The skincare industry challenges with endless advice, most of which is misleading or not scientifically supported. Skin care trends that lack dermatological support are spread through social media, beauty influencers, and anecdotal recommendations. Therefore, this article aims, through scientific insights from dermatologists, to assist consumers in separating fact from fiction by debunking some of the very popular myths regarding skin care. 

Myth 1: Natural Ingredients Are Always Better for Your Skin

A lot of people believe that natural skincare products are safer and more effective than synthetic ones. While natural ingredients like aloe vera and green tea have their benefits, not all natural substances are good for the skin. For instance, poison ivy is natural but can inflict severe skin reactions (Liu et al., 2021). On the other hand, retinoids and peptides are synthetic chemicals that go through strict testing to verify their safety and effectiveness (Baumann, 2020). Dermatologists point out that, in the end, whether an ingredient is natural or synthetic is less important than the scientifically proven benefits of that ingredient for the person who needs skincare. 

Myth 2: Expensive Skincare Products Work Better

Most consumers often think that expensive skincare products work better than inexpensive ones. Well, price is not always a determiner of quality. Some high-end brands spend their budget in marketing and packaging rather than superior formulations (Draelos, 2019). Dermatologists recommend that patients should look at the ingredients and clinical research rather than the price tag. Cheap brands mostly still contain the same active ingredients as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which can be gotten in a high-end brand. 

Myth 3: You Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days

Sunscreen is required only on sunny days. One of the most damaging myths in skincare, this concept leads people to think that Ultraviolet (UV) radiation will not be received on cloudy days. They penetrate clouds and bounce off reflective surfaces like snow and water; they can even be intensified (Narayanan et al., 2020). As per the American Academy of Dermatology, daily use of sunscreen with a minimum rating of SPF 30 would prevent the risk of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin neoplasms. Dermatologists have reiterated that sunscreen must be worn every day regardless of the weather condition. 

Myth 4: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer

It is a common misconception that people with oily skin shouldn’t use moisturizers. Not using a moisturizer can cause dehydration of the skin, thereby making it produce more oil to make up for the lost moisture (Del Rosso & Levin, 2022). According to dermatologists, a light moisturizer with a non-comedogenic profile containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides can help to restore moisture levels without blocking any pores. 

Myth 5: Pores Open and Close

Various skincare products claim to “open” or “close” pores, but it is a myth. Pores have no muscles and cannot open or close by themselves (Kligman et al., 2021). Steam may superficially expand the pores as it loosens some debris, but does not alter their size physically. Exfoliation, retinoids, and a good skincare regimen are the only methods proven to minimize pore appearance. 

Myth 6: Toothpaste Can Treat Acne

Using toothpaste onto the pimples is a very common home remedy, which dermatologists do not support. The main reason behind the explanation is that while it has antibacterial agents, it also contains severe irritants including sodium lauryl sulfate and fluoride that may cause irritation and dryness (Friedman et al., 2019). Spot treatment with clinical-grade benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is preferred over that of dermatologists, as these agents have been clinically proven to decrease acne inflammation. 

Myth 7: Drinking More Water Eliminates Dry Skin 

Hydration is a very important parameter for the general health of organs, but taking excessive water alone cannot directly cure dry skin. The most hydrating organ is the skin, which is best kept healthy by maintaining the outer skin barrier with topical use of ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid (Proksch et al., 2020). Although hydration promotes skin functionality, it is important to apply moisture topically to keep skin dry. 

Myth 8: The More Skincare Products, the Better

The belief that the more product is applied, the better the results will be achieved, came into being with the advent of multi-step skincare regimens. In actuality, layering so many active ingredients can aggravate the skin, result in breakouts, and compromise the skin barrier (Draelos, 2021). Dermatologists recommend a straightforward, effective regime comprising cleansing, hydration, protection from the sun, and targeted treatments according to individual skin issues. 

Myth 9: Anti-Aging Products Can Completely Erase Wrinkles

Many anti-aging products claim to vanish wrinkles, but dermatologists explain that no topical skincare product can erase deep-set lines (Rittié & Fisher, 2020). Certain ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can assist in improving skin texture and minimizing the appearance of fine lines, but considerable improvements require more invasive measures like laser therapy and injections. 

Skin care myths have a long history due to dealers’ misinterpreted advertisements and misleading names. It imparts the proper education to consumers regarding their skincare choices through scientific dermatological principles. Rather than simply hopping on trends, individuals should invest in valuable lessons by board-certified dermatologists and seek credible evidence behind all skincare practices. Mankind must break down such unproven myths to achieve a better and more productive way of skin care. 

References

  1. Baumann, L. (2020). Cosmetic dermatology: Principles and practice. McGraw Hill. 
  2. Del Rosso, J. Q., & Levin, J. (2022). The role of moisturizers in addressing various dermatologic conditions. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(3), 14-22. https://doi.org/10.25251/jcad.15.3.4 
  3. Draelos, Z. D. (2019). The science behind skincare product pricing and effectiveness. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(5), 1235-1240. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13020 
  4. Draelos, Z. D. (2021). Understanding overuse of skincare products: Implications for skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(6), e15123. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.15123 
  5. Friedman, A., Samuel, P., & Cornelius, C. (2019). Evaluating the impact of toothpaste on skin: Fact versus fiction. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2019, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8245712 
  6. Kligman, A. M., Pagnoni, A., & Stoudemayer, T. (2021). Understanding pores: Structure and function in dermatology. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 141(8), 1865-1874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2021.03.015 
  7. Liu, Y., McCulloch, C. E., & Chen, L. (2021). Safety and efficacy of natural vs. synthetic skincare ingredients. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(2), 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12658 
  8. Narayanan, D. L., Saladi, R. N., & Fox, J. L. (2020). UV radiation and skin protection: A review. International Journal of Dermatology, 59(1), 54-64. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.14853 
  9. Proksch, E., Brandner, J. M., & Jensen, J. M. (2020). The skin’s barrier function: Hydration and the role of topical skincare. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 100(3), adv00034. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-3452 
  10. Rittié, L., & Fisher, G. J. (2020). Understanding the aging process of skin and implications for anti-aging treatments. Journal of Dermatological Science, 98(1), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.02.001 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR