A Dermatologist Debunks Seven Common Myths

1. Only Teenagers get Acne- Unfortunately this is a huge myth.  In fact, we see almost as many adults with acne as we do teenagers.  Genetics, stress, and hormonal factors play a critical role. The good news is that we have effective treatment for both Acne and Acne Scarring.
2. If you shave, hair will come in thicker and faster-This myth is so old, it dates back to when I was a teenager and delayed shaving for as long as I could.  Unfortunately for me walking around with what appears to be a caterpillar on my upper lip was not a good look.  The rate and thickness of hair growth is mostly determined by genetic and hormonal factors and not by shaving.  If you have hair that you want to get rid feel free to shave or better yet, schedule a consultation with us for Laser Hair Removal.
3. Botox will make my face look frozen-Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world.  Botox works by relaxing muscles.  It helps soften the lines caused by the pull of the muscles such as forehead lines, crows feet and the 11’s between your brow.  When Botox is injected by someone poorly trained or inexperienced you can get suboptimal results.  For more information feel free to schedule a consultation with us or purchase my book: Botox and Beyond: Your guide to safe nonsurgical cosmetic procedures available at Amazon.com
4. SPF on sunscreen doesn’t matter- Ask almost any dermatologist and they’ll likely tell you that they use sunscreen with the highest SPF rating available.  The SPF is important.  The higher the SPF the greater amount of protection from the sun.  Sun avoidance can help keep your skin looking young and will prevent skin cancer.
5. A tan at the tanning salon is a good idea before a vacation- Another myth that needs debunking is the myth of the “safe” tan or “base” tan at the tanning salon.  The more UV exposure you have the higher the chance of developing skin cancer and prematurely aging your skin.  The only safe tan is a spray on tan.
6. Acne is caused by teenagers being dirty and not washing their face- This is one that has landed me in hot water with many a mother imploring me to tell their teenager to wash their face more often and more vigorously.  The truth of the matter is that Acne is a genetic skin disease and isn’t related to not washing.  Washing two times a day with a mild cleanser is all that is necessary.  We have great treatments that can actually clear acne so there is no need for your teen to suffer.
7. Lip Filler will make me look like a duck-Having performed injectables such as fillers and Botox I can tell you these are highly technique dependent.  When filler is done properly it looks great and can make a subtle but significant change.  The key is not to overdo it and to inject with great technique and an artistic eye.  As we age, we tend to lose volume particularly around the mouth.  A little bit of plumping looks great, too much can look ridiculous.   Less is usually better than more.

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