Drink more water, stay out of the sun and slather on as many anti-aging products as your skin can possibly handle. The formula for looking younger always seems to be some variation of the above, but New Orleans celebrity aesthetician Mandy Epley says there is so much false information swirling around out there that clients believe time and time again. Here are the top five she wishes you’d accept as bogus:
Expensive products are better for your skin.
Like most things in life, when buying skin-care products, what’s more expensive isn’t always the most effective. “It’s the formulation and concentration of active ingredients that counts, not the price,” Epley says. “Plus, everyone’s skin is different; you really have to find what works best for you.”
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You don’t need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days.
Yes, it’s true: You need to use sunscreen every day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. “About 80 percent of the harmful UV rays can pass through clouds, so your skin still needs protection. Don’t forget that the sun’s rays are responsible for visible changes associated with skin aging, including age spots and wrinkles.”
How your skin ages is determined by genetics.
Genes play a role in everything—including how you age—but that’s only part of the story. “Grandma may have had smooth, silky skin because she stayed out the sun, while you couldn’t stay away from the beach every summer, exposing your skin to sunburns or lots of tanning. Always, always, always wear sunscreen and a hat.”
Cardio is the fountain of youth.
Cardio makes us feel good, however, if you don’t include yoga and weight training, you’re aging yourself in more ways than one. Epley says. “I’ve seen a big different in strength-training helping to keep skin from sagging and yoga will improve circulation, as well as reduce stress, even more effectively than cardio.”
Moisturizers will prevent wrinkles.
“Moisturizers are not able to penetrate deep enough to reverse any signs of aging, but this doesn’t mean stop using one,” Epley says. “They do work as a barrier and will lock in the appropriate serum your dermatologist or aesthetician recommends for your skin type.”
