7 Common Skin Care Myths You Should STOP Believing!

7 Common Skin Care Myths You Should STOP Believing!

When it comes to taking care of the skin, we tend to all sorts of tips and advice. Be it from the so-called beauty expert or an AD on TV or online, we do not think twice before believing in the false and high-end claims for better skin care. So to help you separate the hyped skin care myths from reality, we debunk some of the common beauty beliefs. Here are the top skin care myths which everyone should be aware of.

Myth #1: You do not need sunscreen in winters.

This is one of the most common skin care myths that most of us believe. And this is the reason why many people do not use a sunscreen during winters. However, you must use sunscreen even on a cloudy day as the UV radiations from the sun reach the earth even on a cloudy day. Exposure to harmful UV-A rays can cause premature aging of the skin and pigmentation and UV-B rays can cause skin tanning. So to protect your skin from sun damage even during winters, it is wise to use a sunscreen.

Myth #2: The harder you scrub/exfoliate, the better it is for the skin.

This is not true. When you scrub your face, it takes off the protective oils from the skin, which in turn increases your risk of skin damage. So the harder your scrub, the severe is the damage to the skin. Hence, always be gentle while scrubbing your skin. Also, exfoliating the skin strips off the essential moisture and increases the susceptibility of the skin to infections. Do not exfoliate every day but restrict it to only two to three times a week. Instead, you can use a cleanser followed by a moisturizer or sunscreen for better results.

Myth #3: Expensive skin care products are the best.

It is one of the most popular skin care myths that almost every one of us blindly follows. But it is simply not true. When it comes to buying a skin care product, it is always advised to look for the list of ingredients on the product packaging and choose the one that fits your bill and requirements. You can even consult your dermatologist to get a better idea on what to look for based on your skin type and problem. You can always compare different skin care products and opt for the ones that serve your purpose the best.

Myth #4: The higher the SPF, the better the sunscreen.

How many of us feel this is absolutely true? But is not. Experts believe that above a certain level, the sun protection factor (SPF) value has little benefit. The American Dermatology Association recommends that one should use an SPF of at least 30, which blocks almost 97% of the UV-B radiations. Moreover, it is important to use a sunscreen when planning to go out and reapply every three hours (if outside) to stay protected.

Myth #5: Antibacterial soap is best for the skin.

The truth is that picking an antibacterial soap might not help you to keep the skin clean and healthy. Our skin has bacteria and it is not possible to keep the skin off the bacteria completely at any given point of time. In fact, use of antibacterial soap might cause the bacteria to become resistant to the soap and cause more harm. If planning to use one, always consult your dermatologist to know the right antibacterial soap based on your condition. The best way to keep your skin clean is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Myth #6: You do not need a moisturizer if you have oily skin.

This is not true completely as even if you have oily skin, you might need a moisturizer. This is because most cleansers rip off natural oils from the skin which require you to use a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. So no matter what type of skin you have such as oily,  acne-prone, dry or dehydrated one, you still need to use a moisturizer to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. The only point to keep in the mind is how to pick the right type of moisturizer that suits your skin and the amount of moisturizer to use for proper skin care.

Myth #7: Acne is caused by oily foods/not washing your face.

Although most people strongly believe that acne is caused due to the use of skin care products, not washing the face regularly or eating spicy and oily foods, it is not the sole truth. It is indeed a myth and it’s high time we stop believing it. Acne is a skin condition that is mostly caused due to hormonal imbalance. The external factors that can worsen acne include clogged pores, excess production of sebum, inflammation or bacterial growth.

As there are numerous factors that can up your risk of acne, blaming only oily foods or not washing the face is not right. Moreover, there is no evidence which states that certain types of foods cause acne. To know the exact cause of acne and treat it, fix an appointment with a dermatologist.

Heard about more skin care myths? If yes, then share with us in the comments section to help debunk the myths and give you a clear understanding about the right skin care tips.

(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General Physician)

~by-1mg