Beauty Myths: 3 False Beliefs about Skin Care

1. Avoid Moisturiser use for oily skin.

Many women troubled with oily skin are often concerned that using a moisturiser will make their skin oilier. To some extent that assumption could be true, particularly if a mineral oil or synthetic silicone are included in the ingredients of the moisturiser chosen.

Mineral oil is also known as petrolatum, obtained from the petro-chemical industry. It coats like plastic wrap, preventing the skin from breathing or eliminating toxins. During manufacture petrolatum can be contaminated with carcinogens. Dimethicone is a synthetic silicone, which acts the same way as petrolatum. It was first used in the paper making industry. Now it is found in may skin care products and hair conditioners. This chemical has been found to cause tumours in laboratory animals. Look at the ingredients in your moisturiser to find if they are listed.

Moisture and oil are two different body fluids. An oily skin can also be dehydrated, particularly if a harsh, drying cosmetic is used in an attempt to dry out the excess oil. The surface of the skin becomes dehydrated. The more stressed the skin is by continually being striped of the natural acid mantel, the more oil the sebaceous glands with pump out to contend with the problem.

A light moisturiser based n Aloe Vera is the best option as the aloe, with it's healing and antioxidant properties will help to normalise the skin's secretions.

 2. Sunscreen prevents skin cancer.

It will come as a surprise to many that little is known about the safety or effectiveness of sunscreens except they appear to prevent sunburn.

There is no data demonstrating that sunscreen alone helps prevent skin cancer according to the FDA. To protect from the sun's damaging rays, covering up with clothing and hats as a physical barrier and staying in shade where possible is the best advice. Many sunscreen contain chemicals that have cause for concern due to their toxicity when absorbed into the skin.

Approximately 30% of sunscreens and most Moisturisers containing sunscreen use Retinyl Palmitate, a synthetic vitamin A as it is claimed this ingredient slows skin ageing. However recent data indicates that when this chemical is applied to the skin in sunlight it may speed up the development of lesions and skin tumors. Scientists have been aware for some time that vitamin A can increase excessive skin growth and in sunlight can form free radicals that damage DNA.

During a year long study, laboratory animals were exposed daily to the equivalent of nine minutes maximum intensity sunlight. Some of the specimens were coated with a cream containing 0.05% vitamin A concentration while the remaining animals were treated with a vitamin-free cream. Tumors and lesions developed up to 21% sooner in the animals coated with the vitamin A cream.

3. All products labelled as ‘organic' really are organic.

There are no regulations regarding the use of the word ‘organic' when labeling or describing skin care or cosmetic products. In fact the term scientifically refers to any compound that was once living. Loosely translated, leaves and flora material that have been compacted over millions of years to form crude oil is classified as ‘organic'!

Consumers are under the illusion that if a product is labeled and advertised as organic, it is entirely natural with little processing and no synthetic chemical additives. This assumption is entirely incorrect. Some products may include organic ingredients and there might also be ‘certified' organic ingredients but a closer look at the ingredients label could also show chemicals are included in the formulation and there is no safe guard to warn trusting consumers.

It is worth noting that if the ‘organic ingredients' are toward the end of the list, they will be in too small an amount to be of benefit.
 Another trick used by manufacturers is to list every organic herb in the ‘Aqueous Infusion' of their product. A closer look reveals this ingredient to be a weak tea of botanicals, boosting the dubious organic claim.

To ensure the organic products you choose are genuinely organic, without the inclusion of chemicals, look for the ‘certification' logo of a third party, independent body such as the USDA or the ACO. Without a certification, an organic claim cannot be substantiated.