5 Skin Care Myths: Truthful Facts About Homemade Remedies
Despite their prevalence, it’s time to examine the questionable validity of home remedies for skin care. From toothpaste and vitamin E to cucumbers – are these traditional cures as beneficial as we think?
Read on in this article where I’ll delve into five popular treatments, reveal how well they stand up against rigorous scientific examination – plus suggest alternates that could offer a better solution for common skin concerns.
(1) Healing Blemishes With Toothpaste
Despite popular belief, toothpaste isn’t the best remedy for blemishes. In fact, according to Dr Francesca Fusco from Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC, it has the opposite effect. It can result in further breakouts and scarring due to its whitening and bleaching components, ingredients that today’s formulas are particularly saturated with.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to mean a trip down the toothpaste aisle. Combat acne breakouts with tried-and-true treatments such as spot remedies that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and cleansers specifically formulated for those who suffer from acne. To help heal blemishes even further, use an exfoliating product regularly; this will remove dead cells which can mix with oils on the surface of your skin – creating bacteria that cause unwanted pimples!
(2) Healing Scars With Vitamin E
Vitamin E has long been touted as a miracle remedy for scars, but its use may be counterproductive. In 1999, the University of Miami researched to find out if it helped with post-surgery scarring—however, nearly a third of participants experienced an allergic reaction! Clearly, this super Vitamin isn’t without risks and should only be used after consulting your doctor.
Taking proper care of a burn or wound is essential in speeding up the healing process. According to dermatologist Rachel Herschenfeld, M.D., cleaning burns and wounds daily with mild cleanser or soap followed by applying soothing cream such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment can produce better outcomes than not doing so. If raised scars remain after cleansing, steroid injections could be beneficial; on top of that, laser treatments are highly recommended for addressing any redness caused by scarring resulting from the injury.
(3) Eye Puffiness Is Reduced By Cucumbers
Cucumber slices are a popular natural remedy to reduce puffiness and swelling around the eyes. Many skin care lovers swear by this treatment for its refreshing properties; however, there is no scientific evidence of cucumbers providing any comprehensive skincare benefits due to their low levels of fibre content. The actual efficacy lies in cold temperatures applied on inflamed areas – making them an ideal choice for cooling hot spots!
While you may expect cucumbers to be the solution for reducing swelling, Dr Smith explains that cold temperatures can do so most effectively by constricting blood vessels and thus keeping fluid from entering affected tissues. Rather than reaching into your fridge for a snack, grab an icy washcloth instead!
Age, genetics and other factors can all contribute to the dreaded under-eye puffiness. Unfortunately for some of us, as we age, our ligaments weaken, which allows the fat in the area to push forward, leading to that unpleasant puffy look.
However, Dr Darrick E Antell on WebMD notes it’s really down to genes and how fast this happens! Knowing your triggers is vital if you want to battle against eye puffiness – so start researching today!
If your eyes look puffy, it could signify something more serious than lack of sleep. Allergies and sinus infections are just two possible causes. If you’re experiencing additional symptoms like congestion or pain around the eye area, seeking professional medical advice from an allergist is prudent to reduce puffiness and treat any underlying infection that may be present.
While indulging in foods and drinks is always enjoyable, overconsumption of salt or alcohol may impair the quality of your skin. Consider reducing these items from your diet to maintain a healthy glow!
Want to reduce puffiness around your eyes? Caffeine-based skin care products can be an excellent remedy for swollen, tired-looking eyes. While other formulas may contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that lead to extra puffiness, according to dermatologist Dr Ron M Shelton of Shape magazine, caffeine has proven an effective alternative ingredient in reducing swelling when applied near the delicate eye area.
Struggling to find a quick fix for skin inflammation? Look no further! Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., recommends green tea bags as an effective home remedy containing EGCG – a natural anti-inflammatory agent that reduces fluid buildup. Reap the benefits of this ancient herbal solution with just one simple step – give it a try today!
(4) Acne Can Be Eliminated By Cleansing
Shattering the myth. People are often misled to believe that acne is caused by dirty skin when it arises from a combination of dead skin cells and bacteria. Washing your face won’t solve the problem — instead, you’ll need more than soap and water to achieve smoothness!
Believe it or not, going overboard with your skincare routine can do more harm than good! Excessive cleansing and scrubbing strips away vital moisture from the skin, causing dryness and irritation. This also increases sebum production, which further aggravates acne-prone skin. According to dermatologist Kenneth Beer of the University of Miami, taking such measures could even lead to the formation of cysts on the face – a nightmare for many!
To avoid making already inflamed skin more prone to scarring, Dr Beer recommends using a pad or facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid for proper exfoliation and pore cleaning. This will help reduce the bacteria, oil buildup or clogged pores associated with acne breakouts.
Maintain your daily cleansing routine, but it may be time to scale back if your skin feels taut after washing. Exfoliating a couple times per week can make all the difference – not only for achieving a softer complexion but also for fighting acne! With so many specialized anti-acne formulas available on today’s market tailored to different skin types, investing in one could yield significant long-term results.
(5) Wrinkles Are Prevented By Vaseline
Petroleum jelly can be an excellent remedy for dry skin, as it forces oils into the skin and prevents them from evaporating. However, this greasy product might only sometimes lead to the desired outcome–in some cases, one may experience breakouts due to its consistency. Therefore, when considering Vaseline to fight against premature ageing of your beautiful face, you should weigh whether hydrated-looking skin is worth having an occasional outbreak! Ask yourself: Is a softer supple-looking complexion more important than potential blemishes?
Combat the signs of ageing without breaking the bank by looking into potent ingredients like antioxidants and retinoids. Loaded with vitamin A derivatives, these powerful substances boost collagen production to reduce sun damage, leading to premature wrinkles. Your dermatologist can also work out a prescription-strength formula tailored specifically for your skin type! With consistent use, you’re sure to make those signs of age just fade away.
Vitamin A derivatives such as retinol provide an alternative for those whose skin does not respond well to retinoids. This over-the-counter option may take longer to yield visible results and be less dramatic, but with significantly reduced irritation.
Be aware of traditional remedies that claim to have stood the test of time. Many can do more harm than good for your skin – no matter how convincing their long-standing reputations may appear! So before you trust in timeless treatments, it’s best to look into whether or not they’ve been backed up by expert advice.