Let's start with the basics....

The world of skincare is vast and confusiong and for non-professionals it can be hard to know where to start. As a doctor I often hear many myths on how to get good or clear skin, and I spend alot of time undoing the damage.

This goes beyond mere facial skincare but also applies to the whole body

Let's discuss some myths....

• Eating lots of chocolate will give you spots

• You only need to wear sunscreen when it's sunny

• People with oily skin shouldn't moisturise, as it makes it worse

• Dark skinned people don't get skin cancer

• Butter heals burns

• Too much makeup causes acne

• A suntan is healthy for your skin

• Natural products are better for your skin than medicaments

Although there are some partial truths it is important to say that most of the above are false and can sometimes be harmful if believed.

Food and hygeine practices can impact on one's ability to manage oil and sebum production, but it is a complex cocophany of bacteria, hormones, emotional stress and clogged pores and inflammation which contribute to acne production.

Likewise it is important to highlight the need for skin protection and prevention of damage by irradiation from UV rays.

Sunbeds usage is a complete no no if you care about your skin. The other side is a dedication to a life of regular and daily sun protection using SPF no matter your shade.

Skin cancer is a very real possibility in any one, to varying degrees, so protection is required to prevent any such progression.

Natural over everything!

This is the way of the world currently and has led to patients rejecting treatments offered to them, in place of natural ingredients which in many cases people cannot verify their authenticity. I have no issue with people asserting their right to choose, but be wary that the cream you got from your family member or in a natural shop may contain anything... and often does contain illegal additives including lead, hydroquinone and very high dose steroids. Even simple compounds which it may have been mixed with may be irritant to your skin....so excise wisdom.

A simple skincare routine and healthy skincare practices will help safeguard and preserve your skin to it's best. I'll talk about this in my next post!

This involves moisturing and protecting it from UV light exposure, including when you're indoors and also when you're outside - all year round.

Going to a qualified medical professional if you've got a cut or burn to get appropriate treatment is better than going onto your group chat to solicit advice, as it could help pevent severe scarring or infection if not managed well.

Seeking help from a qualified aesthetic medical practioner regarding specific concerns can help you tackle stubborn complaints and help provide you with targeted treatments to resolve them.

We at Dr Eve Skin are able to help with this, so don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation today!