasticity become more apparent. This is when we should start looking at products that contain anti-aging ingredients.

With all the anti aging products and promises out on the market, what are we supposed to look for?

It all comes down to the ingredients. Also the order of the ingredients is very important. If a product says that it contains a certain ingredient that will make a difference but it is the last ingredient on the bottle there probably isn't enough to make a difference. This all comes down to marketing their product.

Products with antioxidants that fight free radicals are becoming more popular but so are products with collagen. Collagen promotes skin hydration and makes our skin look and feel plumper and firmer. As we age collagen production slows down. Collagen helps our skin retain moisture, so no collagen, no moisture.

The exfoliating process also slows down as we age so products with AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) are becoming more popular. This is one of my favorite because sometimes all we need is a good exfoliating treatment.

There are also different vitamins that are considered helpful in the anti aging process. Vitamins C, D, and E slow down the aging process and help repair damaged cells. Vitamin K is used for dark circles, spider veins and rosacea, but tests were done and it is considered more of a cosmetic ingredient, not a drug which means it is not guaranteed.

Find out all the information you can. Does it have a website? Do they have literature on it? Just because the sales person says it works doesn't mean it does.

We don't have to give up on ourselves since there are so many options out there now. Your doctor will help you in certain areas and we as aestheticians can help in others. Remember, when it comes to buying your product you have to ask yourself: "Do I want Heinz ketchup, or will no name brand do?"

* Lorraine Cormier is an esthetician who also has years of experience in the medical field. She now operates In Our Hands, a skin care and beauty consultation company. She can be reached at 855-4264 or nrhands@nb.sympatico.ca.