The Impact of Television Segments - By Sally K Caesar, RN

Every week there are TV or news segments detailing the latest/greatest make over product or procedure to turn back the hands of time. I can always count on several phone calls and questions coming in the next day asking me about what they saw, where they can buy that miracle product or more than a few folks asking me how quickly they can get on my schedule for that transformative lunchtime treatment. Honestly, I am a big fan of these physician based talk shows and news segments because it gives me another opportunity to educate not only the patient but myself as well. If there is a new technology, new product or new aesthetic service that I need to be aware of, believe me I will do all the research necessary to make sure this "new" anything is all it is touted to be.
However, (you had to know a however was coming...) what I feel is lacking in these "segments" is that nothing in medicine can be fully defined before the next commercial break. It takes even the most highly educated medical doctor an additional 3 years (or more) of study to become specialized in their chosen field of medicine. Can we really expect that precise dermatologic or skin care recommendations for every person, of every ethnicity and skin type be given in 15 minutes or less?
Recently a noted TV physician along side a noted NY dermatologist suggested that a tub of St. Ives moisturizer is all anyone needs for cheap "anti aging". Well, you guessed it, the next day an overwhelming number of people called or came in with tub in hand. I am sure this was excellent news for the St. Ive's company! Now I'll que up my own quickie skin care advice "segment"... There is a BIG difference between "anti-aging" and "hydration". Layering an emollient product on your skin will NOT correct your skin's accumulated history of photodamage not to mention the cellular response to our ever decreasing estrogen levels...now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
A TV "segment" is just that, a segment of information with partial clarity - even if it comes from a doctor! Oh and on a side note, be very cautious when believing all those terrifically animated "before and after" images or videos.....FYI Bugs bunny never aged either.