No matter your age, having a good skin is a trait we all desire. We’re always looking for the newest product or treatment to give us flawless skin, and sometimes we even try crazy methods in hopes that it will improve our skin. There’s a lot of information out there about skin care, which unfortunately means that there is also a lot of misinformation out there as well. It can be tough to determine what is factual and what is just a myth when it comes to skin care, but because skin care is essential to proper health, it is necessary to avoid some of the popular myths circulating. The most common of these myths can be found below.
Myth 1 – You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
You may be great at applying sunscreen on blistering sunny days, but we often think that unless the sun is out, it can’t harm our skin. Both UVB and UVA rays can be very harmful for the skin. Sadly, even on cloudy days these rays can penetrate clouds and cause a very large amount of damage to the skin. In order to prevent this, be certain to wear sunscreen during the day, no matter the weather conditions. You can also invest in some makeup that has SPF in it, so you don’t have to remember the extra step of putting sunscreen on.
Myth 2 – Scrubbing with Soap is Good for Acne and General Skin Care
You’ve probably heard that scrubbing your face with soap will help your acne and clear up some blemishes, however, this isn’t necessarily true. According to the professionals of Associated Dermatologists, because some types of soap can be very astringent, it is typically not a good idea to use highly alkaline soaps, as they can irritate skin and actually contribute to acne. Additionally, these soaps can destroy all oils on the skin, causing skin to overproduce natural oils, also contributing to acne. In order to avoid this, be certain to use gentle soaps.
Myth 3 – Expensive Skin Products are the Best
This is a common skin care misconception, and unfortunately we often think the more money we spend on skin care products, the better our skin will look. While expensive, these products are more of a status symbol than an effective skin care product; however, there are expensive and high-quality skin care products. In order to avoid overpaying for a skin care product, be sure to do research prior—see if you can find any reviews about the product or ask your dermatologist if the results are truly worth the money. While you will surely want quality products to treat your skin with, you can find good skin care products for reasonable prices at the grocery store.
Myth 4 – All Facials are Good for Your Skin
While facials can have great temporary benefits for the skin, there are no positive long-term effects from these treatments; in fact, both facials and microdermabrasion can actually cause acne if you use them too much. This isn’t true of all facials, but it is important to be careful with they types of facials you use and how often you use them. Some facials can wear on your skin and make the exterior thinner. Consult with your dermatologist about specific facials to use or avoid depending on your skin type.
Myth 5 – Laser Treatments can Make you Look 30 Years Younger
While laser treatments can be effective, they typically aren’t as effective as advertised. These treatments can be effective in the reduction of sun spots and wrinkles; however, don’t be misled by overzealous advertisements. These treatments can get expensive, so it might be more worth your money to invest in anti-aging skin care products to apply naturally instead. Most women are disappointed by the results (or lack thereof) of their laser treatments, so carefully consider whether or not it is worth the investment.
Myth 6 – Popping Pimples is a Good Idea
While popping a pimple can give one a feeling of satisfaction, it can actually force pus deeper within the skin, reinforcing the infection. For those who can’t stop popping their pimples, it is necessary to use something called a comedone extractor, a small tool that will help remove blackheads and whiteheads. It can be tough to resist the temptation, but if you leave your face alone, your zits will go away much faster than if you try and pop them—just fueling the infection’s fire.
Because these myths are so prevalent, it can be tough to know what to believe. You must remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what is good for one person’s skin, could be bad for someone else’s. If you can find products that work well for your skin, you should stick to those instead of following after crazy or drastic trends that claim to give you perfect skin. If you haven’t found any products that help your skin, consult a dermatologist in order to get professional advice about what kinds of products will be best for your skin specifically.