5 SKIN CARE MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING IN THE NEW YEAR. - Page

A myth is a story that is widely accepted after being repeated and shared over and over. Myths are generally based in fact, but become diluted over time. Start the year off right by learning the truth about these 5 popular skin care myths.

Myth #1

After Age 40, Staying Plump All Over is the Only Way to Have a Fuller, More Youthful Face.

It is true that with aging the epidermis becomes more permeable and susceptible to irritation from the outside. The skin cells that make up the epidermis start to break up and lose their neat, brick-wall-like alignment. Skin makes fewer new epidermal cells and the epidermis becomes thinner. In the dermis, collagen fibers diminish and skin starts to get a loose, saggy appearance.

Prior to fillers and injectables, it was widely accepted that gaining a few pounds was the best way to fill out the hallows of a mature face. Now there are many treatment options including Juvederm and Juvederm VOLUMA, which can restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds without gaining weight and affecting your overall health. VOLUMA is the only FDA approved filler to instantly add volume to the cheek area and give patients a subtle lift, helping to restore contour and a more youthful profile, for up to 2 years with optimal treatment.

Learn more about fillers by clicking here.

Myth #2

You Cannot Get a Sunburn in the Winter

Sun Protection System Oil Free

Though we may spend less time outdoors in the winter than we do in the summer, the sun’s rays can still be damaging when we are exposed. Even on cloudy days up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds. If you are a skier, snowboarder or enjoy other snow based activities, then you are at an even higher risk for sun damage. The snow can reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn. Dr. Asarch recommends using a “broad spectrum” sunblock with an SPF of at least 30, like our DERMAspaRx Sun Protection System, that is applied daily to all sun exposed areas, then reapplied every two hours.

Myth #3

Toners Tighten and Shrink Pores

Facial Enzyme CleanserThe truth is the size of your pores is not really in your control as you cannot shrink the diameter. However, clean pores are less obvious than clogged pores. Toners generally contain alcohol which can irritate your skin. Most people get little benefit from a toner. Even though they immediately remove surface oil, they have no lasting benefit. You are better off using a good daily cleanser twice a day to clear pores, remove dirt, make-up and excess oil.

Myth #4

Tanning Booths are Safe as Long as They Don’t Contain UVB Rays.

Despite all the warnings and research related to sun exposure and resulting skin cancer, people still choose to be “tan”. An estimated one million Americans frequent tanning salons every day. In the middle of January, it doesn’t seem timely to talk about sun damage. However, the sun’s rays are still damaging even in the winter months and tanning salons can be even busier due to the lack of a “natural” alternative.

Tanning booth companies often promote themselves as a healthier alternative to the sun because they are filtering out the UVB rays which cause sunburns. However, when you go to a tanning booth, you’re still exposing your skin to UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause the damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancers. If you still want the tan, skip the tanning bed and use a sunless-tanning product instead.

Myth # 5

Acne is the Result of Poor Hygiene

Washing may help in the overall treatment of acne by removing excess oils, dead skin cells and foreign substances, but washing alone will not clear it up or prevent it. Many acne sufferers want to scrub their skin, but this aggressive washing will remove protective oils and barriers leading to increased agitation. The best approach to hygiene and acne is to gently wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, pat dry and use a prescription acne treatment.

If your acne is not responding to topical treatment, there are alternatives available. Theraclear- formerly called Acleara—is a virtually painless vacuum and broad band light treatment that is able to produce immediate results in as little as 10 minutes.

Learn more about Theraclear from Dr. Asarch by watching this short video.

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