Call us the Myth-busters! No, sillies, not the fancy folks over at the Discovery channel getting all experiment-y on… um... science-y stuffs. We're gonna bust up some common myths that have previously been sold to you as the truth. And we’re gonna use the word “hogwash.” A lot. ‘Cause it’s a super cool word that should have never been expired from the lexicon.



Say it with me now. “Hogwash!” Once more with feeling, “HOGWASH!”

Let’s tackle our first myth: If your makeup has SPF, you’re good to go. Right?

Hogwash. We hardly slather on enough foundation to provide adequate coverage to our delicate facial real estate. In fact, according to a recent InStyle article, “celebrity go-to-guy for nonsurgical facelifts,” Dr. Fredric Brandt, M.D., says that you should shellac your face with at least a teaspoonful of sunscreen every single day—and then feel free to paint your face accordingly.

“Protecting your skin from the sun lets the repair enzymes shift from defending skin to healing it.” explains Dr. Brandt. And isn’t it good to know that your little enzymes are seriously bad a** multi-taskers?

Myth number 2 on our list lies with your daily retinoid regimen and relies on its fear factor to keep it alive, namely the fear of a peeling, red, itchy face. If your face is peeling… it must mean that you can’t tolerate retinoids. Right?



Hogwash. According to Brandt (and probably your own doctor), these unsettling sensations are all a part of any vitamin A-based creams “acclimation process.” (Ah, I see...)

Perseverance is key here. If you want the results, you must persist with incorporating these products into your regimen. Of course, if you’re too uncomfortable with the itchy, red sensation, simply use the product every third night and work your way up to everyday use. And if you’re super wimpy (I kid. I joke.), try leaving the product on for a simple five minute stint and then rinse off.

Myth number 3 is one near and dear to our hearts (and one that we recently touched on): Is looking old and haggard do entirely to wrinkles?



No sillies. That belief is hogwash. It’s much, much more serious than that. (*screech<em>)

Call for your fainting couch, 'cause I’m going to be frighteningly frank about the fact that it’s not just wrinkles we're fighting against. It's also gravity—sunken cheeks, undereye hollowing—<em>and</sem> discoloration that makes a gal look all cra-a-azy old. Now, now dearies, all is not for naught (<em>or something like that). Take comfort in re-reading our article on defeating skin discoloration and know that the good Dr. Brandt (and your own doctor) have your back. Talk to them about hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane for a little strategic plumping and know that their are heaping helping of products and lasers available to help with discoloration.

And finally, we aim our myth-busting beam on one final myth and set it to destroy: If exfoliation is good, then more exfoliation is better. Right?



Hogwash.

Enter our old adversary… I mean friend… restraint. Yes, it’s important to exfoliate to remove dead cells so your skin will reflect more light and absorb treatment products better, but exfoliate too often and you could irritate the skin. Once a week is enough, preferably with an at-home micro-derm system or peel.

So the lessons here are as follows: Wear your sunscreen, exfoliate lightly, follow-thru with your retinoid treatment and if things get to out-of-hand, consult with your good Doctor about plumping, lasering and other products available to help you continue fighting the good fight. Also avoid hogwash without avoiding the use of the word “hogwash.” You’re quite welcome. And good day.