After treating nearly 100,000 patients, our board-certified, practicing dermatologists have encountered a lot of skincare myths over the years. Many of these myths center around food and nutrition. These are five of the most common food-related skincare myths we hear from our clients, along with the truth about each myth.
Myth #1: Chocolate causes acne.
FALSE.
One of the most common food myths about skincare, the old wive's tale that chocolate causes acne is just plain false. That said, some types of chocolate are much better for you than others. Dark chocolate made with lower amounts of sugar and at least 70% cocoa can provide many health benefits. This type of dark chocolate includes antioxidants as well as flavanols which have been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. On the other hand, milk chocolate typically contains between 7-35% cocoa and is typically full of sugar and dairy products. Milk chocolate does not offer any known health benefits.
Myth #2: Greasy foods cause acne.
FALSE.
Though touching your face with greasy fingers can certainly lead to breakouts, there's no evidence that simply eating greasy foods causes acne. Of course, we recommend a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and antioxidants, but the occasional indulgence in junk food won't harm your skin.
Myth #3: Milk and dairy products cause acne.
TRUE.
There are many common myths about foods that cause acne, and most of them are false, but this is one that actually has merit. For the same reasons that many people have trouble digesting dairy products and are lactose intolerant, for some people, dairy products can cause acne breakouts.
The hormone levels in milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products may play a role in producing excess sebum, which can promote acne, particularly along the chin and jaw line area. This dairy-induced acne is typically cystic acne (hard, painful bumps under the skin). If you find yourself experiencing these kinds of acne breakouts regularly, try cutting dairy from your diet to see if the condition improves.
Myth #4: Drinking plenty of water is the best way to hydrate the skin.
FALSE.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for maintaining your overall health, but the water you drink is the least efficient way to hydrate your skin. When you drink water, it must pass through your digestive track first, then into your bloodstream. Your kidneys filter the water before the rest of your body's cells get the hydration they need.
The best way to keep your skin properly hydrated is by using moisturizers and serums that have been formulated to lock in moisture. Our Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Anti-Aging Serum creates a protective barrier on your skin, locking in moisture and giving your skin a youthful appearance. Our Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer is an important part of your daily skincare regimen that provides intense dry skin hydration with complete antioxidant therapy for your face and neck.
Myth #5: DIY skincare recipes made from ingredients found in my kitchen are just as good as skincare products I can buy.
FALSE.
Thanks to Pinterest and a resurgence of do-it-yourself craft tutorials, we've seen countless recipes for homemade skincare products pop up over the last few years. While we can understand the appeal of "making it yourself," we recommend that you "prescribe it for yourself" and use our dermatologist-formulated skincare products instead.
You may have noticed that products like our Total Antioxidant Facial Serum have extracts from familiar-sounding household ingredients like coffee seed, pomegranate extract, and chamomile extract. However, these ingredients have been specially formulated and processed to be absorbed by the skin. Using the same ingredients in their raw form as found in your kitchen simply won't have the same effect.
The moral of the story? Ask a dermatologist.
Everyone has skin, but not everyone is an expert on skincare. We are.
Our team of dermatologists has more than 75 years of combined experience in treating skincare conditions. Our founder, Dr. Paul B. Dean, M.D., has been involved in the development of skin care products for more than 25 years and launched Skin Resource.MD in 2007.
Our line of skincare products is specially formulated to reverse, prevent, and control the signs of aging. Prescribe it for yourself today.
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