KEEPING SKIN HEALTHY IS MORE THAN HIT AND MYTH
Skin is our largest organ and something we may take for granted when it’s healthy.
As an academic dermatologist, I frequently hear misleading “facts” that seem to be stubbornly enduring. Here are some commonly shared myths.
False: Drink two litres of water a day for healthy skin
The amount of water you drink does not directly affect your skin. Water is supplied to the skin by blood flowing through the dermis, the inner layer of skin; water is lost from the epidermis, especially in a dry environment. Water is needed to maintain skin hydration and when you become seriously dehydrated your skin appears dull and is less elastic. In a healthy person the internal organs — kidneys, heart and blood vessels — control the amount of water reaching the skin. There is no fixed volume of water that you need to drink, it depends on the amounts you are using and losing.
False: Eating chocolate causes acne
Acne vulgaris, the common “teenage” acne which can actually persist into your 30s and 40s, occurs as a result of the interaction between hormonal effects on grease glands in the skin, plus the skin’s immune response to blocked pores and microbes living on the skin. Eating a high-fat diet is unhealthy for many reasons, but it doesn’t cause acne.
False: White marks on nails equals calcium deficiency
Nails are manufactured in the nail matrix, an area under the skin at the top edge of your nail. If the matrix is traumatised, bumped or bitten, an irregularity in the developing nail occurs and air can become trapped. This appears as a white mark as the nail grows out. Calcium is important for healthy nails (as well as bones and teeth) but these white marks are not a sign of deficiency.
Keep it simple
The basic principles of keeping skin healthy are mainly common sense. You should wash your skin regularly to remove dirt, but not so much that you remove the essential moisture and water-proofing substances. Avoid stress if possible, eat a healthy diet and drink water when you feel thirsty. And finally, protect your skin from too much sun with a hat and clothing or sunscreen.