There are so many pieces of information out there on skin care and aging skin in females. Some advice on how to protect aging skin is valid and some is a myth. Knowing the difference can keep years off of your face. Below are some of the myths and facts as told by the professionals themselves.
Myths
There are several myths out there regarding skin care and regulation. Estheticians, who are not licensed dermatologists, often state their products can penetrate the skin to cause true changes. However, most spa products are not actually effective enough to provide lasting effects.
Others claim that certain products can detox the skin and liver, which is just not possible. The products that can help unclog pores and remove toxins is not able to penetrate through the skin or into the bloodstream. If estheticians could get products into the bloodstream, those products would have to be FDA-regulated. Estheticians are not licensed to handle drugs of that magnitude, so if you need a chemical peel or facial, see a licensed dermatologist.
Organic is claimed to the be the best type of product for your skin; however, natural does not mean healthy for your skin. Lemon and citrus fruits are natural, but they can cause skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. Poison ivy is also natural, but you wouldn’t want that put on your skin.
Higher prices do not mean a better product. Look at the ingredients and determine if there are retinoids present, which are the true ingredient that dermatologist recommend to their patients for the removal of fine lines. Retinoids penetrate the skin deeply and work on the extracellular matrix, which involves collagen and elastin.
Clean skin is healthy skin, but not always. If you overclean your skin, you can risk having dry skin that is irritated and prone to breakouts and flaky skin. You should wash your face twice daily with a mild soap to ensure you don’t remove too much excess oil, that is naturally present in your skin. You should also not exfoliate daily, because this can cause irritation and it removes the barrier your skin needs for protection. Exfoliation can be done two or three times a week to remove dirt and residue and dead skin cells.
Facts
Most dermatologists don’t recommend facials, because they can do more harm than good. They recommend a daily SPF and a mild cleanser twice a day. They also state that retinoids are best for aging skin, because they can penetrate deep into the skin and actually make changes. Another favorite product is Vaseline, which is great for removing makeup and sealing in moisture at the same time. This works even better in the very thin skin areas, like under the eyes.
Regardless of your skin care routine, know that cleansing your skin, moisturizing daily, and keeping it protected from the sun are one of the biggest and best ways to keep it looking its youngest.