By Jennifer Solis, Owner, Bless These Brows
In today’s world of non-stop information overload, it can be difficult to know what’s true and what’s not. When it comes to skincare, there are many inaccurate beliefs. Following are a few of the most common along with the facts you need to know.
The higher the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun.
No, no, no! The SPF, or sun protection factor, does not indicate how long the product protects you from the damaging rays of the sun, but indicates the percentage of damaging UV light it filters out. So SPF 15 blocks about 94 percent of the UV rays, and SPF 30 blocks about 98 percent. Even an SPF of 100 does not block 100 percent of the harmful rays. If you are going to be outside all day in the sun, especially if you’ll be around water, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Healthy skin needs to be squeaky clean.
If your skin feels “squeaky clean” and tight, that means you are washing too often or using the wrong products. It’s important to use a gentle sulfate-free cleanser meant for your skin type so that you don’t strip away the natural oils. Even oily skin can be damaged and breakouts can worsen by using a harsh cleanser or over-scrubbing. For most people, there is no need to wash their face more often than twice a day. Always rinse completely with warm water and use a clean towel to gently pat your face dry.
Use hypoallergenic products if you have sensitive skin
You might be surprised to know that sensitive skin has no medical definition and there are no Federal standards or requirements for a product to be labeled “hypoallergenic.” The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Dermatologists generally consider skin to be sensitive if it is prone to itching and irritation in response to changes in temperature or when using common skincare products that most other skin types can tolerate. However, many people think they have sensitive skin when it is more likely that they are overusing too many products, treating their skin too harshly, or reacting to only certain ingredients in a skin care product.
“Clinically proven” means that a product has undergone strict testing to make sure it works.
The term “clinically proven” on a product label is meaningless. It could mean that only one person used the product and found it to be okay. Skincare products are not regulated by the FDA and manufacturers can use a wide variety of deceptive wording in their marketing and on their packaging to give consumers the perception that a product will deliver amazing results. There are some very good products and some key ingredients to look for that can improve the look of your skin, but there is no cream, serum, or lotion that will “erase wrinkles” or reverse the aging process. The closest thing to a “miracle” anti-aging product is sunscreen!
If you aren’t a happy with the way your skin looks, consult an aesthetician who can answer your questions and help you choose treatments and products that will work best for your particular skin type. Non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures such as facial peels, dermaplaning, and micro-dermabrasion can help your skin look its best.
Jennifer Solis, owner of Bless These Brows, is a Licensed Aesthetician and Medical Aesthetics Certified. In addition to waxing, she specializes in skin rejuvenation procedures such as micro-dermabrasion and dermaplaning as well as micro-blading, which is a semi-permanent procedure to fill in thinning brows. She is located at 1212 Towanda Ave. For more information on services and appointment scheduling link, visit her website www.blessthesebrows.com. You can also reach her