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Skin Care Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Woman examining her facial skin

As we have moved into the digital age in which Google holds the answers we seek, it has become increasingly difficult to discern what is fact and what is misinformation. When it comes to taking the best care of our skin and body, there is no room for error; we need to know what will help us and what might harm us if we want to avoid potentially far-reaching and detrimental effects.

We respect your time and investment in your skin. This is why the team at Westerville Dermatology takes our time consulting with every patient about their concerns, what we see happening with their skin, and what might help them achieve their goals. Here, we want to shed some light on myths you need to stop believing.

Junk food is the cause of acne.

On the one hand, there is some truth to that old saying “you are what you eat.” On the other hand, we mustn’t take it so far as to believe our dietary habits dictate every aspect of health and wellness. Acne is affected mainly by genetics. Rather than our diet, it is the presence of dirt and dead skin cells, our sweat, and the activity of sebaceous glands that causes acne. Each of these factors contributes to clogged pores and the inflammation that results from trapped bacteria.

The higher the sunscreen SPF, the better.

SPF stands for sun protective factor. It is the prevailing piece of information that determines which sunscreen most people choose. One of the prevailing myths about sunscreen is that higher SPF is better. For example, many people believe that SPF 30 is doubly as strong (and good) as SPF 15. From that perspective, a lot of extra money is spent on SPF 100 sunscreens and a lot less attention to application. A simple breakdown of SPF is that SPF 15 equals about 93% sun protection. SPF 30 adds up to about 97% sun filtration or blockage. Instead of focusing on SPF, consumers do better by ensuring they use broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply their product generously and often.

Exfoliating frequently promotes healthier skin.

The cells that sit on the uppermost layer of the epidermis are usually damaged or dead. They just hang around, waiting to be removed. Exfoliation is how we accomplish this. There are many ways to exfoliate the skin, from using an abrasive face wash or scrubbing instrument to getting chemical peels. When done correctly – periodically – exfoliation is a great way to support skin renewal. However, ingredients or techniques that are too harsh can backfire, causing overproduction of oil and general inflammation that contribute to oily skin and acne.

Your Westerville dermatologist has the solutions you need to manage your skin. To schedule your visit to our comfortable office, call 614-895-0400.

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