Common Skincare Myths

5 Misconceptions about skincare debunked

by Susan Van Dyke

Have you ever bought skin care with “natural” ingredients because you thought it was better for your skin? Are you still using a three-step skin care system that requires a toner? Or, do you think your skin is fully protected with sunscreen alone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are falling victim to some of today’s most common beauty myths. Despite the heightened beauty knowledge most women have today, there are still some bogus skin care beliefs out there that need to be debunked. Stay skin care savvy and let go of your beloved beauty blunders.

MYTH: Toner is an essential part of skin care regimens.

TRUTH: Toners are not necessary. Toners were originally created to clean off excess debris and soap residue. Today’s advanced facial cleanser formulas already achieve the same outcome toners were originally intended to accomplish. Hence, if a skin care line claims the need for a toner, the cleanser may not be doing its job.

The only exception to the “no toner” rule is for skin that’s super oily. Using a mild toner will not hinder the effectiveness of a skin care regimen, but be sure to read the ingredients and stay away from alcohol-based toners that can dry out skin.

MYTH: Sunscreen is sufficient for UV ray protection.

TRUTH: For adequate protection, the skin needs more than just a sunscreen. A daily SPF of 30 or higher is a must, but also look for antioxidants, which are equally essential. Sunscreen only partially blocks or absorbs the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays before they hit the skin, but antioxidants go one step further and neutralize the destructive molecules in the skin generated by UV rays that escape the sunscreen blockade.

Coffeeberry, vitamin C and idebenone are some of the antioxidants found in good skin care products. For the most potent formulations, look for medical grade lines. If you’re avoiding the sun to prevent sun damage and premature aging of the skin, getting adequate vitamin D in your diet or in a vitamin D supplement is a must. Be sure to follow recommended guidelines.

MYTH: Drinking more water improves the skin’s complexion.

TRUTH: Drinking lots of water will not necessarily make the skin healthier. While drinking water is essential for good health and hydration, excess water intake does not improve the skin’s complexion. If dry skin is a problem, topical moisturizers work best. That’s because good moisturizers contain ingredients that attract moisture from the environment as well as the skin’s deeper layers. Ingredients known as humectants are a must. Look for products containing glycerin, hylauronic acid, sorbitol, ammonium lactate and urea.

The best way to get moisture into the skin is to apply a lotion or cream while the skin is still damp from cleansing. The moisture is “locked in” by the humectants and “sealed” by a second type of moisturizer—emollients—which are sometimes listed as oils or waxes. When properly formulated, these do a great job and do not cause breakouts.

MYTH: Being overweight is the main cause of cellulite.

TRUTH: There are many causes for cellulite; being overweight is not one of them. While carrying extra weight can cause cellulite to appear worse, factors such as age, poor circulation, genetics and decreased firmness of the skin are the true primary causes of cellulite.

Ninety percent of women will have cellulite— even those who are perfectly fit and healthy. This is because cellulite is mainly created by a loss of elasticity in the connective tissue under the skin, not enlarged fat cells. Essentially, fat in cellulite gets trapped in the mesh of connective tissue and creates those annoying dimples. This is why thin woman can still have cellulite and larger woman can be dimple-free.

You can’t fight nature, but cellulite can be improved. Cellulite reduction treatments can enhance the blood flow, firm the connective tissue, shrink fat cells, reduce cellular fluid retention and increase collagen. Ask your dermatologist about new treatment options.

MYTH: Skin care products with “natural” ingredients are best.

TRUTH: While natural foods are good for the body, there isn’t sufficient evidence that natural skin care products are better for the skin. In fact, many organic products have a short shelf life and can harm the skin if the product expires. Products made from fruits and vegetables may even tend to irritate the skin. Nutritional food items such as tomatoes, chili peppers, apples, spinach or mushrooms have been appearing in skin care lines, but products containing these ingredients won’t mimic their traditional nutritional benefits when used topically.

The key to remember is that it is not the whole fruit or vegetable that is beneficial to the skin, but the natural chemicals found within them. Instead of looking for the edible ingredient, look for antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that nourish and protect the skin.

Susan Van Dyke, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale who has performed more than 10,000 non-invasive cosmetic procedures and is typically one of the first to launch the latest proven therapies in cosmetic medicine nationwide.

www.VanDykeLaser.com
480.948.5045