Debunking Common Skin Care Misconception
We have all heard the seemingly endless list of old wives’ tales: do not cross your eyes or they will stay that way; if you crack your knuckles you will get arthritis. And when it comes to skin care, a surprising amount of fables still abound. With an ever-increasing desire to improve the health and appearance of your skin, it’s time to set the record straight.
In order to separate fact from fiction, we have compiled some of the most pervasive falsehoods and a few enlightening truths regarding the largest organ in the body. Whether you are 15 or 50, it is important to know the realities of skin care in order to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. So read on, and help dispel these skin myths!
Myth No.1
Cucumbers contain special ingredients to treat puffy eyes and under eye bags.
This age-old home remedy is tried, but not true. Cucumber slices may feel refreshing, but these greens do not contain special ingredients to reduce under eye bags and puffiness. Although the high water content found in cucumbers can sometimes decrease swelling, coconut extract and organic liquid crystals are far more effective at replenishing natural reserves and nourishing the skin around the eye area. Professional skin care treatments are generally the best solution for dark circles and puffy eyes, as they are specially formulated to hydrate, condition and repair delicate eye skin with potent, clinically tested ingredients.
Myth No.2
A good cleanser should foam on the skin.
Many of us believe that if your cleanser foams, it is working. Not only is this false, but it is hazardous to your health. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a highly effective foaming agent—chemically known as a surfactant—that is found in 90 percent of all commercial soaps and shampoos. But beware: that foaming sensation comes at the price of potentially harmful, long-term side effects including skin damage, cataracts and liver toxicity. Due to its abrasive chemical makeup, SLS is also found in floor cleaners, laundry detergents and engine degreasers. So, the next time you wash your face, make sure your cleanser does not belong in your laundry room or garage.;
Myth No. 3
Sunscreen is not required during the winter.
Despite popular belief, overcast skies do not exempt you from wearing sunscreen. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of UV rays will penetrate through clouds, leaving your skin vulnerable to the damaging effects of sun exposure, including sunburn, unsightly wrinkles and skin cancer. Snowboarders and skiers heed this warning: snow can reflect up to 85 percent of the UV radiation that reaches it, which means that you may still be exposed when you are in the shade. Furthermore, powerful UVA rays can easily penetrate through windows, so remember to lather up with a double-digit SPF even if you are staying inside. Winter is a time to take extra precaution, not neglect your skin.
Myth No.4
The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry it out.
Wrong! Even oily skin needs moisture. Hydration helps calm, soothe and support the dermal matrix, keeping skin supple and helping to maintain a proper pH balance. Attempting to dry out your complexion will strip the epidermis of its natural, vital oils, leading to rough, flaky skin, clogged pores and inflammation. Rather than scrubbing your face with harsh ingredients, wash with a mild, exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells without over-drying and restore epidermal regularity. Remember, your goal is to bring balance to your skin, not to dehydrate it.
