August 24, 2008
Q: Why did you write this book?
As a skin care ingredient formulator and the president of a skin care company, I know skin care. I also know how confusing skin care ingredients and claims can be. This book provides a guide for consumers to understand the what's, how's and why's of skin care from a new perspective: ingredients.
Q: Your background is a molecular biologist. Why did you take such an interest in skin care?
My training is in DNA, and how it recovers from damage. The most important damage to DNA is when sunlight hits the DNA in skin. Skin is the focus of DNA repair research.
In my career I've been a part of groundbreaking studies and breakthroughs in DNA repair. What we have uncovered is how sun damage to DNA causes not only cancer, but skin aging.
Q: What are some of the key messages that consumers can take away from your book?
There are products that work and I help you choose them
What ingredients really produce results and which ones are hype
How to spot multi-tasking products so you only need a few products for a complete skin regimen
The importance of sun protection - it's never too late to protect your skin from sun damage
The biggest myth about sun damage is that it all happened in youth.
Contrary to common belief, just as much damage occurs after the age of 18.
We can do things now to protect and repair.
Q: What are the most common consequences of sun damage?
Photo-aged skin (wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, sagging skin).
Most people use skincare products to stop aging.
Skin cancer is a real problem.
More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year.
Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Melanoma rates are growing dramatically.
I just lost a close friend to malignant melanoma, a mother of four in her 50s. So it is not just a disease of "old age."
Q: How should consumers protect from sun damage?
Remember incidental sun protection
Most sun exposure is during everyday activities, like errands and driving.
Studies have shown that the left arm has more sun damage than the right arm - because of sun exposure while driving.
Everyday sun protection is essential
Look for multi-functional moisturizers with sunscreens every day
Better recreational sun protection
Use more sunscreen - most people put on only half the amount necessary to get the SPF on the label.
Remember to wear hats and seek shade
One day we will look at tanning like we look at smoking - not glamorous but a bad habit
ON THE NET: www.scienceofperfectskin.com
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