Clearing up the misconceptions

When it comes to skin care and skin health, there are a lot of misleading facts that people tend to believe. In an attempt to clear up the confusion, and our skin, this week we are taking a look at seven myths and truths about skin care.

An important fact to know is that our skin is constantly renewing itself. The stem cells in our skin have the capacity to divide and renew themselves refreshing the dynamic barrier between our body’s internal environment and the outside world.

When it comes to stress, studies have shown that skin problems are worsened by negative situations. Psoriasis and eczema are both skin conditions which are known to lare up when a person is under stress. Therefore, to keep symptoms away make sure you keep your life as stress free as possible.

Many of us think that drinking exactly two litres of water a day is going to give us a glowing complexion, but according to the experts this isn’t always true. While water will keep our skin nice and hydrated, there is no evidence to suggest that two litres need to be consumed. Drink when you are thirsty and increase if you are more active.

Another myth concerns chocolate and the idea that it causes or worsens acne. This isn’t true. Acne is usually a result of hormonal changes and grease glands in the skin. Apparently some acne medications are even better absorbed when taken with a fatty meal, which includes chocolate.

In other news this week, turn to our Fitness pages to read about the beneits of high intensity exercise. Interval training consists of short bursts of intense exercise followed by short periods of rest and can be done while swimming, running or even cycling.