Common Skin Care Myths

Skincare doesn’t have to be a tricky thing. But with so many products to choose from, different trends, and a ton of skin care myths floating around, it can be difficult to determine the best way to actually care for your skin. Which eye cream actually works? Is it really safe to use a tanning bed? Today, we are going to debunk some of the most common skin care myths so that you can take better care of your skin.

Our skin experts at Azeal Dermatology Institute want to help you understand and care for your skin better. We love sharing information about proper skin care and providing our clients with the services they need to have healthy, beautiful, and glowing skin. If you ever need more information about your skin and how to properly care for it, be sure to schedule a skin care consultation with us! We are happy to help you improve your skin.

If you want to learn more about the common skin care myths, read on!

Hot Water Will Open and Clean Pores

You may have heard that washing your face with hot water can open your pores and clean them out better. While steam can penetrate your pores deeper and help you remove more dirt, hot water should not be used to wash your face, or even bathe. If the water is too hot, it can dry out your skin, stripping it of its natural oils. While a hot shower may feel great, especially with the current cold weather in Northern Colorado, it is best to wash your face and take a shower in lukewarm water. If your skin is turning red because of the heat of the water, it is way too hot. When hot water dries out your skin, it can cause more sensitivity, distended capillaries, and your skin to produce even more oil as it tries to protect itself.

A Tan Will Protect You From Sunburns

This is a common belief and after you get your base tan going in the summer you no longer feel the need to wear sunscreen. You may not notice any burning after getting slightly tanned in the sun or tanning bed, but that does not mean you can ditch the sunscreen. Even a tan is a sign of skin damage, although we know most people are still going to tan. Even after a nice base tan, continue wearing sunscreen. Your future self will thank you!

Scrubbing Hard Is Better

Many people think that the harder they scrub their skin the better. But this is not true at all. Scrubbing your skin too hard may even cause damage. When you wash your skin you should be gentle, you don’t have to apply a ton of pressure or really scrub to get a good clean. When it comes to exfoliating, you should never do it every day. While exfoliating can leave your skin feeling softer and smoother, doing it daily can harm your skin and remove too much of its natural oils and moisture. Give it time to regenerate and only exfoliate two to three times a week.

Washing More Can Help Oily and Acne Prone Skin

Some people believe that the more they wash their skin the less likely they will be to experience acne breakouts. They also think that this can help reduce the excessive oil on their skin. But this is a big myth. Cleaning and exfoliating too often and using too much pressure can cause more harm than good.

The more you wash your face, the more the natural oils are stripped away, but this will cause your body to produce more oil. Suddenly, your already oily skin is even more so, and washing it will only continue to make it worse. Your skin needs some oil to protect itself, so when you rid your skin of the oils, it will work to replace them, producing more than necessary. You should wash your face one to two times a day, in the morning and at night. No matter what, be sure to wash your face every night to remove the dirt, pollution, and makeup particle from the day.

You Don’t Need to Use Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin

People with oily skin are often hesitant to add even more moisture, but moisturizer helps to keep your skin nourished, no matter what type of skin you have. When you wash your face, the natural oils are removed. Moisturizer helps balance your skin out and rehydrates it. If you have oily skin, you may not need to use as much moisturizer as those with dry skin, but you still need to keep this as part of your skincare routine.

Makeup Ages Your Skin Faster

Some people love makeup, but when they hear that makeup ages their skin faster, it may cause them to second guess. Don’t worry, this is a myth! Wearing makeup regularly will not cause your skin to age quicker. However, not washing off your makeup every night will. If you do not wash your makeup off at the end of the day you are not only leaving makeup on your skin, but you are leaving oil, dirt, and toxins on your skin which will cause your skin to age. Wear as much makeup as you want, but make sure you wash it off at the end of the day. Your makeup may even include ingredients that help nourish and protect your skin!

Only People With Skin Concerns Need to See a Dermatologist

This is certainly not true. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, caring for it is extremely important. Even if you have no skin concerns and feel like you are taking care of your skin properly, a visit to Azeal Dermatology can help you learn more about your skin and allow you to better care for it. We offer a variety of general, cosmetic, and aesthetic dermatology services that can improve your skin. We are sure you will find a service you would like to try, even if you have perfect skin.

Hopefully, you learned a thing or two about skin care and what myths you have been falling for over the past few years. We hope that our myth debunking helps you better care for your skin! There are many different skin care myths still floating around out there, which is why we encourage you to come in for a skincare consultation. Our skin experts will be able to tell you what type of skin you have and what you need to do to care for it in the best way possible. To learn more about our services or get your questions answered, please contact us today!