The last section of our skin care myths examines various different myths from recommended daily treatments to ingredients and skin cancer.
There are many more myths out there, so if you have concerns, contact your local skin care specialist and book a consultation to discuss your questions. As they say, knowledge is power so it’s important to be well equipped with answers to your most pressing skin care questions.
1. I don’t need to pay for Botox or dermal fillers when there are other products I can buy over-the-counter
Actually, nothing works quite like Botox or dermal fillers since you have to apply them topically (over the skin). The reason both Botox and dermal fillers work so well, is because they must be professionally injected into the muscles. So creams, gels and ointments cannot work the same. Sorry. But remember, no one treatment is for everyone so it’s best to speak with your dermatologist in order to make an informed decision about what’s right for your skin.
2. I know a skincare product is working when I feel a tingle or cooling sensation.
Actually, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you feel a tingling or cooling sensation, that’s likely the result of your skin reacting negatively to the product itself. The reality is that this feeling is in effect either causing the elastin or collagen in your skin to breakdown, it’s damaging your skin’s natural healing process which will make scarring worse, and it can promote the growth of bacteria which will result in developing pimples.
What about counter-irritants, you ask? Well, certain ingredients are used specifically to cause a local inflammation which is said to reduce inflammation in either adjacent tissues or deeper tissues. Some of these ingredients are mint, peppermint, camphor and menthol. By making you think they’re doing good, they’re actually not. Regardless of the reason your skin is irritated or inflamed, it’s not a good thing. These damages will gradually affect your skin over time and it won’t be pretty.
3. I have dry skin because I’m dehydrated.
Yes and no. But drinking more water isn’t exactly a catch-all. If you add too much moisture (water) to your body it’s also not going to be a good thing. Long baths are also not good for your skin because they actually break down the substance that maintains cellular shape.
What causes dry skin though? Many things. We already mentioned long bathes, but hot showers, prolonged sun exposure, and extreme weather (hot, cold and wind) all affect your skin’s moisture levels. Genetics also play a factor as well as using strong soaps and detergents. To help prevent dry skin, of course drinking water (as opposed to soaking in it) is helpful as well as using proper water-based moisturizers after baths and showers when your skin is still a little wet will help keep the moisture in.
4. You can’t develop skin cancer if you have dark skin.
Cancer knows no skin colour, which means anyone with skin (that’s pretty much everyone, from fair skin to deep black skin) is at risk of developing or inheriting cancer. Darker skin colour does provide a natural level of SPF protection (said to be up to SPF 13), however it does not eliminate the risk of skin cancers.
Despite the best skin care regimen which includes using SPF daily, you can still be at risk of skin cancers. The best thing to do is to know your body — if you see any growths or changes in spots, see you doctor immediately to assess the situation.
