Great Myths About Skin Care Products

How many times have you heard your mother say to you,” Don’t forget to wash your face before you go to bed!” The problem was that the products we used to wash our face weren’t the right products. I guess Mother meant well, but now the rest is up to you and your aesthetician to find out what works for your skin. Here is a collection of skin care myths and corresponding truths provided by La Roche-Posay.

Myth: Collagen and elastin creams restore firmness and tone to the skin.

Truth: Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the upper layer of the skin.

Myth: Aloe Vera is a skin treatment wonder.

Truth: Other than being moisturizing and soothing, it has no other abilities.

Myth: Cosmetics cause “tissue repair” and “cellular renewal”.

Truth: Cosmetics do not cause skin cells to change. However, a new era of “cosmeceuticals” and pharmaceuticals will change how we care for our skin in the future.

Myth: Moisturizers can prevent wrinkles.

Truth: Only our top layer of skin requires some form of hydration because, in reality, it is a dead, lifeless, cellular layer. Our dermis, where wrinkles occur, is alive with fluidity. Our best defense against wrinkles is daily use of sun blocks and clinical exfoliation techniques. Why moisturize dead layers? Remove them and feed the skin topical antioxidants and use oil-free barrier protection.

Myth: Natural cosmetics are better for your skin.

Truth: In many instances, natural cosmetics consists of fruit and vegetable extracts, along with natural oils and preservatives. Many people are allergic to these “natural” combinations and natural oils. Go for simplicity and stay away from gimmicks.

Myth: Astringents tighten the pores.

Truth: Pores do not open and close. Toners and astringents are utilized to help pH balance the skin and prepare the skin before you continue with the other products, and are optional.

Myth: A face lift in a jar is available.

Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site.

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