Stop Being Such A Tool

You’ve likely heard this phrase before— “If you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

Another descriptive phrase that rose to prominence during my adolescence was the pejorative Tool.  This was generally a descriptive term for males consider to be foolish people.

An even more in-depth definition was: “Tool is a slang term that refers to an insecure person, usually male, who is controlled by others.”

Ever heard of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)? Somewhat ironically, it was founded in 1938—the same year the Food Drug & Cosmetics Act was first passed. This was land-mark legislation that was a vast improvement over the previous protections afforded consumers from the 1906 laws.

According to their website, the AAD has more than 20,000 member physicians around the world. They have licensing programs, practice management programs, publication support, and countless other advocacy initiatives under the umbrella of Dermatology.

To quote the description from their website “About The Academy” …

‘The AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails.”

Did you hear that?  “Advancing the Diagnosis and Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nails.”

I don’t see anywhere that it talks about NATURAL treatment of skin? Don’t see anything advocating for proper diet and lifestyle to promote optimal skin?

Did I miss something?  Did you miss something?

Oh, I see what we’re missing…. the money!

Earlier, before we listed off over twenty pharmaceutical companies donating to the AAD, we reminded you what the definition of the pejorative “Tool” was…remember?

“Tool is a slang term that refers to an insecure person, usually male, who is controlled by others.”

Crazy question here–do you think these pharmaceutical companies have any influence over one of our oldest and most influential associations for skin health?

When you’re a drug company (hammer), everything starts to look like a nail (drugs will fix it). Combine this level of Corporate financial support with the fact that over 75% of the television ad spend in recent years has come from Big Pharma and you’ve got a winning formula to sell more products.

Did you know that over 95% of prescription skin creams are water-based? Did you know that these creams contain biome-disrupting compounds and preservatives that can alter your hormones?

Could there be a better way? 

Or at least one less wrought with corporate interests?