Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Wrinkled Truth


About a year ago, in weeks preceding my birthday, I discovered something. Perhaps it was the time passing, wobbly but swift like a child newly freed of his training wheels. Perhaps it was the arctic temperatures, the air dry from a thermostat set higher than my otherwise green conscience should have allowed. Perhaps it was that extra cup of coffee, (grabbed in haste by a woman deprived of sleep, devoted to family), persistently and insidiously squeezing every last molecule of moisture from a soul who nearly worshipped her water in days gone by. In the end, it was that old lady smiling, squinting from the bright snow, gazing back at me through the salt encrusted windows of my own minivan who told me the truth.

I discovered a skin care emergency: wrinkles, carved by joy, but beyond my years.

I did what any logical woman would do: research. I considered my options. Since I have two very good friends in the skin care industry, I consulted them each at length. I heard about chemistry, derm layers, pores, moisture barriers and moisture absorption and departed my friends with samples of each of their products (bless their hearts). Both friends ensured me that in just three or four weeks, I would certainly be pleased with the improvements.

Since both of those friends have integrity beyond question, I had to assume both made excellent recommendations. Both products would certainly work. One was more expensive than the other, and that was certainly a consideration. But, I wanted to know which one was right for ME. After all, everyone’s skin is certainly different. How would I know? Which do I use first? Would using the first one make my skin so nice that the effect of the second one would not be noticed?

I had a plan.

On the left side of my countertop, I placed Jane's cream. On the right side I kept a sample of Jill's. Every morning and evening for four weeks I put Jane’s cream on the left side of my face and Jill’s on the right. Yes, I really did that.

After about a week, I noticed a difference on both sides of my face. I happened to run into Jane at preschool and mentioned my experiment.

“You aren’t really doing that.”

“Of course I am really doing it. How else will I know for sure? If they are both the same, then the less expensive one wins.”

“That’s, well, unique. Let me know how that works out. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” she hurried off, seeking shelter both from the snow and her crazy friend.

Right. Well, as it turned out, Jane's won. I could really tell a difference. And, in the end, I was willing to pay a little extra for the product I preferred.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that you should buy something simply because of my test, but if you have been wondering, try your own experiment.

Just try it. Really.

Oh, but don’t tell anyone in the preschool parking lot. They will think you are as nutty as their friend MIT Mommy.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

A lot of nutty things are discovered about other moms in the preschool parking lot and while waiting in line to pick up the kiddos. ;o)

Indy said...

OK. Don't tell our mommy sales ladies but many dermatologists swear by big names at your local Walmart and Target. Names like Oil of Olay and Neutragena. Their budgets are huge and they do a lot of research. Their products are just as good as pricey departments stores and may be better than many others. And the most important thing to do is wear sunscreen every day. Since you don't wear make-up daily(with sunscrean built in) you really have to put a layer of protection on regardless of the weather. Just my little two cents. I should not put my name to this but I will. Sorry T & K.

Flea said...

That's hilarious! But good to know that there was so much difference in the two products.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like something I'd do, except at my age I'm afraid to take ANY risks with my skin, and pay the big bucks for Estee Lauder, which is doing a wonderful job so far.

MIT Mommy said...

Indy - I've used products like Oil of Olay and Neutragena for years, and they are good too. I think the bottom line is finding something that is right for YOU, and using it religiously! I would keep switching (or even skip using it) because I never liked anything.

MIT Mommy said...

Indy - I've used products like Oil of Olay and Neutragena for years, and they are good too. I think the bottom line is finding something that is right for YOU, and using it religiously! I would keep switching (or even skip using it) because I never liked anything.

OHmommy said...

You didn't really.. did you? You are too funny.

Ps. Love the tights on your header!

Maki said...

Wow!!! Such a great post!

I'm in FL now, but it's been really chilly - my skin gets dry during winter, so it's good tip that you've given us.

Thank you!!

MIT Mommy said...

OHmommy - Thanks! Fifi can wear them when Gladys is done with them. Tee hee hee.

Maki - If you do try the "experiment" let me know how it goes!

Rachel said...

I never thought of doing that and I don't think it's silly I think it's fabulous.

PS When did you change your title?

Anonymous said...

Hilarious! You should have done it for a television documentary and been paid for the pleasure.

AreWeThereYet? said...

Well that is certainly research to the Nth degree. Thanks for sharing the story.