Digital Beauty Advisor

The internet is a powerful source of information, referrals and tips, tutorials and self-proclaimed experts. These days, getting expert advice is as easy as opening a web browser. Skin care products are just as accessible to consumers on a variety of web sites.  This makes finding the balance between getting online advice and product recommendations, and when to see a skin care professional, an important key to your skin’s health.

Beauty Advice at Your Fingertips

Beauty advice is nothing new to the marketplace. For decades, print magazines have dished out beauty advice for the low cost of a copy of their issue. Today, beauty blogs and video tutorials have become main sources of information for the skin care amateur.

The internet has created a democracy of knowledge, where learning about a favorite product or how to use them is not limited to just skin care professionals or makeup artists. Online beauty advice comes at no cost to consumers. Endless tips and advice is available to anyone curious about common or more complex skin care issues. These online personalities are like having a friend to talk to, and can be helpful in guiding followers as to the next step.

However, one caution to take is where to purchase recommended products. Just because it is available online doesn’t mean it is authentic or safe. Many third-party web sites may sell your favorite skin care line, but there are cautions you must be aware of when purchasing through these sites.

One of the biggest dangers of ordering online through unauthorized sites is possible tampering.¹ When another consumer resells a product, there is chance that it has potentially been used. In some cases, the product may be fake — replaced in a jar with cheaper ingredients or dangerous chemicals.²

When to See A Professional

Multiple online resources, often unvetted by the medical community, will have varying degrees of accuracy and recommendations. Chat forums found online can further complicate and compromise your skin care decisions.

With all of the benefits of online tips and advice, it does not replace visiting a skin care professional.³ Beauty web sites cannot see someone in person and take a thorough history in order to fully understand each individual’s specific needs.

Skin care professionals are also knowledgeable of products on the market. They can recommend a skin care regimen that will fit your unique skin needs and assess your progress. Professionals are trained in prescription and over-the-counter skin care products so they know how to tailor a regimen for your skin.

Deeper skin issues like breakouts, chronically irritated skin or other long-term issues may require a strategy and treatment plan that only a trained professional can provide. Relying solely on advice found online will not only hinder the time it takes to reach your aesthetic goals, it may be dangerous for your health – especially if you have a questionable skin spot.

The Bottom Line

Trust your instincts. If a deep discount or deal seems too good to be true, or the purchase does not seem right then it probably isn’t. It’s not worth compromising your skin health. Online beauty research and advice can be valuable and time-saving; it certainly has a place in modern life. Akin to crib notes, think of this research as a tool to help you discuss your skin care goals and concerns at your appointment with a professional.

These pros will help track your progress and get you to maintain a good regimen. Take it one step further and commit to purchasing skin care directly through your expert to help guarantee you are investing in authentic products.

Profile of An Epionce Expert

• Authorized Epionce Retail Partner

• Trained professional, often a doctor or esthetician, who can recommend the best Epionce skin care regimen for your skin care needs and aesthetic goals

• An Epionce skin care professional has Epionce available in-office, or, you can buy on epionce.com using their Professional Code to have it shipped directly to you

References

1. Buying Skincare Online – Yes Or No? Ask an Esthetician Blog. 29 March 2012. www.askanesthetician.wordpress.com. Accessed Web 23 Feb 2017
2. Counterfeit Beauty Products: How to Spot Them. Gracee Tolentino. www.charlottesbook.com. Accessed Web 24 Feb 2017
3. Should you see a dermatologist? Madeline R. Vann. www.everydayhealth.com. Accessed Web 23 Feb 2017