Skin Care Myths

 Here are eleven of the most common skin care myths and the truth that lies behind them.

1. Expensive is Better

Not true. There are some GREAT inexpensive products and some TERRIBLE products that are very expensive.

Don't think that just because you are spending a lot of money, you are getting a better product. If you find a product that you think will work for you, research it or try a free sample if available.

2. Acne and black heads are caused by dirt.

False:  Acne comes form sebum, dead skin cells and bacterial clogging your pores.  The dark color of blackheads isn't dirt, but rather the coloring of the dead cells at the top of the clogged pores.

3. Department store cosmetics sales people are the experts

Not always true. Sales people are just what they imply, they are there to sell you their "stuff". 

Most often they are not estheticians and are just repeating the marketing material they get from the manufacturers. 

Don't be sucked into heavy sales pitches, do your homework and start with products that don't make outrageous claims and have a good track record.

4. You can permanently erase wrinkles

False. They may be kept in check, and you can certainly improve the appearance of wrinkles, in fact there are several good anti-aging skin care products that can help with that, but there is not way to completely and permanently remove wrinkles.

5. Cellulite Cream works

False.  Science has come a long way with helping get rid of cellulite, but it cellulite can not be lost with topical creams or lotions. 

However, there is a new treatment that can help with losing cellulite by smoothing away dimpled skin using radio frequency and light energies. 

This medical device can effectively re-contour the skin's surface to reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Unfortunately, this is a fairly expensive treatment that can be done only by a professional and follow-up treatments are necessary to keep your skin looking smooth. 

6. The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry it out.

False. There is a difference between oiliness and hydration.

Keeping your skin balanced and clean is the goal, not dry it out.

Oil production in the skin is a natural and important part of keeping it healthy. If you dry out your skin too much, it can become irritated and scaly which can also contribute to acne.  

Just because your skin is oily doesn't mean that it doesn't require some moisture. Moisture on the skin helps it stay supple, which is why it's so important to keep the outer layer of skin both exfoliated and moisturized.

If you have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer.

7. Hypoallergenic is good for sensitive skin

Not always. Hypoallergenic is often is simply the absence of fragrance. That may be a good thing, but it doesn't mean that the facial skincare product does not have any other irritant or sensitizing agent in it.

8. Cucumbers contain a special ingredient that reduces bags under the eyes.
While a cool cucumber may feel relaxing on the eyes, there is no special ingredient that reduces bags. Rather, the cooling effect of the water in the cucumbers, combined with increased humidity, reduces swelling.  Some products, however, do contain cucumber extracts-which in high concentration can help hydrate skin.

9. Chocolate makes you break out

False. The food you eat does not cause acne. That's a very popular skin care myth but contrary to popular belief, the oils and grease from food do not cause acne.

Acne is caused when a gland sheds cells that stick together, plug the gland and form a pimple in the skin and bacteria feeds on this.

10. The sun will help clear up my acne

It's not completely clear yet if this is fact or fiction, however the sun is never good for your skin, especially with the intensity of the UV rays, and due to the hole in our ozone layer which has increased over the years.

11. Vitamin E is the best thing for diminishing scars.

Not actually true. In fact sometimes vitamin E can actually make your scar worse.  Here's more on how to remove scars naturally.

The benefits of ultraviolet rays on acme are theoretical, based on hunches that cite UV light's ability to decrease bacteria. You're really better of avoiding the sun and using sun protection as the damage it does will show up as you get older.

Ignore the skin care myths by eating healthy, using products that work the best with your skin type and moisturize and protect your skin from the sun - daily.