RealSelf
RealSelf
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We'll admit it - we wish we looked as young as we feel.
Achieving this aspiration is nearly as challenging as simply being well-informed about our "anti-aging" product or treatment options and alternatives. There are tens of thousands of product firms and providers representing a $40B Ïanti-agingÓ beauty industry.
Choice is not the problem
Rather, consumers need ways to filter and decipher amongst these options, get feedback on what truly works, and to do this research in a private manner.
Yet, even with the power of the internet, these needs are hardly addressed. Prior to RealSelf it was easier to go online to get educated on the quality of towels at a Motel 6 than to learn whether you should consider Thermage or Restylane for facial wrinkles.
We think this information gap is unacceptable given that consumers desperately want realistic views of Ïanti-agingÓ offerings. According to market research firm DataMonitor, three-quarters of consumers are skeptical of the validity of product claims. Over a third of consumers ÏdonÌt trustÓ the products. Perhaps selling Ïhope in a jarÓ at $49 is ok, but itÌs not when thousands of dollars and real risks are at stake.
Bottom line is that we want to make smart beauty purchases and RealSelf is a tool for getting informed in new, unique, and useful way.
RealSelf is powered by a community
Our team is dedicated to uncovering the most relevant beauty information and presenting it to you in an unbiased format. We do this in two important ways: by encouraging the development of a community which concentrates on discussing beauty topics and evaluating whatÌs Ïworth itÓ as well as by incorporating the insights of leading beauty industry insiders, experts, and stylists.
WhatÌs in a name: RealSelf?
Beauty is often portrayed in media with images of ideal beauty. For researching important purchase decisions related to Ïanti-agingÓ we believe there's nothing more powerful than real experience and hearing about realistic results. Ideal is better left to advertisers and Hollywood. The ÏselfÓ in RealSelf is our way of reflecting on the fact that beauty is personal, emotional, and comes from within. As Oprah puts it, Ï÷you really donÌt become what you want. You become what you believe.Ó RealSelf.
Our editorial policy
At RealSelf, we pride ourselves on being Ïreal,Ó down to earth, and conversational in tone. Clinical and medical jargons are not our style. There are thousands of medical resources that are available if you desire more technical research.
While RealSelf does display advertising, we do not accept payments from any organization or company to have messages incorporated into our content. RealSelf is an independent company and has no affiliation with any advertisers or firms within the beauty industry.
Behind the scenes
Tom Seery launched RealSelf in 2006 with the strong encouragement and support of his wife Krista. Both enjoy active lives and key aspects of wellness: good diet, fitness, and proactive healthcare.
The idea of reducing much of the mystery of wellness and finding trusted information - especially in the areas of health & beauty- led Tom to develop the concept of a website where people and experts can come together in an unbiased format to share experiences, advice, and unique perspective.
Much of Tom's inspiration for the RealSelf web experience came from his past work at Expedia.com where he launched the Experiences by Expedia vacation program, last minute travel, as well as many other consumer-driven innovations. Tom's involvement in consumer reviews of hotels and awareness of the unparalleled insights offered by Expedia sister company TripAdvisor were equally influential over the RealSelf concept.
Prior to Expedia Tom worked as an environmental consultant, which allowed Tom to put to good use his science degrees from Drexel University and Connecticut College. Tom also received his MBA from the University of Washington with concentrations in entrepreneurship and marketing.
Tom and Krista live in Seattle, Washington, a great place to preserve the skin from sun damage and to stay hydrated while walking the dog. To get in touch with Tom or Krista, please send your email to contactus @ realself.com.
Our network of contributors span the globe; all joined together to give consumers better access to information about anti-aging, wellness, and beauty. If you wish to participate as a RealSelf contributor please use our feedback form.
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