It seems that every time I turn around there is a new anti aging skin care product on the market.
But, since when are energy drinks marketed as anti aging skin care products? Apparently, it's a pretty recent undertaking for the bottled beverage industry.
I suppose they needed some new customers.
Americans, alone, consumed more than $5 billion dollars worth of energy drinks in 2007.
Market analysts expect that figure to increase to $10 billion by 2010.
Well, since companies are claiming it's an effective anti aging skin care product, that figure might be right.
But, whenever I see something like this, I try to set the record straight.
Energy drinks are primarily highly caffeinated beverages.
Some of them contain a little ginseng, maybe a few vitamins or some amino acids, but it is the caffeine that gives the drinks their "kick".
There is no reason they should be marketed as anti aging skin care products.
In order for an anti aging skin care product to be effective, it must be applied directly.
Good nutrition is always important, but you should forget about the energy drinks and stick with your daily multi-vitamin.
It's still common to see anti aging skin care products that contain Aloe Vera gel, even though the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness is limited at best.
The scientific research that has been performed using the extract is contradictory.
Some say it promotes healing.
Others say that wounds heal slower when aloe is applied.
On the other hand, if you want a natural anti aging skin care product, try one with honey.
The best honey is Active Manuka Honey.
There has been lots of research supporting the effectiveness of honey in healing wounds and supporting the overall health of the skin.
Some of it has been conducted very recently.
There has been great interest in its use to treat MRSA, an antibiotic resistant staph infection that normally presents as skin-ulcer.
Honey is included in some of the better anti aging skin care products, primarily as a preventative measure against infection and to support the immune system.
As we age, our epidermis is less resistant to infection.
It's harder for it to get the nourishment that it needs.
Our immune systems also become, just a little slower.
The epidermis needs protein, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients.
If you choose the right anti aging skin care product, you can provide that nourishment, by applying it directly.
Instead of collagen, a common ingredient, look for keratin, specifically Functional Keratin.
Like collagen, keratin is a basic protein found in the skin's epidermis.
Functional Keratin is a European creation, manufactured using a patented process that allows the protein to be readily available for use by the cells and fibers.
In clinical studies, it has been shown to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, while improving elasticity.
Only the best anti aging skin care products contain it.
The search for an effective anti aging skin care product can be frustrating.
Hopefully, this little bit of information will help you weed through the multitude of choices.