Skin Care Myths And The Facts That You’re Missing

When it comes to cleaning up appearances and scrubbing away the dirt and oils of the day, there’s no better way to freshen up than to wash your face. This is especially important during teen and young adolescent years when your skin is still deciding which way it would like to go as far as oil distribution goes, but adult and senior years are just as important as wrinkles and dry skin begin creeping into the picture. Don’t get yourself confused or stressed out wondering where this is going; cleaning your skin certainly isn’t rocket science, but there is a little bit of chemistry involved, and if you completely ignore the signals that your skin sends to you then you might wind up damaging it. This is why understanding skin myths and where the truth fits in is so crucial at any stage of life.

You Should Wash More Than Twice Daily

One myth that has lasted decades is that you should always wash your face more than twice a day. Since many people shower in the morning and then need to scrub off makeup or sweat before bed at night, it makes sense that you should clean your skin at least twice, but more than that can actually damage tissue and dry it out, leaving you open to cracks, wrinkles, and spots. Fox News reports: “Overzealous face washing, whether more than twice a day or with products that leave your skin as tight as a drum, can actually cause damage, said Dr. Cheryl Karcher, a dermatologist in New York City. “

Of course, this can differ from day to day if you’re heading out to the gym for an intense workout, or you apply heavy face paint for a costume party that you’re attending, but on a regular no nonsense kind of day you might want to limit exposure to water and soaps. What happens as you wash your face is that you actually suck out your skin’s natural oils and wash them away. While this can leave you feeling pretty fresh faced and toned, all of that tightness is a message from your skin, begging for rehydration.

Botox Prevents Wrinkles

Okay, yes, it’s true that treatments such as Botox can smooth out wrinkled foreheads by relaxing the muscles in this region, but what must be remembered is that this isn’t permanent. There’s never been any actual scientific proof that this kind of procedure can prevent aging in the long run. Although it seems reasonable to believe that halting activation of the muscles in your face would allow your skin to be less stressed, in some cases Botox can leave the patient looking older than before, and in certain cases, can even cause features to seem strained and unrealistic.

Hydrate To Prevent Dry Skin

You should drink water every day and lots of it if you want your skin to stay smooth and healthy, this is true. But hydration like this doesn’t necessarily prevent your skin from drying out, especially in the winter when cold air can cause redness and chapped skin all over. You need to protect your skin to keep it soft and hold the water that’s already there inside where it belongs. Hydrating yourself can only go so far, if you’re not protecting it so that it isn’t stripped away by the elements then it’s almost pointless. Natalie Nyhus of CBS News From Minnesota reports: “While drinking water is obviously the way to prevent dehydration inside your body, it is a myth to think that it’s going to keep your skin moist, Prischmann said.”

You need to think about creams, lotions, and covering up from the elements by using sunscreen, hats, scarves, and other tools that have been created to give your skin a fighting chance.

Chocolate Causes Acne

Finally, one of the most well-known and feared myths in relation to skin health is that too much chocolate can cause acne. While it’s true that too much refined sugar in your diet can cause some chemical imbalances that might alter your skin’s appearance, none of this has been directly linked to chocolate in specific. In fact, there are plenty of sources that suggest chocolate may have healing qualities and health benefits. Katherine of Appetites For Health says: “Preliminary research has actually demonstrated a beneficial impact of cocoa on skin health, measured as improved photo protection and dermal blood circulation, measures of the health of the skin surface and skin hydration.” Think about all of the antioxidants that real dark chocolate boasts, and you’ll suddenly remember that recipe you read in the latest skin care magazine for a do it yourself chocolate face mask. Not only doesn’t this treat for your skin cause acne, but it’s actually known to help prevent premature aging.

Sunscreen Isn’t Necessary If Skin Is Oily

Unfortunately, even the oiliest skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays, even if you’re afraid it might cause an outbreak. One way to fight against clogged pores in this case is by seeking out a lightweight formula that is oil free. Not all moisturizing products will irritate your skin or cause it to become oilier, so don’t worry. It may feel like your skin type won’t get dry or burn, but there’s just as much chance for this to occur if you’re not careful about covering up. Another sunscreen myth is that it isn’t necessary in the winter, but this, too, is far from the truth. In actuality the sun can still cause aging and put you at risk for cancer, whether it’s cloudy and cold or bright and sunny.