Skin Care Mythbuster

There is so much information out there on what we should and shouldn't be doing to keep our skin looking young and healthy. Ever wonder how much of it is actually true? We know you've asked yourselves these questions at one time or another... so let's get to the bottom of some of these:

1) "I have oily skin, so I shouldn't use a moisturizer"

FALSE. Skin needs a balance of water and oil to stay healthy. The mistake we often make when trying to fight the oilies is to use harsher products to achieve that mattifying effect. Using strong soaps, toners, and acne treatments will eventually leave your skin THIRSTY, which will only cause it to produce more oil. Adding a water-based moisturizer to your routine will put an end to this vicious cycle.

2) "Eating junk food will make me break out"

FALSE. Aren't you glad this one's a lie? The truth is, we don't actually secrete what we eat. Salt or chocolate are not among the components of a pimple. Having said that...pass the Pringles.

3) "A day at the beach will do my skin some good"

TRUE and FALSE. Salt water can be helpful for treating skin problems like psoriasis or excema, and even acne, as sea water can actually help reduce inflammation and kill surface bacteria. On the other hand, too much can lead to dry, dehydrated skin, as well as premature wrinkles. And we won't even get into the dangers of overexposure to the sun. The bottom line is, don't skip the SPF and remember, moderation is key!

4) "Placing slices of cucumber on your eyes will reduce puffiness"

FALSE. If you're burning the candle at both ends, this won't do much in the way of erasing that tired look. Cucumber is over 90% water, and the rest is inert fibers with no skin benefits whatsoever. You might argue that you do notice an improvement... Well, that is most likely due to the likelihood that you store your cucumbers in the refrigerator. It's the cold (not the cucumber) that shrinks the swelling. You can achieve similar results with a washcloth dipped in cold water.

Your best bet? Take those old wives tales with a grain of salt, and stick to a healthy and consistent skin care routine to keep your skin in top shape. We know you love the KiwiFox line, so you're already ahead of the game!