Fact or Myth on Skin Pt 2

FACT OR MYTH: The higher the SPF, the better the protection.

MYTH :There are three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply, altering your pigmentation to produce a tan. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. These rays also damage your skin's DNA and cause photoaging, pigment changes, and carcinomas (cancerous tumors). UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don't make it to the ground.

The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays or sunburns. Many sunscreens, therefore, need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and one of the following ingredients: mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) for UVA protection, or titanium dioxide.

FACT OR MYTH: It's better to get the pus out of a pimple by popping it.

MYTH :"The truth is, even though it feels really good to release [the pus], a lot of it just goes in deeper," says Johnson. "When it goes in deeper, it causes more inflammation that can lead to scarring and spread under the skin. That's why you'll get another one a few days later close to the first one."

Johnson says it's crucial that people stop picking at their faces. But if you absolutely cannot resist, she says, be sure to do it right. Don't squeeze and pop the pimple. Instead, use something called a comedone extractor -- an inexpensive tool you can purchase at most beauty supply stores. Apply firm pressure with the extractor; then roll it across the pimple to take it out.

FACT OR MYTH:  Cocoa butter prevents stretch marks.

Myth: Many women swear cocoa butter on pregnant bellies keeps stretch marks at bay, but it’s probably their DNA that stops the white, raised skin scars from forming, says Dr. Fusco. “Though cocoa butter moisturizes, it can’t prevent stretch marks,” Dr. Fusco says.

Stretch marks usually crop up when the skin’s elastic fibers are forced to expand because of the growing uterus. They can also appear after growth spurts of extreme weight gain or loss. Many products may claim to make stretch marks vanish, but so far no cream has been proven to do the trick, Dr. Fusco says.

FACT OR MYTH: Facials and microdermabrasion are good for your skin care routine.

MYTH: This is a popular myth, says Bauman, especially with the proliferation of day spas. But, Bauman says, a recent study from India concluded that facials actually cause acne breakouts in 80% of people.  "They feel good but have no long-term skin benefit beyond relaxation," she says. "Like microdermabrasion, which merely sloughs off the top layer of skin, they are a "complete and total waste of money."

 FACT OR MYTH: Expensive skin care products work best.

MYTH: "This is simply not true," Bauman, who uses popular drugstore moisturizers and sunscreen for her own skin care regimen, says. "Many mass market products are better than expensive ones."  Most active ingredients found in anti-aging creams are similar, whether they are sold by a local store or a fancy boutique. Expensive skin care products can be good, of course. It's just that you can usually get something similar for a lot less.

FACT OR MYTH: Antiaging products (or "wrinkle creams") can erase wrinkles.

MYTH: Most wrinkle creams simply hydrate skin, plumping it out and making it look better temporarily. So don't buy into the hype. There is one product that has a solid history and reputation for reversing fine lines, however, Bauman says. That is topical retinoids.

Often sold under the name "Retinol" or "Tretinoin," these creams or drops penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have shown them to be fairly effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reversing the effects of photoaging or sun damage. Some retinoids can be purchased over the counter. For greater strength, ask your doctor for a prescription. Many dermatologists recommend using an antioxidant cream containing vitamin C but cautions that these creams tend to destabilize very quickly. So they should be purchased from a reputable company.

FACT OR MYTH: Lasers can make you look 20 years younger.

FACT: "There are many different types of lasers being marketed, and they all do different things. "Some help with sun spots, some help with wrinkles. Some go deep and activate collagen. It's all marketed so much that people think it can make you a completely different person."

While lasers are much better than they were a few years ago and produce better results with fewer side effects, patients still need to be realistic about what they can actually do. If you've done intensive damage to your skin, there's only so much we can do,.

FACT OR MYTH: Everyone's skin ages the same way.

FACT: Here's where those with oily complexions get the last laugh. You may have cursed your T-zone in college, but oil naturally moisturizes and protects skin from aging. Dry skin shows fine lines earlier, no thanks to an impaired outer barrier that lets youth-preserving moisture out and aging irritants in. For dry types, Jaliman recommends a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, a molecule that attracts water. (We like Neocutis Hyalis 1% Hyaluronate Refining Serum, $95.)

FACT OR MYTH: Daily exfoliation keeps skin young.

FACT: This isn't entirely false, but for some skin types, daily peels or scrubs can do some serious damage. "If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea, you can over-exfoliate and irritate your skin," says Jaliman. In lieu of aggressive, abrasive sponges, she prefers gentle exfoliation for all skin types with a cleansing brush system like Clarisonic's (from $119) to slough off dull, old-looking skin. If your skin can tolerate it, add glycolic pads (such as Bliss That's Incredi-'peel'!, $49) once a week to rev up radiance.

FACT OR MYTH:Your diet has little to do with how your skin ages.

FACT: "There's interesting new research linking diet and skin health," says Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. She points to high-glycemic foods (white foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and sugary sweets) as super skin-enemies because they trigger the body to produce insulin, which causes age-accelerating inflammation. Instead, load up on colorful vegetables that fight swelling and redness, suggests Wu. "One study showed that those who eat more green and yellow vegetables have fewer wrinkles, especially crow's-feet, around the eyes."

FACT OR MYTH:Wrinkles are formed by facial expressions.

FACT: True, but the same skin folding that causes wrinkles when you move your face (marionette lines, the "11s" between brows, etc.) can happen while you're sleeping on your side or stomach. Skin produces less elastic tissue over time, which means it can't bounce back as easily (or at all) after years of being smushed into a pillow, explains Wu. "I tell my patients to try to train themselves to sleep on their backs," she says. Try the Sobakawa Cloud Pillow, $20, or similar models designed to keep your head in place.

FACT OR MYTH: Good skincare can erase signs of aging.

FACT: It helps, but skin also depends on good circulation. If your arteries are in bad shape, expect a dull complexion. Get early treatment to normalize blood pressure and help prevent this damage.

FACT OR MYTH: Wearing makeup to bed does not affect your skin.

MYTH:  During sleep, our skin goes through a renewal process- in fact; skin regenerates three times faster at night than during the day.   During this process our bodies eliminate toxins through our pores.  If you do not remove your makeup at night the regeneration process can be hindered and your pores may be too clogged to allow this natural detoxification to take place.

Leaving your makeup on once in a while shouldn’t do too much damage, just don’t make a habit out of it. You always need to wash your face in the morning even if you need to wash it the night before?

FACT OR MYTH: It is best to clean your face with a washcloth.

 MYTH:  A washcloth can be abrasive and spread bacteria.  Bacteria loves those warm wet wash clothes that always hang in our bathrooms and you can actually be washing bacteria into your face.  The best thing to wash your face with is your clean hands.

FACT OR MYTH:  Hot showers cause wrinkles.

 FACT:  Sad but true…hot showers dry your skin which can lead to wrinkles.  It is best to use lukewarm water.

FACT OR MYTH:  You shouldn’t leave makeup on while you exercise.

 FACT:  Sweat causes pores to open and when mixed with makeup,  attracts bacteria.  It is okay to use lip-gloss and waterproof mascara if feel you must.

FACT OR MYTH:  Toothpaste will dry out a pimple.

Myth: “Toothpaste irritates, burns, causes more breakouts and scars skin,” Dr. Fusco says.

That’s especially true of today’s toothpastes, “which have a lot of whitening and bleaching ingredients that are extremely irritating,” she says.

So save it for your teeth and use a facial cleanser for acne to keep skin clear.