Skincare and Wrinkles: Do It Yourself Dermatology

Microdermabrasions, wrinkle fillers, collagen boosters, oh my! Scientific technology is everywhere and it is seeping into beauty arsenals everywhere. In 2004 it was the year of the “oxygenating creams” that increased radiance and oxygen circulation for a more youthful appearance. 

Beth Schmidt is the Director of Sales Education at the H20+ corporate office in Chicago. “This year, it’s all about firming, evening out skin-tone and reducing discoloration using ingredients like peptides, antioxidants and collagen boosters to mimic cosmetic procedures,” she says. 

2005 is the year of DIY dermatology. With the help of skincare specialists and estheticians, a trip to the local department store or skincare boutique can offer a range of serums, creams, gels and scrubs, designed to combat a myriad of conditions without making a trip to Dr. Dermatologist. 

This trend has been inspired by the increasing cosmetic surgery trend. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), The top five surgical cosmetic procedures in 2004 were: liposuction (478,251, up 24 percent from 2003); breast augmentation (334,052, up 19 percent); eyelid surgery (290,343, up 8 percent); rhinoplasty (166,187, down 4 percent); and facelift (157,061, up 25 percent). For those unwilling to seek cures in needle form, there are many great options on the market today. 

Department Store Dermatology 

At Nordstrom’s Elemis counters, customers can get a computerized analysis of six different skin conditions using Visia technology. Canfield Imaging System, the makers of Visia, describes the machine’s capabilities. “Visia measures the six key areas of complexion health which demonstrate actual skin conditions for spots (pigmentation), pores, wrinkles, evenness, porphyrins [bacteria], and UV spots/photo-damage.”