Date: 26/06/2014

Author: Ingrid Katz (Pure Aesthetics)

We've decided to clear up few skin myths this month and so have some "Facts & Fiction" pointers for you and your skin:

1. Steaming is good for the skin...
   Fiction: Steaming can cause the skin to become dehydrated, leading to an over production of oil. The heat can also exacerbate a red or sensitive skin and cause broken capillaries.
2. Licking your lips helps to moisturise them...
   Fiction: Our lips have no sebaceous glands and therefore have no ability to retain moisture. Our saliva has enzymes that start the digestion process and so this further dries the lips out. Rather use a nourishing lip balm and preferably something without any mineral oils as this will cause further drying out.
3. Heavier face creams cause breakouts...
   Fiction and fact: If the skin is oily then yes, a heavy cream will provide the skin with excess nourishment in the form of oil so breakouts will occur. However, if the skin is dehydrated or dry, a heavier cream is a must – especially for our harsh Gauteng winters!
4. Using a soap to cleanse with will prevent oily skin...
   Fiction: Our skin has a pH of 5.5 which is acidic, while ALL soap has an alkaline pH (anything over 7). So, soap will strip our skin of its natural acid mantle (the protective barrier of our skin), resulting in water loss and dehydration. As the skin cannot produce its own water, it'll compensate by increasing the production of oil in order to protect and lubricate itself.
5. Sleeping on your back may help prevent wrinkles...
   Fact: Squashing our faces into a pillow every night in the same position can cause sleep lines, which may develop into permanent lines over time.
6. Vitamin E oil helps prevent scarring...
   Fiction: Most vitamin E solutions are oils and have a very large molecular size and so cannot penetrate the skin. They, in fact, sit on the surface and provide no aid to healing. Find a cream or gel-based solution rather, with added antioxidants such as Vitamin C.
7. Using a cell phone causes breakouts...
   Fact: Our phones are believed to be one of the biggest carriers of germs that are transferred from hands to the face in a matter of seconds. Make sure you sanitise your phone daily.
8. Not moisturizing an oily skin is good for it...
   Fiction: As with point 4, the skin will become dehydrated (loss of water) and so will produce more oil to compensate. Use a light fluid to hydrate the skin both day and night.
9. Exfoliating the skin with a scrub is essential...
   Fiction: A granular scrub can be damaging to the skin if not carried out in a professional manner. Some scrubs are quite abrasive and could irritate a sensitive skin. Harsh exfoliating can cause inflammation on the skin leading to a breakdown in collagen and broken capillaries. Rather opt for an enzymatic exfoliation that will gently break down dead skin cells as well as promote new skin cell production.
10. A sensitive skin should avoid any facial products...
    Fiction: A sensitive skin is not a long term skin type, but rather a treatable skin condition. A treatment programme should be planned in order to remove the sensitivity and strengthen the skin.