subject: Demystifying Skin Care Myths [print this page] There are so many myths about proper skin care, that it's scary. From old wife's tales about preventing stretch marks during pregnancy to what's mandatory for proper cleansing, the falsehoods that are taken for granted have most dermatologists shaking their heads in discord. According to many skin care specialists, some of these myths can actually lead to skin damage. Here we dispel five of the common fishy tales regarding skin care.
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. Olive Oil will prevent stretch marks from pregnancy. In reality, there is nothing you can apply to the surface of your skin that will prevent stretch marks from appearing. They are a result of the sub-surface splitting due to the skin expanding beyond its elastic capabilities. Usually the result of pregnancy or excessive weight gain, the best way to prevent stretch marks is through a healthy diet, regular exercise and good hydration.
3. A higher SPF lasts longer in the sun. This is another dangerous myth. The difference in protection offered by an SPF of 15 and one of 40 is only 3%, so a higher SPF does not significantly increase your protection. It does not last longer, because the cream is exactly the same, and sweats or washes off the same no matter what the SPF. It is far more important to remember to apply sunscreen all over your body before you go into the sun, and re-apply it regularly, whether you have been swimming or not.
4. You don't need sunscreen if you have dark skin. A darker skin tone, whether a Mediterranean olive-toned complexion or the skin tone of a person of color, does not give the person extra protection from the sun. It only means that they have an increased level of melanin. Although this does decrease the risk of skin cancer from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun, it is only a slight decrease, and people with darker skin tones must use sunscreen and take the same precautions as those with a fairer complexion.
5. Chocolate causes acne. This is one of the most common myths. Food products do not cause acne. Your skin regularly sheds dead cells. In acne, these shed cells can stick together, blocking gland openings, which causes a backup of naturally occurring oils. Then bacteria on the dermis will take advantage of the eruption, making the condition worse. A nutritionally balanced diet will promote overall health, including the dermis, but a single food is never the cause of an acne blow up.
by: Lee Peterson.
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