6 Myths About Skin Care

Young woman with sun shape on the shoulder holding sun cream bottle on the beach

What you have been told your entire life about your skin could be wrong. You wake up on picture day at school and what do you see? A giant pimple right on the tip of your nose. So what should you do? Well obviously if you want to make it go away you’re supposed to pop it right? Well actually that is not the case. Arrowhead Health is here to give you advice on skin care. There are many things that people believe about protecting their skin that are just completely wrong. We have created a list of 6 myths about skin care and what you should really be doing.

Common Myths About Skin Care

Myth #1 – You don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day

Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth’s surface. So make sure you use sunscreen every day and reapply it every two hours as well as after swimming or sweating.

Myth #2 – The higher the SPF, the better the protection

There are three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply, altering your pigmentation to produce a tan. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. These rays also damage your skin’s DNA and cause photoaging, pigment changes, and carcinomas (cancerous tumors). UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don’t make it to the ground. The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays or sunburns. Many sunscreens, therefore, need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and one of the following ingredients: mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) for UVA protection, or titanium dioxide.

Myth #3 – Scrubbing your face with soap will keep your skin acne free

When you scrub your face, you’re taking off some of the protective oils and barriers, which tends to lead to rashes and even burns. Instead use a gentle cleanser followed by a moisturizer or sunscreen.

Myth #4 – It’s better to get the puss out of a pimple by popping it

The truth is, even though it feels really good to release the pus, a lot of it just goes in deeper. When it goes in deeper, it causes more inflammation that can lead to scarring and spread under the skin. That’s why you’ll get another one a few days later close to the first one. If you absolutely cannot resist, be sure to do it right. Don’t squeeze and pop the pimple. Instead, use something called a comedone extractor — an inexpensive tool you can purchase at most beauty supply stores. Apply firm pressure with the extractor; then roll it across the pimple to take it out.

Myth #5 – Facials and microdermabrasion are good for your skin care routine

This is a popular myth especially with the proliferation of day spas. But a recent study from India concluded that facials actually cause acne breakouts in 80% of people. They feel good but have no long-term skin benefit beyond relaxation. Like microdermabrasion, which merely sloughs off the top layer of skin, they are a waste of money.

Myth #6 – Antiaging products (or “wrinkle creams”) can erase wrinkles

Most wrinkle creams simply hydrate skin, plumping it out and making it look better temporarily. So don’t buy into the hype. There is one product that has a solid history and reputation for reversing fine lines, however. That is topical retinoids. Often sold under the name “Retinol” or “Tretinoin,” these creams or drops penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have shown them to be fairly effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reversing the effects of photoaging or sun damage. Some retinoids can be purchased over the counter. For greater strength, ask your doctor for a prescription.

6 Myths About Skin Care Negated

So there you have it, some of our favorite myths about skin care negated. If you come across the picture day scenario, just remember, go get yourself a comedone extractor and you’ll be just fine! If you’re having problems with your skin and are concerned about it, go take our quiz on skin care here or give the experts at Arrowhead Health Centers a call at 623 777-5587.

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