There are many skincare myths that get repeated over and over again to the point patients believe them but they aren’t true. Here are five of the most common myths we hear and the facts about each:
Myth #1: Hot showers are good for your skin
It might feel great to relax in a hot shower on a cold day, but it’s not good for your skin. Hot water can actually strip essential oils from your skin, which will leave it drier. Instead of a hot shower, I recommend you lower the temperature and use lukewarm or at least cooler water. Taking shorter showers is also recommended.
Myth #2: Oily skin? Skip the moisturizer
Skipping moisturizer is not a good idea no matter if you have dry, normal or oily skin. In reality, pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, causing you to lose moisture and increase oil production. Instead of skipping moisturizer, choose an appropriate one for your skin type. For oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free/water-based one is best. Then, gently smooth the moisturizer over your face after cleansing every morning and night.
Myth #3: Winter? Go ahead and skip the sunscreen
No. No. No. I can’t say this enough. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, cloudy, snowing, raining, or any other weather condition: no matter what, always wear broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF of 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays every day on all exposed skin.
Traveling this holiday season? Apply sunscreen with SPF before taking flight! Seriously. If you’re flying during daylight hours, UV rays can get through airplane windows. You’ll need to stay protected then, too!
And, don’t forget your lips. Make sure you use a lip balm or lipstick that has SPF.
Myth #4: It’s okay to sleep in your makeup
No, it’s not! When you sleep in your makeup, it can mix with dirt and oil that have built up on the surface of your skin during the day. This can lead to clogged pores, which can cause breakouts! No one wants that! Instead, take a few minutes before going to bed, wash your face, put on your night moisturizer, and get a good night’s shut eye.
Myth #5: Touching your face is okay
Your hands come in contact with germs and bacteria all day. And it’s not just your own germs. How about every door handle or elevator button you touched that others have as well? When you touch your face, you transfer everything you touched. I know it’s hard but try to keep your hands off your face. Also, always wash your hands before applying your skincare products.
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