Does chocolate give you pimples? Does moisturizing cream prevent aging? Does anti-aging cream really work?
There are many myths, theories and popular beliefs surrounding skin health and appearance. But, after all, what is good or bad for the largest organ in the human body?
Exclusively for the THE CAPE, dermatologist Luis Alberto Fróes, who is a full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, unravels the myths about the skin.
Know what to do and what to worry about (or not):
1) Is there a hole in the ozone layer here in Brazil?
No. Although the biggest emitters of harmful gases are countries in the Northern Hemisphere, air currents push these gases towards the poles, especially the South Pole. Today there are only 2 holes in the ozone layer: a small one at the North Pole and a very large over Antarctica.
2) Does factor 60 sunscreen protect twice as much as factor 30?
No. Factor 30 sunscreen, if applied correctly, filters 97% of ultraviolet radiation. 60 filters 99%. The benefit, therefore, is only 2% more.
3) My hair grows very slowly. If I trim the ends, will it help it grow?
No. Our hair and nails are made of dead cells that line up in a special shape, forming hair and nails. Being dead cells, they do not communicate with each other or with the hair root. Therefore, what you do at the tip does not affect the root and vice versa.
4) Does applying moisturizer prevent aging?
No. One of the signs of skin aging is the loss of its natural hydration. Moisturizing creams replenish this hydration and improve the appearance of the skin, but do not slow down the natural aging process.
5) I have oily skin. Which moisturizer should I use?
At first, none. Moisturizers serve to combat dryness. If the skin is oily, there is no dryness. Some people report a feeling of dryness right after washing. In this case, the ideal would be to change soap to one that is less drying.
6) Is there any dietary supplement (vitamins, collagen, etc.) that combats aging?
Several vitamins are important in the formation of the skin and its collagen, however, no scientific study has been able to categorically prove that taking extra amounts of these nutrients can improve anything in our skin. Collagen, when ingested, is digested in the stomach and excess vitamins tend to be eliminated by our body.
7) Does anti-aging cream work?
Some creams contain active ingredients well established by science, but others are pure “deception”. The ideal is to consult a Dermatologist and ask him to recommend a product that has proven efficacy and is appropriate for your age. In this sense, another tip: if you are 30 years old, there is no point using a cream made for people who are 50 years old, thinking that it will be more effective. They act at different points. If you don't have the changes that only appear at 50, you will be wasting time (and money) using creams for this age.
8) Does anti-hair loss shampoo work?
The use of shampoos to treat hair loss is controversial, with little scientific evidence on the matter. As the shampoo is rinsed immediately after application, there is little penetration of its active ingredients into the roots and the effect is quite limited. In general, the use of leave-in tonics or oral medications is preferred for this purpose, depending on the cause of the hair loss.
9) Does chocolate give you pimples?
Acne is essentially a hormonal and genetic disease, not a dietary disease. However, recent scientific studies show that a diet rich in sugar may be associated with the appearance of pimples. Whey Protein, very popular among gym goers, has also been implicated in some studies. Many people report the appearance of pimples after eating too much chocolate. In these cases, perhaps the sugar, not the chocolate itself, could be the real culprit.
10) Why do people who overdo the "Botox" get such big lips?
Botulinum toxin (better known as Botox) is a substance that paralyzes muscles in the human body, being used to smooth out some expression lines. Using it in large quantities or in inappropriate locations can paralyze the wrong muscles and cause facial deviations, but it does not have the power to "increase" any part of the body. Typically, so-called "sausage lips" are caused by excessive use of lip fillers and not botulinum toxin.
