Whether rooted in tradition, attested to by your best friend or perpetuated by the beauty industry, here are 5 top skin care myths:
Myth 1: Skin Pores Open and Close. Unlike doors, skin pores cannot open and close. However, they can become clogged with oil and dirt, which may make them appear larger. Ingredients including salicylic acid and retinoids (as found in Green Cream) can help.
Myth 2: The Higher The SPF Rating The Better. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a rating for the amount of UVB protection that a sunscreen delivers. It does not guarantee UVA protection as well. UVA rays penetrate deeper and are responsible for wrinkles, age spots, rough, leathery skin and some types of skin cancers. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as broad spectrum with photostable ingredients including Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. Anthelios sunscreens deliver.
Myth 3: Natural and Organic Products Are Better. Not necessarily true. The organic products industry isn’t regulated so watch out for misleading marketing and labeling. Ingredients derived from nature aren’t always safe and/or effective and can skin irritation just as easily as those that are synthetic. In addition, some natural/organic skin care products lack adequate preservation systems, which could impair their safety.
Myth 4: Tanning Beds Are Safe. Tanning beds release the deeper penetrating UVA rays, which can lead to longer lasting skin damage. You may not burn, but you will be harming your skin. In fact, irecent research has linked ndoor tanning with an increased risk for developing melanoma.
Myth 5: Facial Exercises Can Help To Tone Skin. Repetitive motions (as you’d get with facial exercises) promote the development of wrinkles.
