We’re all interested in having better and younger-looking skin, which means that when we find out something that might help our skin, we’re likely to try it. But the skincare world is filled with many myths that end up creating confusion and may ultimately do more harm than good. Here are 5 skin care myths and the realities behind them.
Myth: Expensive skin care products are better than mass market ones.
Reality: There has never been definitive proof that a certain price point of product works better than its cheaper alternatives. It’s more likely that the facial product industry works like every other industry: people are willing to pay more for certain brands because of the name alone. You should test a wide variety of products and use what works best for you, regardless of price.
Myth: You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny out.
Reality: Potentially harmful UVA and UVB rays are present on cloudy days just like they’re present on sunny days. To protect your skin and keep it looking young, you should use sunscreen anytime you’re planning to spend a length of time outdoors.
Myth: Frequent washing is a good way to deal with oily skin.
Reality: Your skin will produce a certain amount of oil to stay healthy. If you frequently strip away your skin’s essential oils, your body will likely compensate by creating even more oil. Stop the cycle be washing your face at most twice a day and putting on a moisturizer right after so your skin feels hydrated and doesn’t begin to produce even more oil, exacerbating the problem.
Myth: X food causes acne.
Reality: We actually know very little about how skin relates to our diet, aside from the fact that a healthy diet is best for our bodies overall. With that being said, if you have personal experience with how your skin reacts to a particular kind of food, you should use that knowledge and avoid foods you know will make you break out.
Myth: Higher SPF sunscreen protects your skin for longer.
Reality: The SPF of a sunscreen indicates its blocking strength (as in, what percentage of UVA and UVB rays it will let through: SPF15 screens out about 93 percent of UVB light, SPF30 filters out 97 percent), but is not an indication of longevity. All sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be reapplied every couple of hours to ensure maximum effectiveness and coverage.
We hope the realities behind these skin care myths will help you attain healthier and younger looking skin. If you think your skin may benefit from a non-invasive procedure such as Botox or tissue fillers, contact us to schedule an appointment today!
