Only a fool doesn’t want flawless skin this April Fool's Day. Can you tell facts from foolish fiction with our fun quiz?
Choose foolish (false) or wise (true) answers to these questions and see if you guessed right, below. No fooling!
1. Only wash your face with water.
2. Never wash your face in the shower.
3. Use sunscreen with the highest SPF on your face.
4. Apply sunscreen only during the warmer months.
5. Get a light tan to even out age spots.
6. Prevent age spots by drinking lots of water.
7. Eating chocolate or bacon causes acne.
8. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol can age your skin.
9. Wrinkles are in your genes. There’s nothing you can do to prevent them.
10. Cellulite is forever. You can’t get rid of it.
ANSWERS:
1. Foolish (false). Plain water won’t remove environmental pollutants, dirt, and makeup. All that gunk will clog your pores, irritate your skin and make your skin look dull. Wash your face morning and night, but no more than twice a day. Use fingertips to apply a gentle cleanser, rinse with warm water, and follow with a moisturizer. Moisturizer softens and prevents water loss through the skin’s outer layers, we recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer. Click here to shop now.
2. Wise (true). The skin on your face is delicate and hot water will dry it out and remove natural oils. Exfoliating scrubs may be used once a week as long as it’s not an abrasive formula, such as crushed walnut shells. Yuck! Foolish or what? We recommend the SkinCeuticals Exfoliating Scrub. Click here to shop now
3. Foolish (false). While sunscreen is vitally important year around to prevent sun damage, there’s no evidence that a higher SPF protects better. SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. You’ll gain more protection by reapplying it at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
4. Foolish (false). Use at least two tablespoons of sunscreen to cover all skin unprotected by clothing all year round. Apply 30 minutes before going out, and reapply it every two hours. And it’s just foolish to be in the sun during the peak burn hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when suns UVA/UVB rays are at their strongest. But, don’t hide in a dark cave. A lack of regular sunlight can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight activates your skin to produce vitamin D, essential to keeping your bones and immune system strong and lowering your risk of some cancers. We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen. Click here to shop now
5. Foolish (false). Without sunscreen protection, tanning (direct sun or tanning booth) will only add more dark spots and increase your skin cancer risk. Too much time in the sun damages your skin, makes it age prematurely, and increases wrinkles.
6. Foolish (false). The dark age spots on your face and hands are due to years of sun damage. While plenty of water is good for your overall health, it doesn’t affect skin discolorations.
7. Foolish (false). Acne is caused by sebum, an oily substance produced naturally by the skin. There’s no evidence that any food causes skin blemishes. To keep your skin looking young, eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.
8. Wise (true). Banish those from your diet, and you’ll see an improvement in your skin. Experts also recommend regular exercise to improve circulation and boost your immune system – both help generate more youthful skin.
9. Foolish (false). There are many ways to prevent wrinkles including not smoking, limiting alcohol and using a high-quality sunscreen and moisturizer every day.
10. Sad, but true (wise). You can diminish some of the cottage cheese look from your thighs with a firming cream. A fake tan (spray or self-tanning lotion) can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise will tighten muscles for a more toned look.
How did you do on the quiz? Your prize for a perfect score is beautiful, healthy skin. But, if you couldn’t tell the foolish advice from the facts, make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and improve your score!