If you want to take care of your skin, it's important to know the difference between the truth and myths of skin care. With so many companies advertising miracle products, and so many magazines running articles on the latest treatments, it's easy to lose track of what actually works and what doesn't.
We look at a number of common skin care myths, then turn to what you need to do to keep your skin looking great. The myths first:
Drinking Lots of Water is All You Need to Moisturize Your Skin:
There is no doubt that drinking lots of water is essential for good health. It is also a big part of keeping your skin moisturized - if you are dehydrated, the best moisturizer in the world won't help. To truly keep your skin moisturized - which is a vital part of young, healthy looking skin - you need to combine plenty of water with a good moisturizer. Only a good moisturizer will hydrate the outermost layer of skin.
You Only Need to Apply Sunscreen When It's Hot or Sunny Outside:
There is a lot of confusion about the use of sunscreen, but on one issue, all skin care specialists are agreed - sun on your face is one of the quickest ways to age your skin. In addition, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays can penetrate through car windows - so even though you are out of the direct sun, your daily commute could be putting both drivers and passengers at risk for skin cancer. If you think that cloudy days are any better, think again - not only do clouds do not block UV radiation, UV rays can actually be magnified by clouds. The answer? You need to apply a broad-spectrum, low SPF sunscreen of at least 15 that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide every morning.
You Can't Delay The Aging Process:
There is a lot of confusion about this. While you can't actually turn back the clock, the truth is that most of what we consider to be the inevitable signs of aging are actually due to abuse - this can include poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, too much sun, even stress. By looking at all aspects of your life, and making healthier choices, you can dramatically improve both your overall health and also the condition of your skin.
So if you want great looking, healthy looking skin what should you do? Exercise regularly, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, drink lots of water, stay out of the sun, and follow a simple four step skin care program on a daily basis: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize and Protect. By taking these simple steps you can ensure that your skin ages gracefully.
