Skin Myths - Article 2

Table of Contents

Skin Myths

We live in the age of information, unfortunately a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing! We all get exposed to commercials and ads trying to get us to buy the latest cure-all and “wonder” products. Here are a few facts to help decipher the facts from the myths…

Myth #1: You’re either born with great skin or you are not

Genetics play a role in how your skin looks, from the size of your pores to its texture and color. Habits and the environment have the biggest impact on the skin, however. A proper skin maintenance regimen including the daily use of a gentle cleanser, weekly exfoliation with a scrub and daily moisturizing can go a long way towards great skin. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and other environmental pollutants such as smoke can also positively affect the health of the skin. While it doesn’t hurt to have great genes, we can still have great skin if we put in the effort!

Myth # 2: I have normal/oily skin so I don’t need to moisturize

Moisturizer does not add oil to the skin – it hydrates – making water molecules move into the skin cells making them more plump, healthier and softer. Oily skin needs frequent cleansing to remove excess oils and secretions followed by the application of a moisturizer.

Myth # 3: Bar soap is a good facial cleanser

The ingredients used to make bar soap are usually too harsh for facial use. The cleansing agents are generally too drying and irritating for most skin types. While it may make your skin feel squeaky clean, the reality is that you’ve stripped away essential oils and moisture from the surface of your skin. The best way to clean your face is with a water-soluble cleanser.

Myth #4 : Applying cream at night prevents the skin from breathing

Most of the skin’s self repairing activity occurs at night. Moisture nourishment at this time maximizes these benefits, supplying essential rejuvenating substances through absorbtion into the skin cells. Your skin is nourished from oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood rather than from outside air.

Myth # 5: The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry it out

Keeping your skin balanced and clean is the goal, not drying the skin out. Oil production in the skin is a vital part of its natural maintenance. If you dry the skin too much it can become irritated causing it to become dull or scaly on the surface. The skin needs to remain supple and moisturized not dried out and flaky. A sensible cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing regimen is the best way to ensure balanced, clean skin.

Myth # 6: The SPF number tells you how much protection you are getting

The SPF number gives you a guide to how much UVB protection you are getting. An SPF15 means you are getting 15 times more protection against UVB rays than if you went without sunscreen. The problem is the sun emits two types of damaging radiation: UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn to the outer skin layers. UVA rays penetrate deeper and can cause tissue damage and potentially melanoma. All sunscreens protect from UVB rays, but you should look for a sunscreen with additional UVA protecting ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Use prior to going out in the sun and reapply often.

Myth # 7: Your skin pores open and close

One of the oldest wives’ tales of all. A pore is an opening in the skin that allows oils/sebum to flow to the surface in order to keep the skin supple. They do not open and close like doors, however. If your pores appear larger than usual, it is usually caused by dead skin cells which have built up in the pore. That is why it is important to clean the skin properly, exfoliate weekly, and moisturize regularly.

Myth # 8: Acne is caused by what you eat

Acne is caused by over production of oil/sebum and obstruction of the pores. The amount of oil/sebum produced by the skin is regulated by hormones not by food. Even chocolate, fast foods and soda have no effect on the hormones that regulate sebum production.

Myth # 9: Men don’t have as many skin problems as women

Men wrinkle as much as women and they get skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and psoriasis just like women. It is just as important for men to concern themselves with sun protection, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing as it is for women.

Myth # 10 : The more expensive the skin care product, the better it is

Cost is not necessarily an indication of effectiveness. Check label lists for the key ingredients that you are looking for in a product, try samples and find what works best for you. You may find that some inexpensive products may be just as good or better than the more costly ones. Sometimes product price is driven more from the high cost of advertising, marketing and celebrity “spokespeople” than from what is actually in the product!