Q: Do goosebumps cause hair growth?
A: No, goosebumps occur when the muscles around the hair follicle contracts causing the base of the follicle to push up and sit higher above the skin’s surface. This results in the prickly feeling when you get goosebumps. Once the goosebumps subside, your hair will relax back to its original position.
Q: Is it true that you should only wash your face once a day?
A: Everyone envies that blemish-free complexion, but washing your face several times throughout the day may be your downfall. You only need to wash your face with a cleanser once a day, advisable at night before bed. Choose your cleansers well because not all face washes are one-size-fits-all. For sensitive skin, look for cleansers that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free like the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser sold in our office. And be sure to wash with lukewarm water; anything too hot will dissolve your skin’s natural oils and cause dry skin.
Q: Does Vitamin E really help fade scars?
A: For years people have been convinced that Vitamin E helps to improve and fade scars such as stretch marks, acne scars, and help heal wounds. There is no scientific evidence to confirm that Vitamin E helps heal scars. It actually has been linked to acne and blemishes. No current evidence has proven that Vitamin E speeds the healing process and improves the overall look.
Q: Does your diet have any effect on how your skin ages?
A: High-glycemic foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and sweets are skin enemies. These carb-loaded foods trigger the body to produce more insulin causing age-accelerating inflammation. Instead, try eating colorful vegetables that fight swelling and redness. Recent studies have shown that those who eat more green and yellow vegetables have fewer wrinkles. If that isn’t motivation to go grocery shopping, I don’t know what is.
Q: Do my facial expressions contribute to my wrinkles?
A: Yes, the muscles between the eyes, the forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet) form from our facial expressions. Over the years, the lines can etch in the skin and become noticeable even at rest. The only treatment and prevention of these is Botox.
