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Six Skin Myths You’ve Fallen For

With thousands of skincare products and treatments available, it’s easy to believe quality skin care comes in a bottle. Today’s buzzwords of ‘antioxidants’ and 'all natural mineral' treatments sound like perfect solutions for dozens of skin problems, but they may be nothing more than marketing hype.

Dermatologists and skincare specialists still recommend drinking lots of water and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for healthy skin, but there are also a number of skin myths that have many of us stuck in a cycle of poor skincare habits.

From greasy food causing acne to wearing mineral makeup for better skin health, here are just six skin myths you may have fallen for:

Skin Myth #1: Wrinkles are a result of dry skin. Today’s anti-winkle serums, moisturizers and topical treatments tout the benefits of aloe, shea butter, and other ingredients that moisturize and protect dry skin, but there is no evidence that wrinkles are actually a result of dry skin. Wrinkles are caused by a number of factors including sun damage, smoking, and the aging process and very little can be done with over the counter topical treatments. Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels are just two options for reducing wrinkles and keeping skin looking healthy.

Skin Myth #2: All natural mineral makeup is the best choice. Cosmetic companies are now touting the benefits of ‘all-natural’ makeup, claiming that botanicals and plant extracts are the key to healthy skin. However, many of these brands still contain a significant amount of chemicals and additives that have similar properties and benefits as standard brands.

Skin Myth #3:  Greasy food is causing your breakouts. Many people still believe eating greasy pizza, fried foods, and even chocolate is the trigger for acne and other skin problems. Dr. Sidney Hurwitz, M.D. clinical professor of pediatrics and dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut says there is no real link between food and acne breakouts. Still, some people may have an allergic reaction to different types of food that causes skin inflammation, and a few modifications in the diet may help. (Source: Mothernature.com)  

Skin Myth #4: Chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing procedures are one-time treatment sessions. While some chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing treatments can improve the skin after just one session, most require ongoing visits for maximum results. Both types of facial rejuvenation procedures accelerate cell turnover so that your skin naturally starts to renew itself and generates fresh new cells. You can expect dramatic results after at least 2-3 treatments.

Skin Myth #5: Tanning is safe with the right sunscreen. Any excessive exposure to sunlight and tanning booths puts you at risk for sun damage, and even sunscreen may not protect your skin 100%. Tanning booths are also much more harmful than a sun-kissed glow, and risk factors for malignant melanoma and skin cancers increase tenfold. Using sunscreen is just one way to protect the skin, but limiting sun exposure time and wearing light-colored clothing can also reduce many health risks associated with tanning.

Skin Myth #6:  Going without makeup is healthier for you. Wearing a thin veil of makeup each day may actually protect your skin from harmful pollutants in the environment, and non-comedogenic products can help your skin stay moist and supple. Contrary to the mantra of letting your skin ‘breathe,’ oxygen is provided by blood vessels – not the air outside.

Taking good care of your skin often involves more than a consistent skincare regiment, but there are many skin myths that may be sabotaging the health and appearance of your skin. Going without makeup, tanning at the tanning salon, and wasting money on moisturizing treatments could be standing in the way of healthy and vibrant skin.

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