Beautynomics - The Economics of Vanity

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Saturday, May 13, 2006

Home Microdermabrasion Vs. Clinic Microdermabrasion :
Perfect Substitutes?

I've always wanted smooth, and flawless skin. Thank GOD for modern technology that they can do that to my face in a heartbeat - but with a certain price tag.

What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is kinda "polishing" your skin - scrubs off old skin cells, to facilitate new and healthy skin cells to grow. It gives you an instant glow, too! Say goodbye to that awful layer of old and dull skin that makes you look old, and say hello to younger skin, tighter pores, and a more refined complexion! Well, that's basically the aim of microdermabrasion.

And why micro? It's a less scarier predecessor of the surgical procedure called dermabrasion. My dermatologist described it as "bloody" since you'd be all wounded as a tool scrapes of layers off your face ( this is usually done for really depressed scars! ). It made me twinge since I'm petrified of blood. Microdermabrasion is a less scarier one since it doesn't hurt, it doesn't involve any blood, and the recovery time is only 24 hours!

Professional Vs. At Home Microdermabrasion

Professional microdermabrasion are performed by dermatologists - they use a tool that looks like a "blowtorch", and just polishes away the surface of the skin, gently. Dead skin cells are scraped off, without pain, and the result is instant smooth, glowing and finer skin. Most treatments cost around $28.00 up to $100.00 ( depends on the clinic ), and it's more of a hassle to go to your derma every few weeks to have it done. You should be very patient to come back every few weeks until you get the result you desired ( many say that upon their 3rd or 4th visit, their pores are so much finer, and skin is healthier ), and get it maintained every month.

Some people are far too busy to have themselves go to a dermatologist - professionals and students on the go, and would rather do DIY treatments. So, cosmetic companies have come up with at-home microdermabrasion kits that promise to deliver the same results as clinic microdermabrasion. It is more inexpensive, and you can certainly do it at the comforts of your own homes, for a few minutes! :)

There are good microdermabrasion kits available in the market. My recommendation list includes three, namely :

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Estee Lauder Idealist Micro Deep Thermal Refinisher

Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Kit

Nu Skin Polishing Peel ( Skin Refinisher )

( In fairness, all three have received good rave reviews! So it's up to you to choose. The most affordable I think, is the Nu Skin Polishing Peel, but everyone's crazy about Mary Kay! So it must be good :) )

THE VERDICT
I have tried at-home microdermabrasion and clinic microdermabrasion. My comparison? There was more dead skin cells removed via clinic microdermabrasion that at-home microdermabrasion. It doesn't mean that at-home microdermabrasion kits are useless. They are to be used when you're too busy to give you a quick fix , and a quick glow on your face, but you still have to find time to have it done at the clinic if you seek a more visible result. But some people find at-home microdermabrasion procedures enough already. Maybe my skin's too complex. Oh well. :)

ECONOMICS IN IT? OF COURSE!!!
Economic theory learned? There are two choices, which bring similar results, but priced differently. It would be better if the more reasonably priced one would deliver exactly the same results as the more expensive one, but in this case, it is just a close substitute. In the absence of time, or accessibility to the more expensive but more effective procedure, a substitute would suffice. There ya go! :P

For a formal lesson, from www.economicswebinstitute.org, here's a rundown of the theories. Try to keep it within the beautynomics concept - microdermabrasion, and even beyond! :)

Substitution with respect to needs
"Goods are said to be substitutes if they serve to the same purposes, if they are equivalent in functional terms, if they satisfy the same need(s).
Imperfect substitution occurs when two goods, while satisfycing the same main need, score differently on quality and features (e.g. a Jaguar and a Mini are substitutes since they both carry people from one place to another, but on several characteristics they are different - as for comfort, prestige, etc.). Product differentiation is here fundamental.

Substitution in terms of time
"Two consumption goods can compete on the limited time the consumer has. A holiday destination competes on another one not only because both are satisficing the same need but also because one cannot be in two places at the same time. Similarly, holiday destionations compete with house duties in week-ends, although most of people prefer the former to the latter."

There is also another kind of substitution, and that is income substitution. It depends on the purchasing power of the consumer. The higher his income, the less he needs to substitute.:)

Til then! tata! Leave your comments! :)

posted at 9:37 AM by Charmed One

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Friday, May 05, 2006

Beautifyng Oneself Results in Revenues!

Unbelievable? You have to believe me! You'll learn why as you keep reading *wink*

So, I believe, there is some business sense reading and writing my Beautynomics blog, when I read somewhere, acclaimed Economist Hal Varian's article ( his textbook way back in college was fulla math! ) for the New York Times ( I read via my Manila Bulletin Saturday Edition ), that beautiful women, and handsome men, get paid higher than those of mediocre looks. Sounds unfair? Well it isn't really.

Remember what employers look for their potential employees, their trainees and managers-to-be? Aside from an impressive resume full of straight A's, tons of recommendations from college professors, and gazillions of org activities spearheaded, they also want CONFIDENCE in their potential employee. People who look good, and know it, tend to act more confident than those who are insecure. They tend to know what they're doing, and they know that they can charm their clients as well as impress them with their skills as well. Nothing beats a goodlooking manager oozing with confidence and sex appeal. So goodlooking people get those high-paid jobs! =)

So is it the end for the mediocre caste in the beauty world? Certainly NOT. This is where I come to the rescue! Remember what century, and decade we live in? Within this time, I am most happy to be born and living! This is the age wherein modern technology can do ANYTHING! =) Including transforming a plain jane into a vavavoom vamp! :)

The solution? Investment in the following :

1. Skin Care - keep skin clear with your skin care regimen! Go for waterbased products :) Nothing beats healthy and glowing skin. That's where it all starts! Investing in skincare also provides long term results such as retarding the pace of aging in your skin. :)

The VMV Hypoallergenics Id Skin Care line does not only help you keep a clear face, it also keeps your skin young for it has anti-aging properties as well.

2. Makeup! - The transformation begins here! As I said, makeup can make or break a person. If you choose the right products, and apply the right way, rest assured that you can gain your self confidence just by applying makeup. Most makeup today don't look noticeable anymore. They are so fine that they provide flawless finishes that mimicks your skin. So you look like you have naturally great skin, with rosy cheeks! :) How's that? :)

Invest in Mineral Makeup - they don't hurt and wouldn't harm your skin a bit since they're so

pure! =) My suggestion's this really cool Bare Escentuals Starter set - it has foundation, mineral veil ( finishing powder/mineral ), warmth ( an allover face color ) + Rever Upper ( primer/ vitamins for the skin, and 3 brushes. For $60, this is a great investment! ). There are also other less expensive brands available, but this is so far the one most visible in the market.=)

for those in the Philippines, HongKong, Singapore, or anywhere without this, I have

an Asian distributor, please do contact her via her site, BareBeauty

Well, what are you waiting for ! You oughta start taking care of your skin and scouting for good makeup products. These are great investments that can give you a good future, as well as oozing confidence! They're both good for you :)

posted at 7:26 PM by Charmed One

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Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Mineral Makeup - What Women Demand! =)

Women have always wanted these qualities in makeup. I think that this was just wishful thinking way back, say 5-10 years ago. Or if it was created for a long time already, it certainly hasn't tapped too much of the market. Thank God for modern technology and the wonders of advertising, the miracle product has reached my ears. I'm a convert. Read more »

posted at 9:30 PM by Charmed One