1. Toothpaste for acne : Most toothpaste contains baking soda or hydrogen peroxide which can have a drying effect. However, it is a cutaneous irritant which causes redness and peeling. We know that topical benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treaters are more effective, actually preventative for further breakouts and are available OTC.
2. Egg Whites to Shrink your pores : Egg whites do contain collagen and may make the skin feel tighter by drying and sitting on the skin, but it is offering no reparative effects. First off, collagen is a very large molecule that cannot penetrate the epidermal barrier. Secondly, egg whites are highly comedogenic and can cause increased breakouts in acne prone skin.….and in addition…Hello Salmonella!
3. Lemon juice for blackheads : Lemons have a naturally acidic pH, but can end up hurting the skin more than helping. Citrus juices are also highly capable of causing burns when exposed to sunlight.
4. I have sunscreen in my makeup : First, you need to cover your face with about half a teaspoon of product to achieve the full SPF listed on the label. Thus use layers!...and remember your protection is only as strong as your higest spf. A spf 20 moisturizer and spf 15 makeup does not equal spf 35 protection. I recommend a priming spf of 30-50 under any makeup.
Elizabeth Longo, PA-C Dermatology
OFFICE PHONE: 818-865-8133 ADDRESS: 29525 Canwood Street, Ste. 219, Agoura Hills, CA 91301