Barron Bryan - The best skin of your life starts here: busting beauty myths so you know what to use and why

Editors: John Hopper and Elaine Trumpey

Research Editor: Nathan Rivas

Research Assistants: Mercedes Santaella-Lam and Vanessa Lucas

Art Direction, Cover Design and Typography: Erin Bloom and Andrew Eder

Layout: Anita L. Elder

Project Manager: Karen Link

Printing: RR Donnelley

Copyright 2015, Paulas Choice, LLC

Publisher: Beginning Press

Seattle, WA

1st Edition Printing: November, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-877988-40-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used for any purpose other than personal use. In addition, any reproduction, modification, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Paulas Choice, LLC, except for the inclusion of quotations in a review.

This book is distributed to the United States book trade by:

Publishers Group West

1700 Fourth Street

Berkeley, California 94710

And to the Canadian book trade by:

Raincoast Books Dist. Ltd.

2440 Viking Way

Richmond, British Columbia, V6V1N2 CANADA

And in Australia and New Zealand by:

Peribo Pty Limited

58 Beaumont Road

Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080 AUSTRALIA

Authors Disclaimer

The intent of this book is to present the authors ideas and perceptions about the marketing, selling, and use of cosmetics, as well as to present consumer information and advice regarding the purchase of makeup and skincare products. The information and recommendations presented in this book strictly reflect the authors opinions, perceptions, and knowledge about the subject and products mentioned.

It is everyones unalienable right to judge products and information such as this by their own criteria and to disagree with the authors. More importantly, because everyones skin can and probably will, react to an external stimulus at some time, any product can cause a negative reaction on skin at one time or another. If you develop skin sensitivity to a cosmetic, stop using it immediately and consult your physician.

If you need medical advice about your skin, you should consult a dermatologist or physician. The authors are not medical doctors, nor are they professional healthcare providers and do not provide medical advice or medical diagnosis. This book does not offer medical advice, or attempt to diagnose or treat any skin problem, disease, or skin condition or any other health or medical problem or condition. If you have a medical condition or problem with your skin, please make an appointment to see a dermatologist or physician in your area.

Do not use or rely on the statements in this book for medical advice or to treat any medical condition or as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Consult a doctor or other professional healthcare provider with any questions about any medical matter and seek immediate medical attention if you believe you or others may be suffering from any medical condition.

Any information provided by the authors is, at best, of a general nature and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional (for instance, a qualified doctor/physician, dermatologist, nurse, or pharmacist). All products mentioned should be used as directed on the product container or on the website from where such products were purchased. Discontinue using any product that causes irritation (e.g., redness, itching, burning, scaling, soreness, or other symptoms).

DO NOT DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE, DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DISCONTINUE MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF INFORMATION OR STATEMENTS PROVIDED IN THIS BOOK.

Table of contents

Preface

The One Constant Is Change

One of the most incredible aspects of the cosmetics industry, especially surrounding skincare products, is how rapidly the technology and our understanding of the physiology and biology of skin has changed and evolved. Over the past 30 years, we have been amazed by how the research and serious investigations into how skin functions have shed new light on the best possible ways to take care of skin. We have watched with awe and respect as new ingredients, new combinations of ingredients, and the promising hopes of new scientific discoveries have transformed what cosmetics products can do.

In our constant quest to seek out new data and studies on skin and skincare, we use those findings to update our Expert Advice articles and Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary. We want to emphasize our steadfast use of research-based information because we know how easy it is to be lured in by a new miracle product or by an ingredient that the cosmetics industry serves up as the next best thing. Unfortunately, succumbing to such seductions can be detrimental for your skin. Weve seen fad ingredients come and go, some that linger longer than others and some that just wont go away despite their negative effects on skin.

Cutting through the hype and finding out exactly what the growing scientific and professional communities and substantiated studies have to say about skin and skincare can play a major role in getting you the best skin of your life. We have been providing that information for 30 years and are devoted to continuing to do so. After youve read this book, you can continue to stay up-to-date on the latest research and what does (and doesnt) work for skin by visiting us at BeautyMythBusters.com. We are committed to helping you have the best skin of your life now , in the future , and every step along the way!

Chapter 1

The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here and Now

A Message From Us

The title of this book and the name of this chapter make bold statements, yet we make them with the utmost confidence. Thats because the information youll find on every page is based on what current research shows can help you solve your skin concerns using a step-by-step cohesive skincare system you can understand and put into action. By doing this we know you can have and maintain the beautiful skin youve always wanted! All the details, recommendations, and encouragement we present throughout this book are what you need to get yourself on the fast track to finding the best products and best answers for your skin.

About Paula

As one of the authors of this book, Im the one with the dubious distinction of being in the world of cosmetics and writing books about beauty the longest. If youre not familiar with my work, Ive been studying, reviewing, and researching scientific and medical journals about skincare for over 35 years. I have a background in science from my university studies, and I was a lifestyle reporter in Seattle for four years. Starting in 1985and now with this bookIve written 21 books on beauty, skincare, makeup, and hair care (the first entitled Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal), most of them more than 500 pages and some more than 1,000 pages, with millions of copies sold around the world.

By the way, of those 21 books, Ive written eight with my co-author Bryan Barron, and two with my other co-author Desiree Stordahl. Together we have also written endless articles on skin and skincare.

I am also founder of Paulas Choice Skincare, which I launched in 1995, a collection of products I formulated with options for practically every skin type and skin concern. Of course, I love my products. But, because there are many great products from other lines and because my mission has always been to help you get the best skin of your life, my goal is for you to understand how to take the best care of you skin, what you should and shouldnt do AND to find the products that are ideal for your skin type and your skin concerns.