Blinding us with Slimming science

They're usually on every tube of cream - all those long, technical words.  But what do they mean! Perhaps this will help!

Medicated

It's the label that you find on shampoos and soaps, that claims to clear dandruff or spotty skin.  Selenium sulphide in shampoos and triclosan in soaps, usually they do help!!

Liposomes
The new 'in' word.  These tiny packages of fats and nutrients are the supposedly 'magic' ingredients in anti-ageing creams that claim to nourish the skin deep down.  However the results from recent tests  are doubtful.

Hypo-allergenic
'Hypo' means less of, so the product contains fewer ingredients likely to cause allergic reactions.  Good if you're prone to allergies.

pH balanced
Another word you  hear mentioned in television advertisements quite a lot.  The natural acidity or alkalinity of any substance at all can be measured on what's called the pH scale.  Skin is naturally acidic, while many soaps and cleansers are alkaline.  Those that are pH balanced are usually milder and less alkaline.  A good choice for very sensitive skin.

Collagen

This is one of the skin's supporting fibres.  Age and exposure to sunlight weaken and stretch it, causing wrinkles.  Animal collagen is sometimes included in skincare creams - but this doesn't mean you can repair or replace your skin's own supply.  Dermatologists insist that the collagen molecule is much too large to penetrate the skin from the outside.  But it's excellent just on the surface, as it improves skin hydration and texture.

Non-comedogenic
Found in moisturisers.  This word means that the ingredients in the moisturiser shouldn't clog the pores.  They are excellent for greasy skin.