20 Face Place Skin Care Myth Busters

MYTH   vs   FACT

1. Cucumbers Help Reduce Puffiness Around The Eyes

The principle ingredient in cucumbers is 90% water with the balance being inert fiber. They can be soothing and hydrate skin temporarily. The same results can be obtained from a cold compress.

2. Skin Pores Open and Close

Pores are openings in the skin that allow oils (sebum)to reach the surface. If pores open and appear larger, this can be due to dead cells, genetics or scarring from squeezing blemishes.

3. The Higher the SPF Rating in Sunscreen, the Better

A Higher SPF rating gives a false sense of security.  Higher SPF’s are only marginally more protective. For instance, SPF 30 has only 2% more protection than SPF 15.  SPF 40 has 1% more than SPF 30.  The key is to use a sunscreen with both Chemical and Physical Blockers, plus antioxidants, and reapply every 2 hours. Stick with SPF 30.

4. Layering Several Products with SPF Ratings Increases Protection

You are only protected to the extent of the highest-rated product, not the total sum.

5. Topical Creams Containing Collagen Can Replace Collagen

There is a lack of evidence that the topical application of collagen or elastin can penetrate the dermis, even when using nanotechnology. They can provide moisture to the epidermis, but only injections are conclusively effective.

6. Using Larger Quantities of a Product will Yield Better Results

Less is more. Normally, a pea-sized amount of facial product will do the trick. Excessive amounts can cause skin problems and waste money.

7. Natural and Organic Products Are Always Better

Many natural and organic products are not as they claim. Often, active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more effective. Natural vs. laboratory-processed should not be the deciding factor in whether a product is good or bad. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural or organic ingredients are good.

8. Preservatives in Skin Care Products are Bad/Unnatural

Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other organisms that can deteriorate a product’s effectiveness, spoil the product itself, or allow harmful bacteria to get on or in the skin. Although there is concern about the use of parabens, the research is not definitive that topical application leads to harmful accumulations. Further study is needed. Parabens are found throughout nature. Many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, are naturally full of parabens.

9. Packaging is Not Important

Packaging in skin care is vitally important—not for esthetic reasons, but to protect the efficacy of the ingredients. Wide-mouth jars, transparent containers and pumps that are not airless all pose problems in keeping ingredients safe and potent.

10. Chocolate and Greasy Foods Cause Acne

Eating chocolate does not cause acne. Hormonal factors, bacteria and skin cells are at the root of problematic skin, and stress can exacerbate flareups.

11. Blackheads are Caused by Improperly Cleansed Skin

Blackheads or comedones are caused by clogged pores. Blackheads often contain dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that need to be removed. Excessive scrubbing can irritate and further inflame skin. Products that help dissolve sebum are the most effective.

12. Drying Problematic or Oily Skin Clears Up Acne

The opposite is true. When skin becomes too dry, it responds by producing more oil.

Use drying products sparingly, and look to lightly moisturize oily skin. The goal is to keep skin balanced.

13. Indoor Tanning is Safe

The argument that tanning beds and booths do not cause skin mutations that may lead to cancerous lesions is patently false. UVA rays found in indoor tanning lead to deeper, more harmful damage. You do not have to have a sunburn to create damage to skin cells.

14. Skin Damage and Signs of Aging Can Be Cleared Up Quickly

If a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet its claims are false. The damage did not happen overnight, and it can”t be magically repaired. Expect at least 3 skin cycles (approx. 30 days per cycle depending on age) to begin to see measurable results.

15. All Alcohol in Skin Products is Bad

Some compounds that contain alcohol can act as emollients, which can help to decrease the skin’s water loss. Cetyl, benzyl and oleyl alcohol are examples of good alcohols. It is important to know what comes before the OH in chemical compounds.

16. Skin Care Products Can Last 3 or More Years

Despite a number of claims to the contrary, most skin care products lose a great deal of their potency within 12 months. It’s best to use the entire contents within one year. Preservatives do not last forever, and ingredients can get contaminated with bacteria.

17. Strong Scrubs, Soaps and Abrasives are Good For Your Skin

Too much scrubbing or too many abrasive products can remove protective oils, create tiny micro tears and contribute to aging, irritated skin. Less is more.

18. Vitamin A Thins the Skin

Actually, the reverse is true. Skin can become thin due to a lack of vitamin A, which helps create new, healthy skin cells. Vitamin A is arguably the most important skin care ingredient, bar none. It is one of the few—if not the only—ingredients that is backed by more than 50 years of objective, scientific research supporting its effectiveness.

19. The Only Form of Vitamin C that works is L-Ascorbic Acid

L-ascorbic acid only remains in its most potent state for a limited time. A new era in Vitamin C formulations, one of the best antioxidants for your skin, has arrived. Several

forms have been developed that are not water-based. This means they can better penetrate the skin and remain more potent for longer periods of time.

20. There Is One Antioxidant Ingredient That is The  Best

Every year, there is a hot, newly discovered antioxidant that is touted as the best, but this is not true. A cocktail of antioxidants provides better results than just one. Seek products containing a plethora of antioxidants.