On the horizon, however, are liposomes. These microballoons can carry active ingredients to deeper levels of the skin's surface. As cosmetic companies begin to use these microscopic vehicles to transport the active ingredients in their products, which they claim will prevent or reduce the signs of aging, to the dermis they will have to face the rigorous scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and the Health Protection Branch in Canada. This has two consequences:

First, if the natural or any skin care product actually alters tissue, then it no longer is considered a cosmetic product. This means that the product must undergo scientific evaluation to support the claims, a very expensive process.If the claims are substantiated, the product may be reclassified as a drug, which means it will be shelved differently in stores. Depending on whether or not it is an over the counter or a prescription product, marketing strategies change.

Second, claims that are unsubstantiated risk being found to be fraudulent. The product could then be removed from the shelves without further warning. American law is more stringent on this point than is Canadian law.

These consequences apply to product claims whether liposomes are used or not. Most companies have chosen the simpler route of changing the anti aging claims on their labels and in their advertisements. Others, however, ignore the warnings and continue to press their claims. it is up to you, the consumer, to evaluate these claims. Choose the professional and best natural skin care product for facial and acne treatment.

As the "baby boom" generation ages, the natural skin care products industry has shifted its emphasis away from products for the younger generation to "anti aging" products. Magazines are full of advertisements for products suggesting that they alone have the answer to aging. They would have you believe that the daily use of their natural skin care product will assure you an everlastingly youthful appearance. Their claims, though seductive, are invalid.

Let's review the components of the skin. The skin has three layers: the epidermis (top layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the layer of cushioning fat (bottom layer). Aging largely affects the dermis and at this level a product must reverse the signs of aging to be as effective as it claims. At this time, most products are incapable of penetrating the epidermis and are therefore rendered relatively impotent in their impact on aging.