Amid all the hype – and the influx of anti- ageing products – it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

How can anyone know what’s true?

With the help of several leading dermatologists, we’ve got some answers. Here, in no particular order, are some of the top skin care myths.

1. Tanning booths are safe as long as they don’t contain UVB rays.

We all know tanning is unhealthy and can lead to skin cancer and premature ageing. However, what about tanning booths? Tanning-booth companies often say they are filtering out the so-called “ sunburn” UVB rays.
However, when you go to a tanning booth, you’re still exposing your skin to UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage that can lead to premature ageing and the development of skin cancers.

2. The higher the SPF, the better the protection.

There are three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply, altering our pigmentation to produce a tan. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. These also damage our skin’s DNA and cause photoageing, pigment changes, and skin cancers. UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don’t make it to the ground.

The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays. Sunscreens need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and  ”broad spectrum” with a star rating of four or five stars.

3. You don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day.

Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth’s surface. So make sure you use sunscreen every day, and reapply every two hours and afterswimming or sweating.
Also, don’t fall prey to the myth that just because you’re wearing make-up with an SPF, you’re protected. Make sure you use sunscreen in addition to your make-up.

4. Scrubbing your face with soap will keep your skin healthy and acne free.

When you scrub your face, you’re taking off some of the protective oils and barriers, which tends to lead to rashes and even burns. Instead, some experts recommend a gentle cleanser followed by a moisturiser or sunscreen.

5. It’s better to get the pus out of a spot by squeezing it.

The truth is, even though it feels really good to release the pus from a spot, a lot of it just goes in deeper. That causes more inflammation that can spread under the skin and also lead to scarring. That’s why you often get another spot one a few days later, close to the first one.

Experts say picking spots is bad, but if you absolutely cannot resist, do it in the right way. Don’t squeeze and pop the inflammation. Instead, use something called a comedone extractor – which can be bought at most pharmacies. Apply firm pressure with the extractor, then roll across the spot to take it out.

6. Facials and microdermabrasion are good for your skin care routine.

This is a popular myth, especially with the proliferation of day spas. However, one study from India concluded that facials actually cause acne breakouts in 80% of people.

They feel good but have no long-term skin benefit beyond relaxation, according to some experts.

7. Expensive skin care products work best.

Many mass market products are better than expensive ones. Most active ingredients in anti-ageing creams are similar, whether they are sold by a high street chain or a pricey boutique. Expensive skin care products can be good, of course. It’s just that you can usually get something similar for a lot less.

8. Anti-ageing products (or wrinkle creams) can erase wrinkles.

Most wrinkle creams simply hydrate the skin, plumping them out and making them look temporarily better. There is one product that has a good reputation for reversing fine lines, however, and that is topical retinoids.
With active ingredients, retinol or tretinoin, these creams or drops penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have shown them to be fairly effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reversing the effects of photoageing, or sun damage. 

9. Lasers can make me look 20 years younger.

There are many different types of lasers being marketed and they all do different things. Some help with sun spots, some help with wrinkles. Some go deep and activate collagen.

Be realistic about what they can actually do. If you’ve done intensive damage to your skin, there’s only so much technology can do.

So what’s the bottom line when it comes to skin care tips and anti-ageing strategies? Stay out of the sun, say the experts – and use a good sunscreen every day and throughout the day.

Tofu and other soy foods such as soymilk have been shown to help the skin stay firm because it contains isoflavones. Studies have shown that this helps with wrinkles and preventing the breakdown of collagen. Eating foods rich in omega 3s such as tuna is also a good idea for healthy skin. It helps your skin to look young and it also helps prevent collagen breakdowns.

Many of us may eat these foods and even enjoy these foods and have not realized the many benefits that they have. They not only can help you to stay healthy and have plenty of energy but they can help you to stay looking young and beautiful too. The next time you go to look in that mirror and see a line or a wrinkle, just try some strawberries as a snack and maybe some tomatoes in your salad at lunch. Not only will it help you to feel better, but you can look better too and feel more confident about your appearance now in the future.

Food 1) Avocado
Avocados are moderately anti-inflammatory, contain several different beautifying minerals and vitamins, are loaded with fiber to help aid your digestive system and thus remove toxins that are causing your acne, and much more. I enjoy avocado in my salads, smoothies, and of course in guacamole. If you enjoy a half to a full avocado a day, make sure you are eating a sufficient amount of omega 3 fatty acids in order to keep the balance in tact; this is important for clear skin.

Food 2) Onions
Onions are a excellent source of sulfur, a beauty mineral. They are an effective kidney cleanser, allowing your body to eliminate toxins more effectively if consumed. Onions and avocados go well together and make the digestion process even easier. Onions are also antiseptic. Onions flavor most food well; I love them in my morning omelets.

Food 3) Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of the beautifying mineral zinc. Many people are able to see immediate improvement after consuming zinc rich foods.

Understand that a diet consisting of a variety of foods is always best. But, adding the above 3 foods to your diet if you do not consume them already, may make a significant difference in your skin.

• Spinach The nutritional compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and keep your hair skin nail vitamin stay healthy.

• Almond Like any other nuts, an almond is one of the best sources of protein. Because it is contain monounsaturated fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

• Blueberries Blueberries are source of antioxidants to fight free radical damage and promote healthy aging. It may also improve short-term memory and prevent urinary tract infections

• Tomato Tomato contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other types of cancer, which can protect the skin from the sun damage.

• Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are very high in beta carotene, which helps with dry skin, and helps repair tissue for smooth and soft skin. It is also helping protect your skin from sun damage from those dreaded UV rays.

• Broccoli Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A and C which contain antioxidant that protect your body’s cell from damage

• Apple Fresh apples are good source of vitamin C that helps form the connective tissue collagen, keep your capillaries and blood vessel healthy, and aids in the absorption of iron.

• Yoghurt Yoghurt helps kill the bad bacteria that can cause acne and other skin problem. It is good for your scar skin treatment.

• Red bean Beans can improve elasticity and skin tone. They are also excellent low fat, low calorie source of protein and dietary fiber.

• Fish Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help moisturize and promote healthy skin and also give you shiny hair.

Calcium Rich Foods: This is needed to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. There are various foods high in calcium. They include dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables. Kale: This is a vegetable that is a great choice for women. It’s high in calcium as well as folate which are important to women’s health. Kale also has vitamin C and B for additional nutritional value. Other good choices are broccoli and brussel sprouts. Too much dairy is not healthy. Limit it to healthy portions with foods such as yogurt. This will give you the additional benefit of the probiotics found in yogurt. This is good for a healthy digestive system. Avoid the premade yogurts that are full of sugar and use the plain ones instead. You can just add some fresh fruit and nuts for added flavor and nutritional value.

Nutritional tips for women:The best food choices are plant based. You should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. When selecting produce use organic as much as possible to avoid the pesticides that are often sprayed on non organic items. Include fiber based foods as well. Beans and healthy whole grains will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Alcoholic beverages should be limited. One glass per day should be the maximum intake. Drinking wine is a good choice due to the healthy benefits of the resveratrol. Enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. This is a heart healthy habit. Caffeine is also fine in moderation, with one cup per day being a good standard to follow. Caffeine can affect hormonal balance in some women as well as decrease calcium levels if consuming excessive amounts.

Keep protein levels in moderation as well. The popular high protein diets are not healthy long term. A well balanced diet approach is the key to good health, energy and weight management. You need the healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and dark leafy vegetables on a regular basis. Excessive protein can also deplete calcium levels over time, potentially leading to osteoporosis later in life. Healthy snacks for women include nuts such as walnut and brazil nuts. They contain monounsaturated fats which help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. One ounce per day is a good serving size.

Fiber Rich Foods: Foods high in fiber include beans and whole grains. They are a very affordable, filling and healthy food choice. They help maintain a healthy digestive system and may prevent problems in this area from occurring. Green leafy vegetables such as kale are high in fiber. Whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat bread are also fiber rich choices to include in your diet.

Iron Rich Foods: Women have unique needs when it comes to iron. A high quality multivitamin made for women should contain the adequate amount of this very important mineral. Women also need more iron during their monthly cycle as it becomes depleted. Some good food choices for iron include beef, dark meat poultry, spinach and swiss chard.

Omega Rich Foods: Women need adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This is important for proper brain functioning. It also protects against heart disease and inflammation which can lead to a multitude of disease conditions. Foods such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are very good sources. Symptoms that you are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids include dry skin, joint pain, fatigue and depression.

You should aim for 2-3 servings of omega rich foods weekly. Omega 3 fatty acids contain two very important forms known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA and EPA are the omega-3 types that are found in seafood. Other omega-3 forms such as ALA or alpha-linoleic acid, is found in foods such as flax seeds, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables.

Folate Rich Foods: Women also need to have an adequate amount of folate in their diet. Folate is important to building red blood cells. Some women have a tendency to become anemic and folate is important to preventing this from occurring. Symptoms of a folate deficiency may include confusion, mental fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Sufficient folate is very important for women during pregnancy. The RDA recommendation is 400mcg daily. Foods such as broccoli, lentils, asparagus and oranges are all great sources of folate.

Healthy eating is so very important for everyone. Women in particular have specific needs in this area and therefore should include foods that will help them maintain energy. The variety of gender specific concerns women face such as pregnancy, pms and menopause can all be helped with correct food choices. Foods that contain the key nutrients needed for these areas can help women to feel better, manage stress and control weight. It is very important to always consult with your medical doctor before undertaking any changes in your diet or lifestyle, particularly if you are currently taking prescription medications or have been diagnosed with any disease.

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Two years is way too long a wait for most people. So to prevent this scenario from playing out, one must grow and protect the fine and fragile strands as early as possible. The right way to grow a healthy head of hair, is to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are several elements that make up a healthy lifestyle. Some of them include having adequate rest, exercising regularly, and having a balanced diet.

Most people know about exercise and rest. But few pay attention to their diet. So everyday, they consume huge amounts of unhealthy foods. When the health of a body is adversely affected, so will hair growth. To ensure that there hair grows at a healthy rate, the conditions must be right, and a healthy diet helps to setup the right conditions.

Having the right conditions means having adequate nutrients for the hair to grow. Of course, the health of the skin is also very important. If there is a skin condition, growth may be impaired. In that case, perhaps a visit to the doctor would be a wise choice.

Nutrients and vitamins can be acquired from one’s daily diet. They can come from foods that the individual consume, or they can come from hair growth supplements. Bear in mind that such supplements are not magic pills. They won’t make your hair sprout like magic bean stalks overnight. This scene can only be seen in comedies, and it is not a realistic result. However, such supplements can help make up the lack of essential vitamins such as B-complex, C, and E. Vitamins such as Beta-Carotene also encourage growth.

Your daily diet should consist largely of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Lean meat that is cooked with less oil is also highly recommended. For example, eat steamed chicken instead of deep friend chicken. This doesn’t mean that your dishes must be bland. There are many creative ways to cook healthy dishes. You just need to learn how.

As you continue to pursue a healthy lifestyle, your hair will grow naturally and beautifully. Note that it takes months, or even years for those strands to reach shoulder length. During that time, you must take measures to protect the hair. The strands, once out on your scalp, is no longer alive. That means the mob must withstand the elements of the environment for two whole years, as you wait for it to grow. That’s a pretty long time. During this time, it’s easy for hair to be damaged.

Therefore, take extra care of it while it grows. Avoid over exposing the hair to strong sunlight, and avoid over brushing.

Your diet should contain foods that are healthy. The key to a good and healthy skin is a good diet plan which would fulfill the deficiencies in the body, leaving the skin glowing and healthy. The three foods that would change your life if you consume them are citrus fruits, almonds and milk.

Citrus fruits:

Citrus fruits are abundant in vitamin C and the best source to get it. Our body doesn’t produce vitamin C so it has to be taken from other sources. Vitamin C enables you to combat against wrinkles and fine lines that are developed by exposing yourself to the harmful rays of the sun. Ultra violet rays from the sun damages your skin tissues and makes it excessively dry. With this dryness your skin develops wrinkles and fine lines. If you want to look young and beautiful, you need to avoid going in the sun often. Whenever you expose yourself to the sun, make sure you take a good amount of vitamin C so that your skin can be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Make a habit of wearing sun glasses and carrying an umbrella with you.

Almonds:

Almonds are very essential food for skin and eyes. They provide nourishment to the skin making it soft and smooth. Your skin needs moisture to remain hydrated so that it doesn’t look dull and dry. If almonds are used on a regular basis then it would certainly give your skin a very healthy and glowing look. Almond oil is very good to use for skin care purposes. It keeps the skin silky and smooth. Take almond oil and massage it on your face for a few minutes then later on wash it off. It would give tremendous results in days.

Milk:

This white fluid is a great source of getting calcium for the skin. Milk is very essential for the nourishment of the skin. You must’ve experienced white spots in your nails and even your face. They indicate that your body is not getting enough calcium. Sometimes these white spots turn into white patches on your face which means that your skin is deficient in calcium intake. Milk is the best source of getting calcium. One glass of milk a day should be made compulsory. Your body needs milk for other purposes as well but it is the best fluid after water for your skin. It enhances the complexion of your skin and makes it look healthy.

8. Feed your skin. Most experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate and chips, do not trigger spot outbreaks. However, it makes sense to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrains to your diet. Some studies show that eating foods high in vitamin A and beta-carotene may boost your immunity and skin health. Carrots, sweet potatoes, melon, apricots, kale and spinach are all high in beta-carotene, the type of vitamin A produced by plants.

9. Exercise daily. Regular exercise is good for your mind and your body, including your skin — the body’s largest organ. Working out reduces anxiety and boosts blood flow throughout the body. When you exercise, avoid wearing clothing or using exercise equipment that rubs on the skin and may cause irritation. Also, avoid wearing hats, goggles, or helmets that cause you to sweat excessively, as this can irritate the skin and increase bacteria. Always shower or bathe after exercise.

10. Relax! Experts believe that our emotional state is related to all aspects of health, including skin function. Some studies link stress with the severity of spots or acne. Take time to understand what happens when you get stressed. Also, try to work out what’s causing you to feel stressed. Find effective ways to deal with stress before it builds up and causes a breakout.

While spots are normal during your teenage years, it is important to learn some daily self-care steps to manage skin problems before they get more serious. If in doubt, check with your GP to see if further treatment is necessary for preventing or stopping spots.

2. Moisturise. Many topical acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturiser that minimises dryness and skin peeling. A gel-based moisturiser usually works well for oily skin. If you have dry skin, try a moisturising cream or lotion. Combination skin may need two products (cream or lotion for the dry section; a gel for the oily part). Always hydrate your skin with water before you moisturise it.



3. Try an over-the-counter acne product. Topical (those applied to the skin) acne products may contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent with a drying effect, or salicylic acid, an agent that exfoliates skin and gets rid of bacteria. Start with a small amount at first. Then increase or decrease the amount and how often you apply it, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these ointments with caution if you have sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and scaling of the skin. It can also bleach your clothes, towel and hair.



4. Use makeup sparingly. During a flare-up, try to avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blusher. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, select oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Water-based cosmetics are available. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.



5. Be careful about what you put on your hair. Avoid using fragrances, oils and harsh chemicals on your hair. These ingredients can drip on the face, blocking the skin pores and irritating the skin. Stick to a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash hair often, especially during an outbreak of spots. If your hair is long, keep it pulled off your face.



6. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or squeeze spots with your fingers, as it can result in infection and scarring.

Here are some basic skin care tips:

• Clean and moisturise your skin daily. Wash your face twice daily – once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. After you cleanse your skin, follow with a toner and moisturiser. Toners help remove fine traces of oil, dirt and make-up that you may have missed when cleansing. Moisturising is necessary even for people with oily skin. Buy a moisturiser that is best suited for your skin type (dry, normal or oily).

• Block the sun. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths such as moles, and pre-cancerous or cancerous growths such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. In fact, most skin cancers are related to sun exposure. Always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

• Seek professional help for skin problems. Skin is not going to be perfect. It can be dry or oily; it can develop rashes and acne, among many other problems. Tackle the problem with professional advice from a beauty therapist or your local pharmacist.

• Eat abalanced diet. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid fried and greasy foods.

• Self-screening. Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all aspects of your skin. Familiarise yourself with it, so you’ll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skincancer. If you have a question or concern, make sure you seek medical advice.