What your dermatologist should tell you

Did your dermatologist ever tell you that chocolate causes acne or that vitamin E helps wounds heal? If so, your doc was wrong. Dr. Debra Wattenberg clears up these two myths -- and highlights four other skin tips -- for MSNBC.com. Here's what she reveals.

Chocolate doesn't cause acne, but milk might
There are very few studies linking food and acne. It's not chocolate or greasy foods that clog pores. It's skin cells and bacteria that do the damage. Milk might be damaging too -- recent studies show that milk and other dairy products may stimulate the glands causing acne. Dr. Wattenberg recommends limiting but not eliminating dairy.

Vitamin E prevents wounds from healing
Most people think vitamin E heals wounds. It doesn't. It's an antioxidant that will help prevent oxidative damage to the skin, but it may actually slow healing.

Antiperspirants are more effective if applied at night
Apply your antiperspirant to a dry underarm just before heading to bed and then again in the morning and they may work better during the day.

Flat moles can be skin cancer
Raised moles are not the only moles you should worry about. Flat moles can be cancerous too. Consider the ABCD's of skin cancer for all moles -- determine if your lesions are Asymmetrical (one half doesn't match the other), have an irregular Border or irregular Color, or have a Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser (5 mm).

Acne medications should be applied to the entire face, not just to pimples
Most medications are designed to prevent tomorrow's breakout, not just dry up today's pimple. Apply to the whole face, not just the stubborn spot.

Covered wounds heal faster than open ones
Don't uncover your wound to "let it dry out." Studies show that wound healing is more effective in a moist environment. Apply an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin and keep it covered with a Band-Aid until it is completely healed.