Debunking Skin Care Myths

With so much information, coming at us per minute on a daily basis it is no wonder that we don’t know what to believe anymore. What's fact and what’s fiction is so hard to uncover. Here are some myths that we feel we must debunk once and for all.

MYTH #1 IF YOU HAVE OILY SKIN AVOID PRODUCTS MADE WITH OIL

First of all - oils are not the same. The word oil is used incorrectly most of the time. An oil just means that the liquid was pressed from a fruit. For example some oils are sticky and block pores while others are not.

One thing that we may forget is that those with oily skin will continue producing oil as our body is accustomed to it. If you strip the oil away, your body will read “make more oil” so the important note here is to ensure that whatever cleanser, hydrator you are using make sure that it does not strip your skin and leave it tight.

MYTH #2 THE HIGHER THE SPF THE BETTER
SPF 15 blocks out 94% of the UV rays. SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UV rays. An SPF of 2 block out 50% of UV rays. The most important aspect to remember is to find an SPF with broad spectrum coverage, this means coverage of both UVB and UVA rays.

UVB - medium wave-length and don’t penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers. Responsible for delayed tanning and burning. Most solar UVB is filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere.

UVA – long-wavelength accounts for approximately 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for immediate tanning effect. Furthermore, it contributes to skin ageing and wrinkles.

UVC – short wave-length is the most damaging of type of radiation, however, it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth’s surface. Just because we are going into the fall doesn’t mean you don’t wear an SPF during the day if you will be outside for an extended amount of time. Remember the sun reflects off of snow which can cause a sunburn.

Source: World Health Organization 2009

MYTH #3 THE MORE SUDSY THE CLEANSER THE BETTER TO REMOVE DIRT
Foam and suds are great at removing dirt but some of us may actually be sensitive or allergic to the ingredients that foam or suds. Sulfates are the foaming ingredients that are used in shampoos and in skin care bar soaps and cleansers. Although most of us are not allergic to Sulfates, for some of us these ingredients may cause itching, dry sensitive patches on our skin. Look for shampoos and cleansers that are free from Sulfates or where the ingredient is not listed as the first ingredients (the less of it the better).

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