MythBuster Mondays: In case you missed these..

Over the past couple of months we have talked about a few skin care myths and whether they were true or false. Just in case you missed these here's an overview of our Monday Mythbusters!

Myth: Does a Day at the Beach Help Your Skin?:

Overall, the combination of sunshine and ocean water (or just salt water) is a great idea to try several times a month when the weather is warm. So the next time you wonder if you should spend a day at the beach, go, just remember moderation and good judgment is key! Find out the pros and cons of a day at the beach...  

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Myth: Do the beverages you drink really affect your skin? 

Bad:

Soda: Clogs Pores and dehydrates skin

Alcohol: Dilates Blood Vessels, and dehydrates skin

Good: 

Water: Hydrates skin, and flushes out toxins

Green Tea: Reduces the risk of cancer, and rejuvenates skin cells

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Myth: Does Your Hair Cause Acne?

When you have long hair, especially bangs, it leaves the oils on your face, clogging your pores. This is in addition to the oils that your face normally produces. Some tips to avoid having your hair cause acne on your face:                                                               Read Full Article

Myth: Does Toothpaste REALLY Help Clear Up Acne?

The answer is Yes, well technically....  When toothpaste is applied to the pimple, it dehydrates it and absorbs oil. The alcohol which aids the drying of the spot and fluoride which produces burning, can be a deadly combination for sensitive skin. BEWARE, it can result in burns, extremely dry and flaky skin, and irritation.Instead of using toothpaste, a good substitute would be...

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Any Myths you want us to bust? Let us know!

Mythbuster Monday: Does a Day at the Beach Help Your Skin?

The sun is high, the breeze is warm, and the temperature is hot. This is a perfect day to go to the beach!

We all know how much fun it is to spend a day at the beach, but have you ever wondered what good (or bad) affects it could have on your skin. 

If you have ever had questions about salty ocean water and sunshine, know that there are positives and negatives associated with a day at the beach. To help you understand some of these affects here are some of the pro’s and con’s.

Pro’s 

 
Salt water can be very helpful in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Certain research suggests that a swim in the ocean can help reduce inflammation and infection associated with atopic eczema. As for psoriasis and the itchy skin associated with it, ocean water can help with the removal of dead skin cells which is often the cause of the skin’s itchiness. 

Acne sufferers are a third group who have also been said to find relief after a day at the beach. If you do suffer from acne, the sunshine produces sweat—which cleanses the pores—and provides a subtle drying affect for the skin.

Ocean water helps reduce inflammation and kills surface skin bacteria. If you have no skin issues, a day at the beach is still great. Ocean water is an inexpensive replactement a day at the spa. Plus, the sunshine is just a great mood enhancer.

Con’s

 
Too much salt or sun can lead to overly dry, dehydrated skin, and can cause premature wrinkles.

At the extreme end of the spectrum, skin disorders and cancer can result from overexposure to the sun. 

To prevent many of the harmful effects from the sun while at the beach, a high SPF waterproof sunscreen is highly suggested. Try Neutrogena’s Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30. Unlike creams, the mist allows for an even coverage, and even a cooling sensation as applied to the body. Remember to reapply after a swim, or every couple of hours.

Overall, the combination of sunshine and ocean water (or just salt water) is a great idea to try several times a month when the weather is warm. So the next time you wonder if you should spend a day at the beach, go, just remember moderation and good judgment is key!

Mythbuster Monday: Do the beverages you drink really affect your skin?

Does soda really cause breakouts? Does alcohol affect your skin? Is water good for preventing breakouts? What else can I drink besides water to help my skin? These are all questions you have probably asked at one time or another, so let's put some truth to these rumors.

SODA:

So you go to the fridge and you see that nice cold soda you might want to think before you grab it.

Is soda really bad for your skin or do people just say that?

Clogs Pores

Due to the high quantity of sugar found in soda, it can pollute your system with toxins. As a result your body will try and cleanse by ridding the toxins through your pores, which can cause breakouts.

Dehydrates

While that caffeine may be that extra boost of energy you need it is a diuretic which causes the body to excrete water. This can cause dehydration not only for your body but your skin too!

ALCOHOL:

It's been a long day and you want to unwind after work, on the beach with a beer, a glass of wine, or you're having a night out knocking back a few margaritas no harm right! You work hard, you deserve it! But while it may feel great that night, your skin won't be thanking you tomorrow.

Dilates Blood Vessels

Alcohol can be detrimental to your skin, especially when done excessively. Alcohol dilates blood vessels in the skin. Therefore every time you take a drink the vessels remain dilated causing your skin to appear red and blotchy.

Dehydrates

Alcohol also dehydrates your body and your skin which leaves you feeling dry, and in some cases your face looking flushed.

Alright so you shouldn't drink soda or alcohol, so what should you drink?

WATER:

While water may not be full of flavor, it has tons of benefits especially for your skin.

Hydration

Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is recommended to keep your skin properly hydrated. This will maintain your skin looking healthy, fresh and young.

Flushes Out Toxins

When your body is built up with toxins, it tries to find a way to excrete them, which can be through the pores. Drinking water can help reduce this by flushing out those harmful toxins.

GREEN TEA:

If you can't drink water all the time and want to add some flavor to your drink try green tea.

Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer

Due to its high content of anti-oxidants, green tea has many benefits for your skin. These benefits include protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet lights, which causes up to 90% of skin aging. Since it is protecting your skin from the UV rays, it is reducing your risk of skin cancer as well.

Rejuvenates Skin Cells

At the end of the skin cell's life cycle, green tea has been proven to help regenerate new skin cells. Green Tea helps fight signs of aging with the help of Vitamins E & C (antioxidants).

So put down the soda and limit your alcohol intake.Not only will your skin thank you, your waist line will to.

Mythbuster Monday: Does Your Hair Cause Acne?

Most girls have always wanted long, luxurious locks of hair, but did you know that hair(particularly long) can aid in causing acne.

When you have long hair, especially bangs, it leaves the oils on your face, clogging your pores. This is in addition to the oils that your face normally produces.

Some tips to avoid having your hair cause acne on your face:

1.Pull your hair off your face when you sleep.
-Keep your hair off your face during the day as much as possible.
-This prevents aggravation of the skin.

2.Don't use greasy hair products
-Pomades/gels/hair sprays can clog your pores when your brush    against your face
-Shield your face when applying sprays and gels.

3.Clean your hair frequently.
-Choose shampoo which contains natural ingredients.
-Make sure the shampoo doesn't contain sodium laureth sulfate.

Remember long hair does look good but not when it is all over your pimply face.Using these tips, will reduce oil, and keep your face fresher and cleaner.

Mythbuster Monday: Does Toothpaste REALLY Help Clear Up Acne?

Toothpaste. It's used daily in every household. But what we want to know is can it be used on your face  to clear up acne.

The answer is Yes, well technically....

When toothpaste is applied to the pimple, it dehydrates it and absorbs oil. The  alcohol which aids the drying of the spot and fluoride which produces burning, can be a deadly combination for sensitive skin.
BEWARE, it can result in burns, extremely dry and flaky skin, and irritation.

If you do decide to risk it, make sure you only use a basic white paste NOT gel, with as little fluoride as possible.

So while technically the myth is actually the truth, we DO NOT recommend it. Think about it...should you really put that goop on your skin, much less your face? It's primary use is to clean your bacteria ridden mouth, it can't be a good product for your skin. 

Instead of using toothpaste, a good substitute would be a Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator for before breakouts for a preventative measure. For when you are already dealing with those “pesky pimples” use Lumirance Treatment Serum. Apply it to the troubled area several times a day, and it works like magic. Poof, your problem spot is GONE! You can find these products and more at www.naturalskinshop.com

So why don't we just save the toothpaste for brushing those pearly whites and leave clearing your acne to the skincare professionals.