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ZO Skin Health asked:




Not a chance, says one well-known dermatologist. He explains how to decipher real skincare innovation from marketing hype

The fashion industry and auto manufacturers come out with new collections every year, so why shouldn’t all industries aim for endless evolution? Because “new” does not always mean “improved.”

One example: Foam overlays for mattresses, which add extra cushioning, were first produced in the 1970s.  Soon some company developed egg-crate foam overlays.  Other companies copied it and evolved the idea even further—with the three-zone mattress overlay. This used the egg-crate model but made the design “square” for the feet, “rounded” for the torso and “rippled” for the head. The theory that your feet define comfort any different from your head was, well, shaky at best.  But consumers bought it.  The three-zone mattress became a marketing home-run.  So what did retailers want the next  year?  A five-zone mattress overlay—which boasted new zones for the bottom of your leg and the back of your thighs.  Of course, the concept was ridiculous, and I’m happy to report that consumers didn’t “buy” it either.  

But in skincare, marketing lingo and sales ploys are often harder to spot. A lot of innovations are driven by marketing (not solid, scientific research). Some companies back up their claims with what amounts to voodoo science, some use gimmicks, still others employ outright lies. Unfortunately, the skincare industry is so large, it’s difficult for Federal Trade Commission (or any other industry or government watchdog) to monitor.  So how do you know what you can believe? And how do you keep from ponying up hard-earned cash for a product that won’t live up to its claims?

Understand the tricks played in “before and after” photos. For example, in shots where the mouth is cropped out of the photo (presumably so you focus on the wrinkles around the eyes), the subject may be smiling in the “before” picture and, in the “after,” she’s wearing a straight face, so as not to induce wrinkling around the eye. Remember, if the photos look too good to be true, they probably are. Talk to your dermatologist and/or aesthetician before you buy. They read journals and attend trade shows, so they should be informed about the latest advances and can help you navigate which technologies are real innovations—and which are just weird science. In a department store, ask to speak with the Cosmetics Department Manager, and get her opinion on a new product.  She sees a lot of brands (and returns!), so she’s better informed and more objective than the counter person.  It’s also likely that she has worked in the store for a longer period of time, and has had better training. Before you buy a product, ask the retailer or website what their return policy is. And, most importantly, find out if they offer a satisfaction guarantee. Without it, you have to wonder why they aren’t standing behind their claims. I say, let that be a warning to you.

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Health Spa Guru asked:




Some ideas take a little getting used to. Even so, countless spa goers need no persuasion when it comes to being nibbled by small fish at designer spas and spa resorts in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. This growing trend is spreading swiftly throughout the world and has left some people feeling both perplexed and others feeling both beautiful and relaxed.

So how do fish treatments work and how do they aid in enhancing both wellness and beauty? Spas store small tropical fish called Garra Rufa, also known as doctor fish, nibble fish, Chinchin Yu, Kangal Fish and Turkey Fish, in warm pools of water or hot springs. These fish thrive in hot water from 15 degrees to 43 degree water and are used for various reasons such as for foot, facial and body treatments as well as for the natural treatment of skin disease.

The fish, as many spa goers say “kiss the skin”, ridding it of all affected and dead skin areas, leaving the healthy skin untouched to continue to grow and repair. The process is both painless and strangely wonderful, leaving behind a unique pleasant tingling sensation. Skin is left smooth, glowing and looking healthier. Although, also used for individuals suffering from Psoriasis, fish treatments are not a cure for the disease but a temporary treatment cure which can aid in preventing symptoms if repeated on a monthly basis. Nonetheless, there have been some individuals who claim to have been completely cured of Psoriasis after undergoing fish treatments. The fish treatments are also recognized as treatments utilized to release fatigue, increase blood circulation and aid in relaxation.

So why not immerse yourself into a hot spring or fish pool, or enjoy a foot, facial or body fish treatment before a massage, and experience a treatment like no other. This strangely unique and wonderful feeling cannot be described in words and will make you return every few months to take advantage of the fish treatments principal purpose and function, to protect and beautify your skin.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com