Expert Reveals "Biggest Rip-Offs" In Skin Care Products

Dermatologist Says Most Department Store Creams & Lotions Are Overpriced; Comparable Products At Fraction Of Cost Can Be Found In Drugstores End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) December 07, 2011 - Are you paying too much to look young? According to leading dermatologist Ben Behnam, M.D., founding partner of Dermatology & Hair Restoration Specialists in Santa Monica, a great many consumers swayed by fancy ads and pretty packaging are getting "ripped off" when it comes to their skincare products.

"The market is filled with overpriced lotions and creams containing such extravagant ingredients as caviar, crushed pearls and extracts from exotic plants. While they promise near-miraculous results, there is no scientific support showing that they are any more effective than common drugstore varieties," said Behnam. "There are only a few ingredients proven to exfoliate and moisturize the skin, stimulate collagen and get rid of acne. Short of prescribed medications requiring a dermatologist's care, there's really no significant difference between expensive and low-priced over-the-counter skincare products."

Behnam cites such products in 4 basic categories:

· WRINKLE REMOVERS - Products like prescription strength Retin-A exfoliate and trigger the formation of new collagen, giving users a younger appearance. Over-the-counter "wrinkle removers" contain Retinol -- a diluted version of Retin-A -- thus making them less effective. If you opt for an over-the-counter product, you have many choices. Behnam says why spend $88 for Doctors Dermatologic Formula Retinol Energizing Moisturizer when you can pick-up an $8 jar of L'Oreal Revitalift Face & Neck?

· MOISTURZERS - Behnam says there is very little difference between expensive and cheap versions of moisturizers with the $15.99 Aveeno Positively Ageless Cream and Neutrogena Ageless Essentials for $11.99 working just as well as $90 Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging cream. The secret for effectiveness lies in applying moisturizers right after bathing so that it traps the wetness. Also, he says to reapply throughout the day. Interesting to note, many women in the upper age category swear by Vaseline, which works as well as most products on the market.

· ACNE TREATMENTS - The key ingredient in acne solutions is salicylic acid. In order to be sold over the counter, manufacturers are restricted from adding enough to really be effective. Products like Proactive that are aggressively advertised on TV contain salicylic acid as well as benzyl peroxide and sulfur -other proven acne fighters - but do not contain the prescription strength required for moderate to severe cases. Interestingly, Oil-Free Acne Wash by Neutrogena that retails for $7.50 contains more salicylic acid than more expensive brands like $26 Murad Clarifying Cleanser.

· AGE SPOT REMOVERS - Most bleaching creams contain hydroquinone but over-the-counter products contain so little of the ingredient that it does little to reduce the appearance of age spots. Also popular are products boasting a rice derivative called kojic, an acid that has proven to be unstable and not as effective as hydroquione. For mild age spots, Sanitas Skin Lite Gentle, which contains both hydroquione and kojic, retails for $29.99. You can compare that with Jan Marini Age Intervention Enlighten Plus, which only contains kojic, that will cost you $92.

"My bottomline advice is don't be fooled by fancy packaging, slick advertising and wild claims," warned Behnam.

Dermatology & Hair Restoration Specialists is located at 2825 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 303-A, Santa Monica; (310) 315-4989. For more information, visit www.santamonicaskin.com.

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