We don’t want to live in a world where we can’t tell the truth from a tale. This goes for all aspects of life, including skincare. Magazines, journals and the internet produce much conflicting skincare information. So, it’s no easy task divide fact and fiction. Sometimes our sources seem so authoritative that we feel they must be true. But when they are scrutinized, we often find their authoritative facade can be shattered and truth exposed.
So, let us do some skincare myth busting for you, revealing five fictions that obscure skin-health facts.
1. Fiction: Eating at the “Greasy Spoon” Causes Acne
Many teen blogs still perpetuate the myth that eating at your favorite greasy breakfast from the neighborhood dive causes acne.
Fact: Greasy, fried foods do not cause acne.
While the constant ingestion of such foods may not be healthy overall, the connection to acne is scientifically nil. However, Mayo Clinic indicates working in a greasy kitchen with fry vats can cause acne, because the oil can stick to the skin, blocking the hair follicles. This atmosphere irritates the skin and can certainly promote acne. While the Greasy Spoon may not produce pimples, Mayo Clinic states that eating dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as and chips, may indeed trigger acne.
2. Fiction: Skin Type Dictates your Skincare Regimen
The aisles of our pharmacies and the counters of our favorite cosmetic sections are filled with products that indicate which products are for “dry skin” and which are for “oily skin.” The assumption is your skin type must dictate your skincare regime. But this is merely a half-truth. Yes, your skin type should in part dictate your skincare routine but not solely.
Fact: Skin Type & Climate dictate your Skincare Regime
Both climate and seasonal variations in weather play a crucial role in determining what constitutes a healthy skin care regimen for you. For example, most people’s skin responds very differently to hot, humid climates than to hot, desert climates. To keep your skin healthy and radiant in various regions and during all seasons, consider how your skin responds to each. For instance, does your skin produce more sweat, oil and acne in one climate versus another? Then adjust your skincare regimen to meet those needs.
3. Fiction: Celebrity-Endorsed Skincare Products are Best
None of us want to believe that we are swayed by celebrity endorsement of skincare lines. However, we must admit that some actresses’ stories about how a big-brand product did wonders for their skin are pretty compelling. Let’s face it, we are often even moved to buy the product because of a star’s “real life” story. We begin to think, “If it worked for her, it will work for me!”
Fact: Celebrities Are Paid to Endorse Lots of Products
Consider this example: Just because Proactiv has allegedly helped celebrity Sarah Michelle Geller, who is better known as, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, does not mean it will work for everyone. Rationally, we know that most stars are paid to endorse products. This introduces the very good possibility of bias in favor of that product into the celebrity’s story. Additionally, even if it’s true that a product was successful for Buffy, does not mean it will be as effective for you. Bottom line: Read a range of Neutrogena, Clearasil and Proactive reviews, among others, before purchasing.
4. Fiction: On Cloudy Days, Leave Off the Sunscreen
On days when it’s overcast and clouds darken our doorstep, many of us think that we can take a break from the sunscreen. It is just another layer of lotion we don’t really need to put on, right? Wrong!
Fact: In Rain or Shine, Wear Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater should be applied every day, including overcast days. Seventy to eighty percent of the sun’s rays stream through clouds as well as fog. Cancer-causing Ultra Violet Radiation levels rise by about 4 to 5 percent for every 1000 feet of altitude, even if it’s cloudy up there. Also, reflection from objects like sand, water, snow or concrete magnifies their effects by up to 80 percent. In addition to sunscreen, the American Cancer Society has excellent tips for protecting yourself from UV rays.
5. Fiction: Exfoliation = Healthy & Younger-looking Skin
Various skincare experts prescribe twice-a-day exfoliation to shed dead skin cells and reveal a fresh layer of skin. Some argue exfoliation is a key to youthful-looking skin. Is this true? Not exactly.
Fact: Depending on Skin Sensitivity, Exfoliation will Vary
Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, twice-a-day exfoliation may do you more harm than good. As the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states: “Evaluate before you Exfoliate.” In other words, be sure to evaluate your skin type before choosing whether to exfoliate and what type of exfoliation method to use. Methods could include mechanical (e.g. microdermabrasion), chemical peels as well as scrubs and sponges. For those with inflammatory acne (e.g. cysts) or other conditions like rosacea, aggressive forms of exfoliation may make a condition worse or cause infection. For those with thick, oily skin, home exfoliation scrubs might safely be done twice a day. Those with sensitive, dry skin, however, should likely limit home treatments to once or twice a week. The AAD has additional excellent recommendations regarding exfoliation.
Now that we’ve shattered some skincare myths, you can bid adieu to damaging skincare fictions, and say hello to healthier and happier skin. And that’s a fact!
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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