Debunking Skin Care Myths
Myths abound about skin care, from recommendations on preventing stretch marks to the proper way to cleanse your face. These old wife’s tales have many experts shaking their heads in disbelief, but also have many believing them. Five common skin care myths are debunked here.
1. A Tanning Bed gives a base tan to protect from summer sun. This dangerous belief is based on the idea that starting your summer tan on a sun bed produces more melanin in your skin which will help protect you from the harm done by the summer sun. Not only is this absolute nonsense, it is a dangerous belief. Tanning beds emit the same UVA rays that make the sun dangerous, and cause premature aging and skin cancer.
2. Application of olive oil can prevent pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused when the sub-surfaces of the dermis split, usually due to expansion of the skin beyond its elasticity ability. This can occur during pregnancy or because of excessive weight gain. There are no topical preparations that will prevent this scarring from occurring. A healthy diet, hydration and regular exercise are the best ways to ensure your dermis remains healthy and retains its elasticity.
3. You can stay in the sun longer if you use a higher SPF sunscreen. Believe it or not, an SPF of 15 will block about 93% of harmful UV rays. A 40 SPF only blocks 97% of rays - an increase of only 3%. A higher SPF does not last longer than a lower one, and should be re-applied as regularly as a lower SPF sunscreen. Make sure your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and put it on before you go into the sun.
4. People with dark skin tones don’t need sunscreen. Not only is this hogwash, it is very dangerous. Increased levels of melanin cause darker skin tones. Although darker complexions, such as olive toned Mediterranean or Negro ancestry, results in higher concentrations of melanin, it does not make one impervious to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Although the risk for skin cancers from sun exposure is slightly less than someone with a fair complexion, it is still present for those with darker skin tones. All must avail themselves of sunscreen protection prior to exposing themselves to harmful rays.
5. Eating chocolate will give you acne. Acne is not caused by anything you eat. Acne occurs when the dead cells that your skin sheds stick together and block gland openings. This causes a back up of the oils that naturally occur in your skin. Bacteria on the skin react to this and make the condition worse. One type of food is not going to cause acne, but a healthy diet will promote a healthier skin and body.
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