Why we’re getting under your skin!
AND HOW SEX HELPS YOU GLOW
YOU CAN’T BEAT WRINKLES
WRINKLES are a natural sign of ageing caused by the skin become thinner and losing collagen, a protein which helps elasticity. But you can slow the process. Protecting your skin from sun damage helps, as does stopping smoking and getting enough sleep. In fact, research shows you are 45% more likely to get wrinkles and fine lines if you sleep for just six hours rather than eight. Topical vitamin A-based drugs known as retinoids may reduce fine lines too, studies show.
Verdict: Myth
CARROTS CAN TURN YOUR SKIN ORANGE
THE vegetable contains something called beta-carotene, a pigment which your body turns into immune-boosting vitamin A. Research from the University of California shows if you eat a lot of carrots it can lead to carotenemia, which can cause certain parts of the skin to have an orange glow, especially the palms of your hands. But you’d have to eat three to 10 carrots a day and the condition is harmless.
Verdict: True
BAD DIET CAUSES ACNE
ZITS are caused when hair follicles become blocked. The NHS says there is no evidence eating too much chocolate, or any other kind of diet is linked to acne. Nor is it related to poor hygiene. Sadly, toothpaste doesn’t cure spots either. On the upside, the skin of people who have suffered acne appears to age more slowly, according to boffins from King’s College London
Verdict: Myth
DUCT TAPE TREATS WARTS
COVERING warts with duct tape works better than freezing them off with liquid nitrogen, according to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. But no treatment is guaranteed to work for warts which are caused by a virus. They usually disappear by themselves in the end, but it could take months or even years. Verdict: True
AIR IS GOOD FOR WOUNDS
CUTS and grazes are common in the summer. And you probably heard your granny say your skin needs to be able to breathe to heal. But scientific evidence actually shows that wounds heal better in a moist environment. So, covering a cleaned wound with a plaster can help and will reduce the risk of infection.
Verdict: Myth
SEX GIVES YOU A HEALTHY GLOW
BECAUSE sex increases blood flow in the body it really can give you a rosy complexion. This also carries nutrients to the skin. Sex also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, boosting the production of collagen. Collagen is what helps keep our skin elastic and supple.
And a Scottish study found men and women with an active sex life typically looked seven years younger.
Verdict: True
YOU CAN’T GET SUNBURNT IN WATER
EVEN half a metre below the surface of the water, 40% of the sun’s UV rays can still hit your body. Plus, the cooling effect of water means you might not notice that you’re burning. Experts also advise reapplying sunscreen after you’ve been in water, even if it boasts it’s “water-resistant”. It’s also a myth you don’t need it on a cloudy day – 80% of damaging UV rays can still get through. Verdict: Myth
ATHLETE’S FOOT IS CAUSED BY POOR HYGIENE
ATHLETE’S foot is a common problem in summer, but the fungal infection which causes itching and blisters is not related to cleanliness. It’s usually picked up from communal areas such as showers and pools where you walk around barefoot. Use antifungal medicines from the pharmacist to treat it. Verdict: Myth
YOU CAN WASH TOO MUCH
SHOWERING and cleaning yourself too often can upset your skin’s microbiome, say experts. That may harm your immune system, leaving you open to bad bacteria. It can also remove protective natural oils. It’s a myth that you need to use antibacterial rather than regular soap.
Verdict: True
PSORIASIS IS CONTAGIOUS
THIS condition, which affects 2% of the population, causes patches of red flaky skin and can occur anywhere on the body. It’s caused by an immune system problem and can’t be spread by person-to-person contact. Eczema is not contagious either.
Verdict: Myth