Prevention Connection - Gundersen Health System

Take care of the skin you’re in
Your skin is your largest organ. It protects your
body from damage, infection and the environment.
The myths of skin care are endless. These myth
busters will clear things up:
Myth: Acne and black heads are caused by dirt.
Truth: Acne develops when sebum, dead skin cells
and bacteria clog your pores. The dark color of
blackheads isn’t dirt. It’s the coloring of the dead
cells at the top of the clogged pores.
Myth: The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry
it out.
Truth: There is a difference between oiliness and
hydration. The goal is to keep your skin balanced
and clean, not to dry it out. If you dry skin too
much, it can become irritated and scaly while remaining
oily. If you have oily skin, use an oil-free
moisturizer.
Myth: Chocolate makes your skin break out.
Truth: The food you eat does not cause acne. Your
skin does not absorb the oils and grease from food.
Acne is caused when a gland sheds cells that stick
together, plug the gland and form a pimple in the
skin, which bacteria feeds on.
Myth: A close shave reduces the risk of ingrown
hairs.
Truth: The biggest cause of ingrown hairs is shaving
too closely. Hair stubs cut too close are likely to
become trapped inside the hair follicle where, instead
of growing straight out, they grow inwards or
sideways. To prevent ingrown hairs, a single-blade
razor may be a better option that the twin or triple
blades. Don’t pull the skin taut or press the razor
hard against the skin while shaving and remember
not to shave against the grain.
Myth: Tanning will clear up blemishes.
Truth: Tanning is likely to do more harm than
good. While a suntan or sunburn may camouflage
acne, it may also set you up to become one of five
Americans who get skin cancer. Tanning can actually
turn acne’s red spots a permanent shade of
brown and cause scarring.
Myth: A good base tan will protect me from sunburn.
Truth: While your body’s melanin helps prevent
sun damage, a good base tan is not the same as having
ample natural melanin in the skin. Seven minutes
in a tanning bed can equal four hours of sun
exposure and up to 20 times the ultraviolet (UV)
light exposure provided by the sun. Many people
who’ve never been scorched still get skin cancer.
Myth: Men don’t have as many skin problems as
women.
Truth: Men wrinkle as much as women do. They
get skin conditions such as acne and blackheads,
just like women. Men also have additional concerns
related to facial hair. Men tend to spend less money
on skin care products, however, and don’t use sunscreen
or protect their skin enough.
Tips for healthy skin
1. Stop smoking or never start. Smoking causes
premature aging, yellowing and drying of the
skin.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Use sunscreens to protect yourself from
harmful UV radiation. Don’t forget your
lips.
4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty
of fruits and vegetables.
5. Gently cleanse your skin one to two times a
day, but don’t overdo it. Don’t scrub or exfoliate
too hard or too often.
6. Keep skin moist at all times. Moisturizers
work best when applied while the skin is still
damp.
7. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles
below your eyes. The best way to prevent
wrinkles is to get a good night’s sleep on a
regular basis.
8. Exercise is good for your whole body, including
your skin. It can help improve skin tone
and maintain elasticity.
9. Know your skin type. Not every skin care
product suits everyone.
10. If you have skin problems such as itching,
dryness, suspicious moles or rashes, consult
your physician.
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