The ONLY thing I don’t like about Paula’s products is that the amounts of antioxidants aren’t listed. SkinCeuticals lists amounts. I wish that Paula would too.

Great to read some more input. Just a quick note, as the kids are waiting for their supper:

No, Christine, I’m not entirely against Paula Begoun, not at all. I would probably consider buying from her company, should the need arise. I don’t know, I guess I just bought into the whole concept at first, thinking she was the only person in the industry that was truly objective. Then, when I found out she sells her own products – out of which I’m sure there are plenty of really good ones – I just felt fooled. I still think I’d put much more trust in what she says if she didn’t sell her own stuff, because that takes the objectivity out of the equation. Know what I mean? Besides, she has at least 2 products listed on cosmeticsdatabase.com that include some really harmful ingredients (hydroquinone is one, if I remember correctly) and that adds to my not buying into what she says and does 100%.
And it’s my grandmother (well, she’s not my biological grandmother, but that’s another story) who uses Nivea, not me. Maybe I should have, instead of all the expensive brands I’ve shelled out money for over the years! But no, I actually prefer to use organic products on myself and my family nowadays. Weleda is a favorite, as well as Dr. Hauschka and some Swedish organic brands that are really good.

Ami,
Yes, I’m sure genetics play a big part in aging. I’m Swedish and both my mother and father are practically wrinkle-free, and so am I (I’m 44). I battle against broken capillaries, budding rosacea and acne scars instead. I’ve dreamed of beautiful skin since I was 11, to no avail.
It’s funny, I was thinking about the exercise issue today. Exercising vigorously is something that’s considered to be very healthy for your body – in the Western world. In Eastern practices the masters tell us to NOT spend our energy in that way, or else we will age faster. And if we do spend a lot of energy through sports or exercise we need to refill our bodies with energy through meditation, qi gong and yoga. Who’s right? I guess moderation is key in everything. I think a body can get worn out, just like any machine.
And yes, I agree with you on the sugar. I wouldn’t want to cut it out totally, as I become very grumpy if I don’t get a sweet treat every now and then. Life’s too short, yes indeed!

I use organic sugar when I cook and that is a completely different animal. I love good food and I refuse to give up taste. Life is too short!

Isn’t it good when intelligent women can discuss a topic, learn from each other, and agree to disagree and part as friends? Exercise, diet ( and I agree about both sugar and processed food, both have a negative impact, and faster than one would think, and both are just a habit that can be easily broken), genetics, common sense (which is not very common) … all play a role.

I can understand your reservations with Paula’s objectivity, Kristina. I think many women share your position, though I’m not one of them. I think this woman has knowledge and consumer advocacy at heart. I’m always impressed with the journals she quotes from, highly respected scientific literature. I see her as more than someone who just has a good act down. With the marketing of the new Resist product, I can see how careful her company has to be to not come off as yet another face cream ad campaign that won’t deliver.
But then, any ad is just a company talking about itself. I’m not sure on what basis you choose Nivea, other than your grandmother’s lovely skin ( I have an aunt with that perfect skin, a Nivea user all her life – but I always credited it to not having kids!)
I don’t see Paula as a product basher, exactly. She can back up her claims. I agree with her assessment criteria. Would you buy ANY product she’s reviewed, or don’t trust the reviews in general? But then, who does one trust in the very bad world of cosmetic marketing?

Ami, you and I seem to live a similar life. I exercise 5-6 days a week, mostly because I’m too cranky and pessimistic if I don’t. I sometimes wonder if it can be aging to overdo it, like with marathon runners where the body interprets it as stressful and inflammatory, and so destructive (or at least counter-productive). But I have to do it, so I keep on.
Interesting about the CeraVe. How the heck have I missed that completely? I’m off to look at it.

Thanks to both of you for stepping out of the crowd and taking the time to think and type.

No, not entirely true. It is true that any processed food is bad. A good rule: You should only eat items that have a mother or come from the ground. Next week there will be a new study with more advise that will prove to be wrong/not quite accurate/revised, etc. in six months. The best guide to eating is http://www.mypyramid.gov. If you are following the recommended guidelines, you do not need to worry about all these studies. You are getting what you need daily.

The only true way to slow down the aging process is to workout-serious aerobic program and weight training. And that is SIX days a week. The best resource/guide is a book called Younger Next Year For Women. It is written by one of the best geriatric doctors in the country.

You cannot prevent wrinkles or turn back the clock. A strenuous workout program will keep your body in the best possible shape.

And I agree. There is nothing wrong with wrinkles. It is time women stop buying into what we are supposed to look like.

As far as Paula’s Choice, she started producing products because she could not find the best products on the market. I can afford expensive products but I choose to use her products. I’m 43 and I have been using her products for years. I look at least 10 years younger. I know some of it is genetics and my workout regimen, but my skin is beautiful. I had problem skin growing up. I tell people that and they are shocked. I attribute it to my lifestyle and her products. Paula also recommends other products, you do not have to buy hers. The best moisturizer is CeraVe. I read about it on Paula’s web site.

I have Norwich terriers. My oldest, 12 years, starting showing signs of age-related issues… a little harder getting through the doggie door, slower getting up the steps… (We can all relate!) I feed Evo to all my little guys but I switched Robin to a food called Dogswell Happy Hips after reading about the company in the Wall Street Journal. I’m usually very skeptical about claims from pet food companies, but the change in her is pretty amazing. She has more energy and is getting around better. Just thought I would share.