Truths and Myths About Skin Care and Aging

There is a lot of information about skin care and aging on the internet. Some of it is pretty good. Some of it is pretty bad. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which type of article or blog you’re reading. Unfortunately, much of the advice and information that masquerades as fact can actually cause damage – through ineffective protection from harmful UV rays, poor-quality ingredients, unethical/unsustainable production methods, and much more – making it important that you trust your source of information about skin care and aging.

Below, we tackle some of the most common myths about healthy skin as you age. If you have questions about skin care or if you are interested in learning about nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedures, call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 317-575-9152 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fata and learn how we can help you reach your goals.

Myth #1: Wrinkles Are Mostly Caused by Aging

While aging is a factor in the formation of wrinkles, it is the least important one up until about the age of 60. In younger patients, the main causes of wrinkles and other signs of aging are:

• Smoking
• Excess sun exposure
• Excessive muscle activity around the eyes and forehead

Prevention, a prescription-based skin care regimen, is an effective tool to delay this process.

Myth #2: Sunscreen with a High SPF Gives Complete Protection.

Many sunscreens protect only against UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays but do not block UVA (Ultraviolet A) rays. UVA rays are what cause skin wrinkling, sagging, and other sun-related damage. While broad-spectrum sunscreen is available, SkinCarncer.Org suggests it must be applied every two hours, regardless of activity, to retain its usefulness and around one ounce (a shot glass full) must be applied to each area, each time, for reliable protection.

Please bear in mind, even at higher SPFs, most sunscreens cannot block all of the UV rays. Limiting excessive sun exposure through avoidance or protective clothing is still beneficial.

Myth #3: Over-the-Counter Skin Care Products are as Effective as Prescription-Based Products.

Over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products sold at hair salons and high-end department stores contain most of the same ingredients as prescription alternatives, but at a much lower strength and concentration. One example is hydroquinone, a bleaching agent used for sun and age spots. The concentration of hydroquinone in over-the-counter products is 2%, but the concentration in from our private label skin care line, Lightener, is 4%. The same is true for glycolic acids and alpha-hydroxy acids.

When it comes to luxury skin care brands vs. other brands on a store shelf, however, do a side-by-side comparison. Oftentimes, with OTC products, ingredients and concentrations are near identical and paying more makes no sense.

Myth #4: BOTOX® Cosmetic Accelerates the Aging Process

BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks signals between nerves and muscles, enabling muscles to relax. This, in turn, allows overlying skin to smooth, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Each treatment lasts about three months and, if no follow-up treatment is scheduled or if follow-up treatments are stopped, the medication wears off, blocked signals are restored, and everything goes back to exactly as it was before you received BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Here is a surprising truth, however: acne treatment can accelerate the aging process. Cleansing agents that contain benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide can produce free radicals, which break down collagen and speed up aging. Sun exposure also increases the presence of free radicals and so an antioxidant, such as Vitamin -C, should be part of a balanced skin care treatment regimen.

Myth #5: Skin Damage and Aging Cannot be Reversed

Skin damages such as sunspots, rough texture, enlarged pores, wrinkles, acne scars, and other imperfections can be reduced considerably or completely eliminated through nonsurgical skin care options such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Additional options, such as dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used in combination with these treatments – or as standalone treatments for various conditions – to help ensure optimal results. Contact Dr. Fata today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

Renaissance Plastic Surgery is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Fata, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, welcomes patients from all surrounding communities including Carmel and Noblesville. Call us at 317-575-9152 to schedule your consultation today.