Think you know a lot about skin and skin care? You might be surprised how much “common knowledge” about keeping your skin clear and healthy isn't true.
Here, we debunk 10 common skin myths.
1. The right skin cream could make your skin look younger.
There are a whole bunch of skin treatments that claim to aid you look younger or slow the aging process. To reduce wrinkles, the topical treatment with the most effective evidence behind it's retinoic acid (as in Retin-A). Over-the-counter products contain retinoic acid, but it surely's hard to say whether one is healthier than the opposite. But the most effective strategy to keep wrinkles at bay is to make use of sunscreen, to not smoke.
2. Antibacterial soap is great for keeping your skin clean.
Bacteria are frequently present on the skin. It is inconceivable to maintain your skin completely freed from bacteria for any length of time. In fact, many experts are concerned that using antibacterial soaps can result in more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial soap shouldn't be mandatory for each day use. Regular soap is effective. Thorough and frequent hand washing, not antibacterial soap, helps prevent the spread of infection.
3. Eating chocolate or oily foods results in oily skin and pimples.
The truth is that an oily substance called sebum causes pimples. It is product of skin and hides. In fact, there is no such thing as a evidence that any specific food causes pimples.
4. Tanning is bad for you.
Spending an excessive amount of time within the sun or in a tanning booth can increase the chance of skin cancer, especially if sunscreen shouldn't be used. Skin cancer risk is related to total lifetime sun exposure and frequency of sunburn. Excessive tanning also damages the skin, causing wrinkles and premature aging.
But developing a light-weight or gradual tan through frequent, but careful, sun exposure shouldn't be dangerous. As long as you're taking precautions—equivalent to using a sunscreen of not less than SPF 30, applying it well and reapplying when mandatory, and avoiding intense sun exposure—a light-weight tan with No irritation, no warning signs.
5. Tanning is nice for you.
People often associate a deep tan with the glow of excellent health. But there is no such thing as a evidence that dark-skinned individuals are healthier than light-skinned people. Although sun exposure has health advantages. Sunlight prompts vitamin D within the skin. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and can also reduce the chance of certain cancers and boost immune function. Depending on how much vitamin D you're getting in your weight loss plan, an absence of sunlight can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency.
6. The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the higher.
Above a certain level, a high sun protection factor (SPF) has little additional profit over a low SPF. Experts generally recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of not less than 30, which blocks 97 percent of UVB radiation. If you propose to be outside for greater than two to 3 hours, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it might be price the next SPF. But in most situations, the next SPF is probably not definitely worth the extra cost.
7. A barely visible scar is the mark of an excellent surgeon.
A surgeon's true skill is demonstrated by his actions. between Incision making and closure. While surgeons routinely pay more attention to facial incisions (using thinner sutures, placing stitches closer together, or avoiding sutures altogether if possible), the looks of the scar may affect you. says little about your surgeon's skill.
8. Vitamin E will fade blemishes.
There is little evidence to support this claim. If you have got concerns in regards to the appearance of the scar, discuss with your surgeon or dermatologist. There are many options for improving the looks of scars, including laser treatments.
9. Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
There are a number of risk factors for varicose veins, but crossing your legs is not one of them. Heredity is one of the most important – an estimated 80% of people who have a parent with varicose veins have a parent with the condition. Other factors that predispose a person to varicose veins include smoking, inactivity, high blood pressure, pregnancy, obesity, and working in a job that requires standing for long periods of time. If you already have varicose veins, elevating your legs and using compression stockings may help. But keeping your legs “uncrossed” won't prevent or improve the condition.
10. Scalp massage can prevent baldness.
There is not any evidence that scalp massage prevents baldness, because it is tempting to consider.
If you notice anything unusual about your skin or are concerned about keeping your skin healthy, discuss with your doctor or dermatologist. And if you happen to hear someone repeating these skin myths, you possibly can set them straight.
Photo: iStock