Skincare myths: What's really true?
In my professional life as a dermatologist at LVATE in Munich and in my private life, I'm frequently confronted with questions about skin care. Many of these questions revolve around widespread myths and misconceptions that are worth examining in more detail. Therefore, today I'd like to debunk some of the most common skin care myths and offer you well-founded answers.
How does retinol affect your skin?
Let's start with retinol, an often misunderstood ingredient. Many believe that retinol thins skin. In fact, retinol promotes collagen production, which makes skin appear thicker and fuller over time, although the top layer of skin may appear thinner at the beginning of use due to accelerated cell turnover.
Daily showering and skin health
Another myth is that daily showering is bad for your skin. As long as you don't shower with too much heat or for too long and use mild cleansing products, daily showering is perfectly fine for your skin. Ideally, you should shower in lukewarm water for a maximum of five minutes. It's important to apply moisturizer after showering to maintain your skin's natural protective barrier.
The influence of lip care
Lip balms are often said to be addictive, but no, lip balms are not addictive. However, they can encourage more frequent application, especially if they contain flavorings that can encourage lip licking and thus dry out the lips.
Vitamin D and sun protection
Many people are concerned that wearing sunscreen impairs vitamin D production. While it's true that sunscreen blocks the UVB rays that synthesize vitamin D, protecting your skin from sun damage is more important. To ensure optimal skin care, you should use sunscreen every day. Vitamin D can easily be supplemented if needed.
Nutrition and skin condition
One topic that comes up repeatedly is the impact of chocolate on acne. Although research on this topic is mixed, some studies show that high consumption of certain types of chocolate can worsen skin's appearance and contribute to the formation of pimples. A balanced diet is crucial for skin health.
Treatments and natural radiance
Other common skincare myths include that you can treat pimples with toothpaste, that lips can't get sunburned, and that Botox always results in an unnatural appearance. First and foremost: Toothpaste is not a good treatment for pimples. Ingredients it contains, such as fluoride or menthol, can further irritate the skin and worsen the appearance of the skin. Lips can certainly get sunburned and should be protected accordingly. The outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, is particularly thin on the lips and contains less protective melanin than other skin areas. Additionally, due to its anatomical location, the lower lip is more exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the lips, especially during outdoor activities and under strong sun exposure. Botox can look unnatural, but this is usually only the case with unprofessional treatments. With LVATE in Munich, you can be sure that you won't look like you've had any injections, but will maintain a natural look.
Water intake and skin health
Another common myth is that drinking a certain amount of water per day can reduce wrinkles. While it's true that adequate hydration is essential for skin health, there is no scientific evidence that excessive water consumption can significantly reduce wrinkles. The condition of your skin depends on many factors, including genetics, environmental influences (e.g., the types of food you eat), and your overall skincare routine.
Myths about "quick fixes" in skin care
After all, there are many "quick fixes" for skin problems that are often promoted on social media. It's important to understand that real skin care requires time and consistency. Certain skin care products may contain harmful ingredients and thus do more harm than good by irritating the skin or causing long-term problems.
I hope this article has debunked some skincare myths and helped you make informed decisions for your skin. If you have any further questions or would like a personal consultation, I look forward to welcoming you to LVATE.