Skin Care Myths

Lots of skin care myths float around with regard to your skin and the best way to care for it.  Here are ten of the most common myths and the truth that lies behind them.

1. Expensive is Better
Not necessarily. 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
Sales people are just what they imply, they are there to sell you "stuff".  Most often they are not estheticians and will just repeat the marketing material they receive 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 - They may be kept in check, and you can certainly improve the appearance of wrinkles, there are several good products that can help with that, but there is not way to completely and permanently remove wrinkles.

5. Cellulite Cream works
Whatever you do, don't get sucked in by the cellulite cure. Science has come a long way but the disappearance of cellulite has not been achieved with topical creams or lotions.  I can say, however that there is a cellulite treatment that can smooth away dimpled skin by 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.  Anything other types of treatments, particularly topical creams won't do a thing for you.

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 vital part of its overall maintenance. If you dry the skin too much, it can become irritated and scaly while remaining oily. This irritation and over-drying often contributes to acne as the oil becomes trapped beneath the dry, flaky layer and becomes a source of inflammation.

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.
The food you eat does not cause acne. A very popular skin care myth. Contrary to popular belief, your body does not absorb the oils and grease from food. 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. The benefits of ultraviolet rays on acne are theoretical, based on hunches that cite UV light's ability to decrease bacteria. You're really better of avoiding the sun as the damage it does will show up as you get older.

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