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The No. 1 Trait of True Beauty

May 16, 2007, 12:37 AM Post Comments
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The No. 1 Trait of True Beauty
It is not $400 hair cuts, hours spent in a salon or weekly manicures that make others turn and stare. The No. 1 trait that defines true beauty for both men and women is gorgeous skin, and those who weren't blessed with this genetically are going to extreme lengths to pamper, peel and tone their faces.

Reuters reports that in an AC Nielsen survey of 46 countries, one in three people spend most of their beauty budget on skincare with Americans and Asians leading the trend. The most popular treatment in Asian countries is skin whitening. Fully 50 percent of that population say they would lighten their skin if money were no object; about 10 percent actually do it.

It's not just skin that's getting our attention and money. The survey also found that many are just as obsessed with their hair. Hair care products are among the most sought after treatments globally, especially in Latin America and Asia, thanks to young populations with rising disposable incomes, reports Reuters.

What does the future hold? The Nielsen survey forecasts a massive rise in the use of facial treatments, such as masks, peels, serums and oils. "Consumers tend to take a vested interest in their skincare regime in their 30s and 40s and at this life stage have more disposable income to invest in beauty extras," Patrick Dodd, president of AC Nielsen Europe said. "The billion dollar beauty industry shows no sign of slowing down as beauty and personal care products have become 'must have' items in every household," Dodd said.

You're so vain: And lest you think it's only women who are so vain, think again. Fully 78 percent of men and women felt they were under increasing pressure to look good. This is especially true in New Zealand, Denmark and South Africa.

The best way to rejuvenate your skin won't cost you anything except time. Go to sleep. The term "beauty sleep" isn't a myth but really is a helpful boost for your skin's health, according to Skincare News. If you don't get enough sleep, it shows on your face. Your skin will look old and dehydrated, as well as wrinkled and puffy under the eyes. Sleep helps your skin to be naturally hydrated, luminous and younger looking. Nighty-night!

--From the Editors at Netscape

Bruno' premieres around the world

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen poses after a press conference ahead of the Australian premiere of 'Bruno: The Movie' on Macquarie Street on June 29, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

    LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen arrives at the premiere of Universal's 'Bruno' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

    Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Actor Sacha Baron Cohen arrives at the premiere of Universal's 'Bruno' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

    Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Atmosphere at the premiere of Universal's 'Bruno' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

    Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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