Myth #21:  Skin damage and signs of aging can be cleared up quickly.
Truth: If a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet its claims are false.  The sun damage didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly cannot be magically repaired.  To see measurable results, expect to go through at least three skin cycles (anywhere between 21-40 days, depending on age).  My mom has been asking me for a skin lightening cream and I just ordered one by Alpha Hydrox based on Paula Begoun’s recommendation. 

Myth #22: All alcohol in skin products is bad.
Truth: Some compounds that contain alcohol can act as emollients, which can decrease the skin’s water loss.  Cetyl, benzyl and oleyl alcohol are examples of good alcohols. 

Myth #23:  Sun exposure will improve acne.
Truth:  Sun exposure can hide the appearance of acne for awhile, but will eventually lead to skin damge, pigmentation, and drying that will signal the skin to produce more oil.

Myth #24:  Alcohol abuuse can cause your nose to become red and bulbous.
Truth:  The intake of alcohol can temporarity dilate blood vessels and make skin appear flushed, but in most cases, a large, inflamed, red and bulbous nose is a result of rosacea.

Myth #25:  Skin repair happens at night.
Truth:  A good nights sleep is certainly helpful to skin health; however, skin repair is ongoing.  Inadequate sleep can cause stress, skin puffiness, and can slow the natural development of collagen. 

Myth #26:  Skin care products can last three or more years.
Truth:  Most skin care products lose a great deal of their potenc within 12 months.  it’s best to use the entire contents within one year because preservative don’t last forever and ingredients can get contaminated with bacteria or simply evaporate. 

Myth #27:  Strong scrubs, soaps, and abrasives are good for your skin.
Truth:  Be gentle on your face!  Too much scrubbing or too many abrasive products can remove protective oils, create tiny micro tears and contribute to aging, irritated skin.  Less is more.

Myth #28:  Vitamin A thins the skin.
Truth:  Skin can become thin due to the lack of Vitamin A.  This is because of its unique ability to help create new, healthy and normal skin cells.  Vitamin A is arguably the most important skin care ingredient, bar none.  It’s one of the few – if not the only – ingredient that’s backed by more than 50 years of objective, scientific research supporting its efficacy.

Myth #29:  The only form of Vitamin C that works is L-ascorbic acid.
Truth:  L-ascorbic acid only remains in its most potent state for a limited time.  A new era in Vitamin C formulations, one of the best antioxidants for your skin, has arrived.  There are several forms that have been developed that aren’t water-based, which means they can better penetrate the skin and remain more potent for longer periods of time.

Myth #30:  There is one antioxidant ingredient that’s the best.
Truth:  Every year, there’s a hot, newly discovered antioxidant that’s touted as the best - but this isn’t true.  A cocktail of antioxidants provides better results than just one.  Seek products containing a plethora of antioxidants.