Malaysians spend an estimated RM1.6 billion annually on cosmetics, with skin care products being the most purchased item. – File pic, April 14, 2014.  Is it the same in your community?  Are people spending money on trustworthy, researched products?

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/the-beauty-of-the-beauty-industry#sthash.YMtS2RIg.dpuf

The contemporary concept of wellness includes beauty, health, fitness and anti-aging treatments, is already a US $1 trillion business. Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic—pharmaceutical hybrids intended to enhance health and beauty through ingredients that influence the skin's biological function. Ayurveda has several formulations for management of aging and related conditions. Its literature describes over 200 herbs, minerals and fats to maintain and enhance the health and beauty of the skin. The origins of Ayurvedic Cosmeceuticals date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The use of cosmetics was not only directed towards developing an attractive external appearance, but towards achieving longevity with good health (Sanskrit - Aayush and Aarogyam). There is evidence of highly advanced concepts of self-beautification, and a large array of cosmetics used by both men and women in ancient India. Many of these practices depended on the season and were subtly interwoven with daily routine. The whole range of cosmetic usage and its practice as conceived by the ancient Indians was based on natural resources. Skin care procedures forming the daily routine described in Ayurvedic literature consist of numerous formulae involving herbs and other natural ingredients. They were used as external applications in the form of packs, oils, herbal waters, powders etc. Applications of these as pastes have been classified into several kinds based on the temperature, duration and thickness of application, effect of the application for healing, beautifying, anti-aging etc.

Dear @Umachandran, thanks: 'The use of cosmetics was not only directed towards developing an attractive external appearance, but towards achieving longevity with good health'.  Nowadays men and women are all concerned to know and make a good use of cosmeceuticals; but do we have good quantitative and qualitative studies on them?  Do you have research data?

1. Falk J. The new age of antiaging. Global Cosmet Industry. 2009;177:54–59.

2. Grace R. Cosmeceuticals: Functional food for the skin. Nat Foods Merchandiser. 2002;23:92–9.

3. Roehl EL. Consumption. In: EU Market Survey 2000- Natural Ingredients for Cosmetics. 2000;2:13–6. Compiled for, CBI, center for promotion of imports from developing countries.

4. Patwardhan B, Vaidya AD, Chorghade M. Ayurveda and natural products drug discovery. Curr Sci. 2004;86:789–99.

5. Dash B, Sharama BK. Charak Samhita. 7th ed. Varanasi, India: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2001.

6. Datta HS, Mitra SK, Patwardhan B. Wound healing activity of topical application forms based on Ayurveda. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 in press. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

7. Sharma L, Agarwal G, Kumar Medicinal plants for skin and hair care. Indian J Trad Know. 2003;2:62–8.

8. Patkar KB. Herbal Cosmetics in ancient India. Indian J Plast Surg Suppl. 2008;41:S134. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

9. Klingman LH. Preventing, delaying and repairing photo edged skin. Cutis. 1988;41:419. [PubMed]

10. Ghersetich I, Brazzini B, Peris K, Cotellessa C, Manunta T, Lotti T. Pyruvic acid peels for the treatment of photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30:32–6. [PubMed]

11. La’Youth - Ayurvedic Cosmeceuticals for ageless skin. [cited in 2009]. Available from: http://www.in-cosmetics.com/page.cfm/action=Press/PressID=574 .

12. Steinberg DC. Cosmeceutical regulations: A global overview. Cosmetics and Toiletries. 2005 Feb;:32–4.

13. Abedon B. West, international trade show and conference. Las Vegas: 2009. Nov 11th-13th, Consumers seeking nutricosmetics with multifunctional benefits; pp. 7–8.

14. Corley JW. In: Natural and Organics in Cosmetics: From R and D to the Marketplace. IL, USA: Allured Publishing Corporation; 2007. Natural and Organic: The Emerging Revolution; pp. 55–66.

15. Matthews I. In: Natural and organics in cosmetics: From R and D to the Marketplace. IL, USA: Allured Publishing Corporation; 2007. Naturals hit mainstream; pp. 17–20.

16. Whittaker MH, Engimann E, Sambrook I. Eco-labels: Environmental marketing in the beauty industry. Global Cosmet Industry. 2009;177:30–4.

17. Beyer AM. You can lead a woman to nutricosmetics and cosmeceuticals, but will she try them? Global Cosmet Industry. 2008;176:25–6.

18. Alford B, Hoffman J. Skin care brand focuses on male luxury consumers. Global Cosmet Industry. 2008;176:64.

19. Myer S. Inside the cosmeceutical market. [cited on 2009 Nov 20]. Available from: http://www.insidecosmeceuticals.com/articles/2009/07/inside-the-cosmeceutical-market.aspx?pg=2 .

20. Datta HS, Mitra SK, Paramesh R, Patwardhan B. Theories and management of aging: Modern and Ayurveda perspectives. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 in press. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

21. Newton KG. The biology of aging (JARA): An Ayurvedic approach. Bull Indian Inst Hist Med. 2001;31:161–79. [PubMed]

22. Manyam BV. Dementia in Ayurveda. J Altern Complement Med. 1999;5:81–8. [PubMed]

23. Tabassum IF, Naveen S. The quest for eternal youth. Amruth. 2004;8:40–2.

24. Valiathan MS. In: The legacy of Caraka. Vol. 2. Chennai: Orient Longman Pvt Ltd; 2003. Procedures for rejuvenation and enhancing virility (rasayana and Vajikarana) pp. 62–8.

25. Prakash L, Majeed M. In: Natural and organics in cosmetics: From R and D to the Marketplace. IL, USA: Allured Publishing Corporation; 2007. Navigating the challenges of formulating with naturals; pp. 91–8.

26. Lewis N. Planet natural: New actives from around the world. Beauty innovations. In-cosmetics 2009 - Marketing Trends Review. [cited on 2009 Nov 20]. Available from: http://www.in-cosmetics.com/page.cfm/link=385 .

Dear Miranda,

I am not an expert in this field however I used to ask my wife and daughters about it. It seems to me that healthy, wellness and beauty products are a flowering business area because the official control is not as strict as in case of medicaments. Many wellness and beauty products have but phraseologic impacts. Even some can have serious side effects. I remember some years ago an American reporter (a woman) prepared a Tv programme on unreliable and dangerous cosmetic products. Citing Shakespeare many cosmetics are but much ado for nothing!

Dear Andras, thanks.  I always have some doubts like you say: 'It seems to me that healthy, wellness and beauty products are a flowering business area because the official control is not as strict as in case of medicaments. Many wellness and beauty products have but phraseologic impacts. Even some can have serious side effects.'

But the traditional products rely on the fact that they are 'established', well tolerated!  We just wait for our medical friends to comment!

Thanks @Umachandran.  I need to ask for a softcopy, just for the first article.  Thanks very much.  Here, I can't find this paper, thank you.

1. Falk J. The new age of antiaging. Global Cosmet Industry. 2009;177:54–59.

Dear Dr Shanmugam, thanks.  I have often asked my many pharmacist friends and beautician friends about things related to this question.  I taught several years in a co-ed school where most of the girls wanted to be in the beauty business!  I know of doctors who made a fortune in anti aging business.  (Congrats on that award.  Mine was for Best Research paper based on PhD thesis, probably because my thesis was the one sent overseas to my external examiner in Australia.)

Dear Miranda,

It is an important question. I am astonished to know that Malaysians spend an estimated RM1.6 billion annually on cosmetics, with skin care products being the most purchased item.  I believe that the research that has gone into healthy, wellness and beauty products is very reliable and valid.

Influenced by market forces, media and a group of researcher, public perceptions of female health have shifted dramatically toward a focus on healthy bodies as toned. By the early ‘90s, the vast majority of magazine health content focused on weight loss, though overweight and obesity had not yet become. In order to establish the difference between the BMI and actual health, the National Cancer Institute and CDC reported that individuals who are overweight but not obese have a lower risk of death than those of the BMI’s “normal weight” category. Accordingly, a report from the International Journal of Obesity states: “BMI may lead to misclassification of persons with normal levels of fat as being overweight, a fact that could cause unnecessary distress and prompt unnecessary and costly interventions.”

Thanks Prof Mahfuz, but I'm not so sure that the studies were quantitative and reproducible.  Normally when moisturizers are tested, they will use certain subjects and then say that a certain % of hydration of (facial) skin was observed.  I am not sure that the number of research subjects is sufficient.  Perhaps someone on RG has been involved in such studies?  I would value their contribution.

Thanks @Yogesh.  I agree that “BMI may lead to misclassification of persons with normal levels of fat as being overweight, a fact that could cause unnecessary distress and prompt unnecessary and costly interventions.”

When I was working in school, a healthcare company came to do some 'promotion'.  Their weighing scale was skewed; each person seemed to be 4 kg more than our normal weight.  Then BMI was calculated; everyone was shocked at first.  Then we realized they were there to promote their products and if possible to frighten us.

It's right to take care of our health and weight, but I place more concern on character, personality and being a fine research scholar and teacher.

Please see my articles and book on Green Marketing. Thanks.

@ Miranda, As required by you, Please find attached link.

Falk J. The new age of antiaging. Global Cosmetic Industry. 2009;

http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/proceedings/44047894/new-age-antiaging

Thanks so much dear @Umachandran.  @Haradhan, please give me at least/ just 1 great link related to this question, thanks.   

Cosmetics that are applied to the skin (creams, lotions, lipsticks, powders) may have small molecules which penetrate the skin. Materials applied on the hair (shampoos, aqua wax, hair gel , dyes) may also have small molecules which penetrate the skin. When the materials go through the skin, they may have short term effects and/or long term effects.It is obvious that the short term effects are not causing a widespread protest but the long term effects are a source of worry for any chemist. Trouble is that those who sell or who consume are both happy about  it  & no one thinks or cares about what happens after 10 or 20 years. Add to it, no judicial system will punish the one or the company who sold harmful materials causing ill-effects after 10-20 years. For an ordinary simple person, my advice is to avoid the artificial so-called beauty products as much as possible because when one gets older, any illness is magnified.

Dear @Miranda, I think that we should not go against nature, fight with the age and years, sexual impotence,gray hair, thin hair, baldness , wrinkles...! Be natural, use natural! 

"Research related to such products was carried out and that the results showed the efficacy of these products!?"- It is the matter of law! In article attached by @Miranda , it is stated that "The truth is these days physical beauty is paraded and idolised ".

Thanks for your views and for reading the link, dear Profs Ljubomir, Nizar, Barbara, Concha et al.  Maybe It is good to ask this question among researchers who use our mind to say the least.  So the desire to stay young is what has been feeding and nurturing the ever flourishing beauty industry all over the world.

'The Beauty Company, a UK-based consultant company on brand and product strategy, concluded in its research that the beauty industry has been the most consistent throughout the economic downturn and recovery cycle.  A local beauty industry practitioner Selina Goh, in concurring with this finding, said "it is an industry that is less affected by the economic cycle".  The Glow Exhibition Management Project Director said beauty has become a necessity for most people to the extend that some women could not even leave their rooms without make up, and men too were actually grooming themselves.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/the-beauty-of-the-beauty-industry#sthash.VvQyI9h1.dpuf

Dear Concha et al., I agree with you on 'Aesthetics have been separated from Ethics and now only consist of the shell. That is, only appearance counts. There is no content in the concepts related to beauty, when its only sense of beauty is its ethical content - given by the fact that there is no real beauty if it does not reflect some kind of inner beauty. So this is what we have got, pure devotion for appearance and a wealthy industry flourishing over it.'  I think as researchers we look for the substance, not just the superficial shell.  

In a nutshell, the problem is "how do you define usefulness".  Throughout the medical and health industry usefulness of a product or practice is very broad.  Would you like to define "usefulness", Miranda?

Once usefulness is clear, reliability is more fully understood (by definition)--and visa versa.

Thanks @Kevin.  The question is quite clear as it is.  From mobile.

Miranda, I am not referring to the original question  but requesting (1) further explication from you about the question and (2) look into the lack of focus in the discussion or (3) limits to our discussion until "usefulness" is looked into.  What is considered useful for health and what is therefore good research standard based upon concepts of social, individual and other forms of utility and usefulness

For example, I can't really discuss usefulness of research findings or usefulness of research in general without stating whether I personally want better standards to be applied by some entity or organization, such as a government organization, like the USDA, FDA, or what?  I do seek these standards.

Another example, is when I constantly receive emails about the topic of "supplements and other health" matters--ranging from homeopathic research for beauty and wellness to Garcinia Cambogia and Stevia for weight loss.

Here was an example how (a)  I replied to on FACEBOOK and then (b) decided to invite discussants to put their two cents into the topic of Garcinia Cambogia : 

http://eslkevin.wordpress.com/2013/12/25/garcinia-cambogia-is-this-real-can-i-lose-weight-like-this/

On the one hand, this article and collection of videos I later added to the comment section have been popular for readers, but the article and videos HAVE NOT BROUGHT THE INTROSPECTION NOR the comments which I had hoped for as follow-up. 

In summary, Miranda, I like to focus on how to change the world when I ask a question. The first step is thus  to do critiques related to the issues and then to work on change in your corner.  

By making my comment to focus on "usefulness", I am trying to promote a Gandhian discussion and along with it the tendency to move toward seeking change: 

http://www.dailygood.org/story/466/gandhi-s-10-rules-for-changing-the-world-henrik-edberg/

Well, one cannot belabour the points already echoed by our learned academics. Nonetheless,  i would say that any research activity worth its sort should be able to generate novel ideas that would contribute positively to society. As a scientific process, research is supposed to generate valid results. And so the procedures in research ought to be systematically rigorous and scientific in order to come out with very solid near-the -truth results. But if the acceptable processes and procedures are not followed into-to, the results then represent something else other than the truth. Researchers in the academia are therefore urged to do the right thing so that through research society can confront the challenges it is faced with. That way, research in the  health area, wellness and beauty products would be drawing closer to being reliable and trustworthy.

Thanks Kevin; now I understand your reason for putting up your post.  Unlike you , I'm not asking questions to change the world.  I'm content to get info that's useful.  So here, I could define 'useful' as serving it's purpose.  So a moisturizer is useful if it prevents skin from getting dry more effectively than natural secretion of sebum alone.  Thanks for the 2 links.  I have not used Garcinia cambogia before and I cannot comment on that.  I have never been fat before, because I always had to work very hard; being a minority in a country where laws favor the majority.  But I can say that I really like the article on Gandhi, thanks.

Thanks @Anthony, you have got the point.  'Researchers in the academia are therefore urged to do the right thing so that through research society can confront the challenges it is faced with. That way, research in the health area, wellness and beauty products would be drawing closer to being reliable and trustworthy.'

Did you read Dr Shanmugam's post?  He has said: 'I purchased three brands of hair Oil of different dates of manufacturing, different batches from the market and the Indian standard (ISO) specifications were compared The result was all the three brands failed to have the specifications mentioned in the ISO.'

Friends, this is among the reasons I ask this question.  I hope it contributes some learning to each of us.  Thanks.

Dear Francesca, thanks for putting your thoughts on this question:  I am still believing that in the so called modern and Western World, we People have forget about the true Meaning of Beauty, which is or correspond to inner Good. Unless there is inner Good, Beauty cannot be. What we see, and appears us beautiful, while it is, so to say rotten or vicious inside, is not beautiful; it is ugly.  So you agree with that I have been saying that nowadays people look at the exterior rather than the inner person, the attitudes, personality and character?

But taking care of our health by a healthy diet, and by sufficient rest and exercise is good.  Even the spa you, Francesca, talk about can be good.  I have a big Japanese tub to soak in warm water at home; then I can easily remove the hard skin around the ankles, otherwise it would crack on hot days!  (Thanks for your views, I have lost wifi connection due to thunderstorms, and can only use mobile internet at times.  That isn't so useful for RG communications among us all.)

Thanks dear Francesca, I have heard about Fulla doll.  Even for dolls, beauty must be seen in the personality :)

'Fulla was created as an alternative for Barbie to reflect Muslim values. She is named for a fragrant jasmine flower found only in the Middle East. Her personality was designed to be "loving, caring, honest, and respects[ing of] her mother and father. She's good to her friends. She's honest and doesn't lie. She likes reading. She also likes and admires sophisticated fashion."[citation needed] Fulla has two friends, Yasmeen and Nada, as well as a little brother and sister. An older protective brother is in development for her, as well as a teacher and doctor Fulla, which are two careers that Fulla's creators believe to be a respectable.'

Dear Francesca, actually I asked a question that is useful for research if I have the opportunity to take up the challenge.  On RG we indeed have 'a Frame we have to move within'.  Questions need to be research related and we cannot simply put answers that we like nor can the discussion get too open.  It's time to close the discussion when that happens, because we need to abide by the RG Frame.  Have a look at the link.  At one time when I was new I asked questions that RG considered 'general' and got demoted.  I'm always honest, although my intention is never to hurt, or to betray anyone, and I never downvote.  I know you will understand.  Thanks.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_criteria_for_the_scientificity_of_questions_and_answers_Q_A_on_RG

Relationship between health, wellness and tourism:

• Changing activities in leisure, lifestyle and travel which improve wellness and quality of life

• Developments in medical tourism and the shift from traditional curative towards complementary and preventative activities, or even hedonistic aspirations

• The role of well-established forms of tourism (e.g. spa, sports, social, cruise) and newer forms of tourism (e.g. holistic, occupational , adventure) in the development of health and wellness

• The special characteristics of investment and return in health and wellness tourism

• The special characteristics of planning, management and marketing of health and wellness tourism

Health, Wellness and Tourism: healthy tourists, healthy business?, Proceedings of the Travel and Tourism Research Association Europe 2010, Annual Conference 1-3 September, Budapest, Hungary

Dear Francesca and friends, opinions are fine if they are coming with some softcopy papers and links, that I badly need to do any research.  That's because unlike many RG friends, I don't have a grant for research.  Do you have any info concerning the use of placenta extracts for firming?  I believe that it may be slightly different from Botox.  I know that Switzerland is the place where famous and rich people go for rejuvenation.  Now my country is trying to do the same.  (But take your time, no hurry at all, thanks.)

I quote the following.  I wonder how true it is.  'Human placenta extract is a very safe and effective treatment for a variety of ailments as well as being quite useful in an anti-aging program. We would also like to emphasize that the Japanese Ministry of Health and Labor has acknowledged human placenta treatment as safe and effective with no serious side effects. The list of potential treatments is quite impressive with patients of skin conditions, menopause, andropause (male menopause), anti-aging (youthful rejuvenation), liver problems, cardiovascular problems, asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, Meniere`s disease, tinnitus, and vertigo all benefiting from this intensive treatment.'

http://yangdeeda.blogspot.com/p/placenta-laennac-november-12-2010.html

Anti-aging medicine, also known as regenerative medicine, makes it possible to slow, stop and substantially reverse the physical deterioration and diseases which are commonly considered “natural” aging. Such progress allows not just for improved looks and an extended existence, but for the enjoyment of optimum wellness and quality of life.

Placenta extract enriches us with essential substances, necessary for human, that is, with substances that exist in state, most suitable for penetration into cells and consequently, for participation in cell metabolism. Placenta preparations (placenta extracts) normalize biochemical status and metabolic processes of the body

Indications for usage:

http://www.primanora.com/medical-specialist/anti-aging-or-advance-preventive-regenerative-management/

Thanks @Umachandran, if you do find articles that are contrary, don't hesitate to place on the thread.  Honesty is our policy, a product will speak for itself.

Thanks dear Francesca for your answer: 'About Placenta it is actually supposed to be an essential Ingredient for Beauty Products. The Problem around Placenta arises when it comes to Ethics. Appearently the Placenta of Aborted Foetus can be used, and this causes all the Doubts related to a possible Business done with such Foetus, and therefore, with Abortions.'  Surely I agree to the ethics, and I think that abortion is the same as removal of a life.  I really thought  that the placentas from healthy babies are used.

(I have been losing internet connections due to our rainy monsoon season, because here, fixed line internet is expensive and I only use wifi and mobile internet.  When I find opportunity and time to get into RG, I normally try to put some answers on my friends' threads, and tend to miss some important things, sorry to all.)

Relatively inexpensive and produced in large quantities, mineral oils are the primary oils used in cosmetics, from baby oil to face creams, lipstick and body lotions, to sunscreen and sun tan oils. Mineral oil is a mixture of aliphatic, naphthalenic and aromatic liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. The composition of these oils varies depending on the crude oil source, the refining process and the additives present.

Mineral oil coats the skin like plastic wrap, disrupting the skin's natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb the 'natural moisture factor' (moisture and nutrition). Your skin is a vital organ that needs to work with your kidneys and liver to rid the body of toxins. Anything that interferes with this transfer system blocks the elimination of toxins. The skin needs to attract moisture to stave off infection and bacteria. Mineral oil pulls moisture away from the basal cells where cells are newly formed. This in turn slows down the cell renewal rate that breaks down the collagen and elastin and then begins to destroy the connective tissue. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature ageing of the skin and many other health and skin disorders.

Lip balms, gloss, and lipsticks also contain a significant amount of mineral oil. These products actually produce the opposite effect of what they were intended to do. Acting as a moisture barrier, the mineral oils dehydrate the lips causing the consumer to have to constantly re-apply, which achieves the desired effect, but only temporarily.

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/environmental/mineral-oil-petroleum-derivative-in-beauty-products

Dear All, It is true that beauty products and health product business is booming like any thing. I find that many of them claims are falls. Only thing is rules and regulations in our country are no stringent to nail them. I can site here about fat burning products, number of products are there in market and claiming high but hardly any work. If some works than they also have very serious side effect but even than people try to reduce there bulging belly but end up with light pockets. Thanks

Dear Miranda,

I am not an expert but I would like to say that the most important thing is the consequences. The consequences can only prove the validity and reliability of such research.

Thanks for your views.  @Umachandran, very useful link.  Most girls have been using Baby oil or lotion, with mineral oils.  We hardly knew the consequences as Dr Mohammad has stated.

@Sarwan, one of the fat burning products is L-carnitine.  It has been used widely although the research isn't yet conclusive as to its efficiency.  (That's one reason why I posted this Q.)

'More information is constantly being uncovered about the dangers of sunscreen. Most sunblocks that claim to be 'waterproof' are currently under scrutiny as suspected carcinogens. Although the medical establishment still strongly supports the use of sunscreens, there is a growing consensus among progressive researchers that the use of sunscreens does not prevent skin cancer and, as a matter of fact, may promote skin cancers as well as colon and breast cancer.'

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/environmental/mineral-oil-petroleum-derivative-in-beauty-products

Dear Miranda, I have been clinically studying the effects of cosmetic forms of vitamin A and antioxidnat products for about 30 years.  It is well established that vitamin A deptetion is the cause of photoageing.  Please read J Dermatol. 2001 Nov;28(11):595-8.

Skin, sun, and vitamin A: from aging to cancer.

Saurat JH.

Abstract

Human epidermis contains significant amounts of Vitamin A, the enzymes responsible for its metabolism toward either storage or activation, the binding proteins for its protection and specific transport, and the nuclear receptors involved in the vitamin A-induced gene-activity modulation. This complex system may be drastically altered upon ultraviolet light exposure because vitamin A absorbs in the UVB range. We have conducted a series of experiments in order to analyse the effects of UV exposure on the epidermal stores of endogenous vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), the activity of enzymes and binding proteins, and some biological parameters such as apoptosis transcription factors expression (cJun) and thymine dimers. Current data indicate that the vitamin A system is a direct target of both UVB and UVA and participates in an adaptive response to UV exposure. The physiological role of this adaptive response to acute and chronic sun exposure should be further analysed. Interfering with this UV-induced vitamin A deficiency is a new concept for the prevention of skin cancer and aging.    My own research has been published in various textbooks for plastic surgeons and dermatologists and soon I will publish "Vitamin A skin science".  I have also written another book for the general public called"Your Skin Factory" which is available through www.yourskinfactory.com to help people understand the mechanism of photoageing.   Most of the products available on the amrket have no role to play in controlling the ageing of skin.   Antioxidants help to reduce the damage but only vitamin A reverses or prevents it to some extent

Rising awareness of the importance of wellness including health, fitness, anti-aging & beauty treatments, and overall grooming for personal and professional reasons has fuelled growth in health and beauty products/services. This has led to booming growth in production and marketing of health and fitness products and exorbitant and unrealistic claims by producers. In the 20th century, laws were passed and government agencies created to curb the sale of fraudulent medical treatments, but dubious health products continue to be sold to the gullible and desperate today. When it comes to treatments for health conditions, it can be tough to tell useful products and services from those that don’t work or aren’t safe. It’s unlikely that a supposed ‘cure-all’ can cure anything. For example, advertising claims for weight loss products and services inevitably over-promise. However, changing diet and exercising more are the keys to successful weight loss. Dietary studies that are reported in the news that seem illogical or contrary to common sense appear to be sometimes sceptical. For instance, a study may be published that claims that eating a particular food is bad and seemingly provides convincing reasoning and statistics to back up its claim. Then newer studies may show that the earlier study was wrong and instead of being harmful, the particular food ends up being harmless or even a nutritious food. Frequently a group of researchers are commercially or politically influenced leading to biased and flawed approach, equally unreliable conclusions through data manipulation in order to arrive at a conclusion that supports the flawed logic.

Dear @Desmond, thanks for your input concerning vitamin A.  Yes, I have heard about it: 'Antioxidants help to reduce the damage but only vitamin A reverses or prevents it to some extent'.  Thanks, and sorry for slow response.  I got more info about retinol.

'Vitamin A, or retinol, is one of the most widely acknowledged nutrients for healthy skin. Vitamin A influences the physiology of the skin by promoting epidermal differentiation, modulating dermal growth factors, inhibiting sebaceous gland activity, and suppressing androgen formation.  As it promotes cell turnover in the skin, vitamin A is effective in preventing the formation of comedones that cause the most common forms of acne.  Lack of vitamin A causes the skin to become keratinized and scaly, and mucus secretion is suppressed. (2) Rough, dry skin is a common sign of vitamin A deficiency...'

http://chriskresser.com/nutrition-for-healthy-skin-part-1

Dear Yogesh, thanks for your post.  I agree with your view: 'When it comes to treatments for health conditions, it can be tough to tell useful products and services from those that don’t work or aren’t safe. It’s unlikely that a supposed ‘cure-all’ can cure anything.'

And for this: 'For example, advertising claims for weight loss products and services inevitably over-promise...'  That's why I ask this question to get all valuable views. It's wonderful to know that researchers in other places are asking the same questions about these products!  How I wish that the manufacturers are ethical and honest about their claims for their products.  Why must the desire for profit motivate them to make false claims about the efficacy of a product that may not work at all, or may even cause harm?  Do you all agree?

I think many people are missing the real issue which is how much can we rely on the RESEARCH that has gone into anti-aging products.   For the skin I can tell you a vast amount of reliable research and good science has gone into ingredients and there are some products that translate the research into  practical clinical use.  Those products need to be recognized instead of being tarred with the same brush that is used on high priced products that do nto give people what they promise.  This is where one needs to see the evidence of these products and we have to recognize that we will one day also want to use effective anti-ageing products on our skin, not simply "organic" "green" "natural" products based on centuries old recipes.   I personally use the creams that I formulated with effective ingredients in effective doses under highly controlled laboratory circumstances.  These are niche products used by sincere and dedicated skin care therapists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. I recommend that all scientists should evaluate the work of cosmetic chemists and learn what to use pn themselves.  Definitely vitamin A and a wide-spread of antioxidants and selected peptides.... scientifically proven ingredients for scientifically minded people!

Thanks @Francesca and Desmond, I have collected many views on this thread that are useful to some of us.  I believe that some retinoids or 'vitamin A' creams are sold as anti-acne creams, but they also have a role in cell turnover of facial skin.

I got some bits of recent info on this question.

'Salon-based keratin hair treatments can deliver silky, smooth locks with no frizz. These treatments are often marketed as formaldehyde-free, but Oregon's OSHA found high concentrations of the chemical in more than half of samples. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause cancer. Getting your hair straightened or "smoothed" once every few months will not put you over OSHA's exposure limits. But there could be a real risk to your stylist.'

AND 'No matter what you've heard about the safety of tanning salons, here's what the research says: frequent use of tanning beds raises your risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. In addition, tanning beds mainly emit UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging – wrinkles and brown spots. Even if tanned skin looks good to you, tanned skin is actually damaged skin.'

To maximize this longer lease on life, People are taking pride in looking – and feeling - as good as possible at every stage of life. The road to healthy living is paved with good intentions, but it is not always smooth or easy. Despite widespread news coverage of the growing obesity epidemic, for example, only about one-third report as exercising on most days. Among those concerned with chronic disease, exercise compliance is even lower. Fruits and vegetables provide essential daily nutrients as well as critical antioxidants. Nonetheless, an overwhelming majority of people fail to regularly meet recommended daily allowances of these essential foods.

Unit sales also slipped in skin care and cosmetics, driven by the same conservative purchase and usage behaviors but tempered by consumers’ quest to look as good as possible at every stage of life. Trends reveals that the hair care segment of the market saw rather significant declines in demand, Unit sales fell about 5% over the past year. Despite falling demand, dollar sales of skin care and cosmetic products climbed by $146 million dollars over the period, driven almost entirely by increasing prices. 

Source - Health & Wellness: Redefining Healthy Living

Dear @Umachandran, please provide the softcopy.  You are very good at providing them and they are useful to me.  Thanks.  (Sorry, I had poor internet connectivity for 20 hours or so.)

I think we are behind the curve--that is, behind on the research needed beyond what the FDA has done in so many ways.  I say FDA (Food Drug Administration in USA) because for many corners of the globe it had historically set standards.

However, in the area of supplements and non-pharmaceuticals and in pharmaceuticals FDA oversight and research have been underfunded and under-supported for 4 decades or more.

For example, supplement manufacturers and supports complain about the lack of support and research in their fields.  Many others complain about the hyperfocus on a quick buck by BIG Pharma. Others do more with advertising and create a market share on a product or an idea--that may lead us astray.

@ Miranda

Sorry for the power problem you are facing.

Please find enclosed the link as required

http://www.nacds.org/pdfs/membership/healthy_living.pdf

I thought I should add some real discussion point.  Because of my interest inhelalthy skin I formulated products for my patients in the beginning and then launched them as Environ Skin Care 25 years ago.  The attached file is a PowerPoint oresentation of what I mean.  Does it work.  Tell Me!

Thanks @Umachandran, for the link.  Perhaps our Asian home cooked food is a lot more healthy.  I see this on the link:

'Innovation around wellness-related attributes continues and consumers’ quest for healthier food options is growing. Today, foods and beverages touting wellness-related attributes span a wide number of CPG categories. In some categories, products touting

wellness attributes have captured a higher-than-average share of sales. In others, growth is particularly impressive.'

@Desmond, thanks.  It's quite impressive.  Probably, vit A allows really good skin renewal and collagen scaffolding.  (I have been very busy with my writing and other commitments, even during this Chinese New Year season. Thanks.)

The common problem now due to change in weather and food is FLU. Seasonal allergies or a common cold, coughs can plague your family any time. Every family has a some medications either allopathy or herbal based on their living styles.

Not all coughs can be cured by over-the-counter drugs. Call your doctor (symptoms)

• If coughing up blood.
• If cough is accompanied by severe chest pain.
• If a persistent cough lasts.
• If any kind of bacterial infection.
• If a distinct barking or whooping sound.

http://www.walmartlivebetter.ca/wellness/how-to-relieve-pesky-cough-sore-throa-cold-symptoms/

Dear Umachandran, I think you have accidentally placed a post on this thread, working hard as you do.  (Many of us are quite overworked.)

https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_reliable_is_the_research_that_has_gone_into_health_wellness_and_beauty_products#view=54e833a1d4c11873268b4655

Anti-ageing chocolate which reduces wrinkles developed by Cambridge University spin-off

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11423029/Anti-ageing-chocolate-which-reduces-wrinkles-developed-by-Cambridge-University-spin-off.html

Dear @Miranda, I was inspiredd by @lala. Here are some more news from MIT: The Anti-Aging Pill - Facing a long wait for evidence, a longevity researcher takes an unusual path to market.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/534636/the-anti-aging-pill/

Dear friends (@Lala, Prof Ljubomir and all), before I heard about anti aging chocolate, I know that ladies (and men) who don't want to age too fast were advised to TRADE COFFEE FOR COCOA.  That's because coffee is somewhat dehydrating, causes us to lose much water from our bodies, and may disturb good sleep.

@Prof Ljubomir, thanks for the link.  I will get back when I have mentally digested it.  Very busy with my teaching and writing.)

http://ruralspin.com/2013/04/17/10-reasons-to-ditch-morning-coffee-for-morning-cocoa/

Hi Miranda,

Interesting subject.

I can give you example of a nanotech-based antioxidant / antiaging cream we manufactured in Malaysia. Please find attached its analysis report.

It's a well known secret that research on health, wellness and beauty products is largely influenced by unseen commercial forces.