If you do an online search, you can find a lot of resources and advice on skin care. But not all of the information is valid. Knowing the difference between myth and fact can lead to better decisions when taking care of your skin.
Here are major 8 skin care myths that you should know the truth about:
Myth 1. There is no need to apply sunscreen on a cloudy or rainy day: The fact is that you have to wear sunscreen whenever you step outside – even if it’s a cloudy or rainy day. This is because even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth’s surface and 75-80% of UV radiation penetrates cloud cover, no matter how thick it is. So make sure to wear sunscreen whenever outdoors and reapply it every two hours.
Myth 2. It’s ok to pop out the pus from the pimple: Many people believe that it’s ok to pop out the pus from pimple. But the fact is that you should not squeeze or pick the pimple. The pus could be deep and if you go deeper to pop it out, it might cause more inflammation that can lead to scarring and even spread under the skin.
Myth 3. Acne develops because your face is not clean: This is a popular myth. Acne can form due to genetic problems too. Acne is generally caused by a combination of four factors: clogged pores from shedding keratin/skin cells, sebum, bacteria and inflammation.
Myth 4. The more you scrub or exfoliate, the better: many people believe that exfoliating or scrubbing often is a good method to keep away acne and other breakouts. But the fact is that too much of cleansing or over-exfoliating that too using much pressure can actually make the problem worse, as it strips your skin of essential moisture. It also makes your skin more vulnerable to infections, clogged pores and free radicals that can lead to wrinkles in the future. Exfoliating is a must, but be gentle on your skin and do it only two or three times a week.
Myth 5. There is no need to moisturize an oily face: Whether you have oily or dry skin, it’s necessary to maintain the skin’s pH balance. Use a good moisturizer to keep the skin balanced and nourished. Choosing the right moisturizer is important because some might trigger acne. It would be better to use a lighter product, such as a hydrating serum or lotion rather than a heavy cream.
Myth 6. The higher the SPF of sunscreen, the greater the UV-protection: Higher SPF cannot provide extra protection. SPF is just a ratio of how long it would take for your skin to be damaged in the presence of a sunscreen vs. in its absence. The time period for which your skin is protected by a sunscreen does not increase indefinitely with increasing SPF.
Myth 7. Pores open up with hot water: Don’t wash your face with hot water. Steaming also helps open up pores, though using lukewarm water is more ideal.
Myth 8. Regular application of makeup could cause early facial aging: It’s not true that regular application of makeup could cause premature facial aging. Proper maintenance is the key to slow down the process. Similarly, wearing makeup is not going to make you age faster. In fact, there are so many makeup products that actually nourish, protect and improve the skin’s texture. But it’s necessary to remove makeup before you go to bed, or else, the makeup, dirt, oil and toxins collected over the course of the day might cause aging faster. So remove makeup up the end of the day and keep your face clean.
The bottom line: proper care and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to beautiful and healthy skin.
