There’s a lot of information out there about skin care. But not all of it is true. The best sources for accurate skin care information are dermatologists. Fort Morgan area dermatologists, like Front Range Dermatology Associates, will help you sort through the information to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your skin.
Here are five skin care myths that many people believe.
Myth: Skin conditions and wrinkles are genetic.
If your grandma had great skin, it’s in your genes, and you don’t need to worry about skin care treatments. But if your mom had wrinkles, you’re destined to have wrinkles, and there’s nothing you can do about it. That’s not true! There are lots of factors that contribute to skin conditions and wrinkles, and genes are just one small part. Scientists compared the skin of identical twins and found that lifestyle choices like smoking, exercise, and sun exposure had a large impact on their skin.
Myth: You only need sunscreen on sunny days.
It’s a common notion that you don’t need to apply sunscreen if it’s cloudy outside. But in reality, harmful UVA and UVB rays can be even more potent when the sun isn’t out. UV radiation can penetrate through clouds and still reach the earth’s surface. For the best skin results, get in the habit of applying a gentle sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling protected with just makeup with SPF. The amount of SPF protection in those kinds of makeup is nothing compared to actually putting on sunscreen. Click here for more tips on how to wear sunscreen.
Myth: Skin treatments must burn to be effective.
Many people think that a treatment only works if it burns or hurts. They scrub hard with exfoliants and use burning toner to try to get clear skin. However, the truth is that a gentle hand is actually more effective in cleaning skin. Using products and techniques that cause skin to burn and hurt can do more harm than good. Some products provide a gentle tingle, but stinging or burning isn’t normal. If a product causes your skin to burn, you should wash it off right away, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Myth: Eating unhealthy and oily foods causes acne.
There used to be an old wives’ tale that eating chocolate caused acne. Other people think that eating greasy foods like hamburgers and potato chips can cause your skin to break out. In reality, the oil that causes acne is made and secreted by the skin. Experts haven’t found any evidence that certain foods cause acne. However, eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can make you healthier overall, which has been proven to have a positive impact on skin.
Myth: The higher the SPF, the better the sunscreen.
Many people believe that using the highest SPF sunscreen possible means their skin will be even more protected. However, once you hit a certain level of SPF, adding more SPF doesn’t have much added benefit. There’s definitely a difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30, but it doesn’t change much beyond that point. Experts recommend an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB rays. Additional SPF only blocks out less than 1% more of harmful rays, but it can make sunscreen much more expensive. If you’re going to be in direct sun for an extended period of time, using a high SPF and reapplying can be a smart move, but for most everyone else, SPF around 30 will provide enough protection. Click here for more skincare myths.
Understanding the truth about skin care can help keep your skin in great condition and allow you to focus on what really has the biggest impact on your skin.