Skin Care Today
7 Reasons to Embrace Aging
As we age, our perception of beauty often changes. It’s easy to become fixated on imperfections like loose skin, lines and wrinkles. But don’t let the negative aspects of growing older cloud the benefits — and beauty — that’s earned with extra years. Here are seven reasons to embrace aging.
Less oil. The oil-producing glands beneath the surface of skin become less active as you age. In women, this typically happens after menopause. This is especially good news for those who struggle with oily skin. But keep in mind that dry skin demands special attention. Keep skin moist all day long with AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion, which boasts a blend of aloe vera and 21 vital minerals to hydrate and heal the skin.
Less acne. Another reason to embrace aging skin? After the age of 30, you’re less likely to deal with acne, which is most common in adolescents and young adults. However, occasional blemishes are still common. And, fortunately, there are plenty of products that are specially formulated to treat adult acne. MD Formulations Adult Anti-Blemish Kit is a comprehensive, clinically proven acne-fighting system that meets the needs of mature skin.
Less sweat. As you age, sweat glands become less active which translates into fewer problems with odor and wetness. While this is a welcome change for most, keep in mind that less active sweat glands might make it harder to keep cool. Drink plenty of water when working out or spending extended periods of time exposed to the heat.
Even though you might sweat less, you’ll probably still need to use an antiperspirant from time to time. Philosophy Pure Grace Perfumed Antiperspirant / Deodorant eliminates wetness with a clean, soapy scent. Infused with vitamin E, this silky deodorant is great for all skin types.
Less body hair. As you age, you can expect to see an overall reduction in body and facial hair. However, you may notice that the hairs you do have become slightly coarser. Those strays are easily targeted with Tweezerman Brow Duo Kit.
Increased satisfaction. Whether you’re worried that your reflection is getting older — both physically and mentally — or that your special trip to the spa might get stale, Science News Daily reports some encouraging research that links age with satisfaction. A study done at the University of South Wales reveals that if a young person and an old person have the same experience, the older adult is likely to find it more uplifting. Typically, older adults more easily appreciate the good things in life and are less upset when things go wrong.
More confidence. Being young isn’t without drawbacks. Sure, young skin may be firmer with fewer wrinkles, but youth is often accompanied by insecurity — especially when it comes to self-image and confidence. With aging, many find that they naturally become more self-confident. Encourage this confidence by practicing behaviors that promote self-acceptance. Every day, look in the mirror and identify your positive features — both inside and out. Sometimes we need a reminder about what makes us unique, special and beautiful. These qualities create a glowing character that shines from within, boosting beauty and happiness — in spite of a wrinkle or two.
Smarter beauty techniques. As all the younger ladies chase after that new-fangled beauty fad, you’ll be able to say, “Been there, done that.” As we age, we naturally develop a sense about what works — and doesn’t work for our skin, hair and overall sense of style. Embrace this wisdom, and enjoy the comfort of your tried-and-true beauty regimen.
If you still need some help to better understand your skin, The Skin Type Solution by Dr. Baumann is a great reference guide on how to create a skin care regimen that stands the test of time.
Adding another year to your age might mean another wrinkle here or age spot there. As much as you up the ante on your anti-aging arsenal, you can only do so much when it comes to turning back the hands of time. Unless you’re able to look in the mirror and love the skin you’re in, you’ll just become increasingly dissatisfied with your appearance. Focus on self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle — from skin care and sleep to nutrition and exercise — and you’ll glow at any age!
Local skincare firms say ECFA hurts
Taiwanese skincare and cosmetics enterprises yesterday lashed out at the government, saying the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has put their industry at a disadvantage, and they urged the government to grant more subsidies to boost the development of locally made cosmetic products.
Under the ECFA’s early harvest lists, Taiwan has to open up six items in the skincare sector, including bath salts, deodorants and surfactants, while China will open up surfactants to Taiwan.
Tariffs on these items range from 4 percent to 6.5 percent, but will gradually be reduced to zero in a few years after the ECFA takes effect — possibly next month.
“We must negotiate on an ‘equal footing’ with China by taking into account the output of these items and not just judge from the item numbers,” Alex Ho (何堉勳), an assistant manager of Boching Enterprise Group (伯慶事業集團), told a press conference.
Skincare product makers said as many as 70 percent of Chinese cosmetic exports to Taiwan are duty-free, while only 1 percent of Taiwan’s exports to China are.
Therefore, the ECFA fails to offer Taiwanese firms an upper hand to expand their business across the Taiwan Strait, they said.
Ho said that the annual production value of Taiwan’s skincare industry is estimated at NT$20 billion (US$625 million), with the Chinese market alone representing half of the value.
To ensure Taiwan’s competitiveness, the government should play a greater role by offering research and development grants, among other incentives, to help push Taiwanese skincare brands in global markets.
“Skincare and cosmetic products are a ‘golden goose’ for most countries [since people are placing more emphasize on their looks],” said Delphine Chen (陳乃菁), a director of international sales for Bio-Nest Biochemical Technology Co (昱智生化科技).
South Korea, for example, gives research and development grants ranging from US$250,000 to US$1 million to companies if the products they are developing show market potential, Chen said.
In addition, the South Korean government subsidizes skincare companies’ participation in international exhibitions with grants of US$100,000.
“With two staff members managing the booth, and taking into account the booth decoration fees, the grant would be a great financial relief for participating companies to get their products to shine at those exhibitions,” Chen said.
Government-backed resources explain why South Korean firms such as LG H&H and AmorePacific are able to take Asian markets by storm, Chen said.
Michibao Bio-tech Co’s (宓芝寶生技化妝品) manager Fred Lee (李俊霖) agreed, saying he hoped Taiwan would pay more attention to the skincare industry.
The firm sells products under the name “Amazing Plus” in China, but has lagged behind its South Korean and Japanese peers in terms of advertising and marketing campaigns, he said.
“The Chinese market is huge and the marketing dollars we spend pale in comparison with those of our rivals, which recruit celebrities to promote their products,” Lee said.