Many clients worry about their skin health and are conscious about following the correct regime or about knowing the correct facts to ensure their skin is as perfect as can be. We all know there are many factors that play a part in our skin health such as pollution, weather, hormones, nutrition, exercise etc. and by knowing which factors are causing this disruption to our skin, we can ensure the correct products and care are used.
There are lots of myths about skin care and this is where they are being busted...
Myth 1- Does stress cause breakouts?
Busted: This question is similar to another popular question, "do greasy foods and chocolate trigger breakouts?" Both questions are misinterpretations. Stress doesn't directly cause acne or breakouts, but it does act as a trigger for the factors that contribute to acne development (excess oiliness). The constant heightened levels of stress throw adrenal glands into overdrive. Adrenal glands are in charge of regulating stress, and when stressful situations arise, adrenal glands stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands to secrete more sebum (oil). This excess oil sets the stage for acne development. Stress also causes increased blood flow and expansion of capillaries, which makes skin appear more red an inflamed. Stress can also cause poor distribution of nutrients in the diet and can lead too slower healing due to lowered immune system.
Myth 2- Breakouts mean my skin isn't clean?
Busted: The belief that a blackhead is dirt feeds another myth about breakouts-that it's not clean, or that it's not being properly cleaned. Over-cleansing the skin with the hopes that you'll clear breakouts may only trigger more breakouts to actually occur- thanks to stimulating an over-production of oils. Over-cleansing can also cause dryness which can lead to sensitivity, as dry skin has fewer protective lipids that keep skin healthy.
Myth 3- If I go tanning, it will clear my skin quicker.
Busted- Whether under the sun or under the tanning bed, baking in the sun to clear breakouts can worsen breakouts and is never an option. All this may do is intensify your chances of long-term scarring and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). While you may experience temporary drying up of breakouts after a day in the sun, you are actually triggering future incidences of breakouts: there's an increase in skin cells when skin is exposed to UV light, and this further clogs follicle openings, which leads to the development of breakout bacteria. Tanning also puts you at an increased risk of skin cancer. Don't forget to always wear an SPF even if its cloudy!!
Myth 4- Toothpaste dries up breakouts!
Busted- Quite the contrary: new information actually reveals that toothpaste can stimulate breakouts on your chin and around your mouth. Dermatologists say that heavily flavoured toothpastes, or toothpaste with high levels of fluoride can cause breakouts to arise.
Myth 5- Food triggers my breakouts.
Busted: Again this is a misinterpretation- these foods do not directly cause acne, but they may feed the breeding ground for acne by exasperating sebum production.
For more information about your skin, or to get a free dermalogica skin analysis to help maximise your skins potential contact Amelia at Natural Beauty now!