Complements Skin care myths versus realities
04/23/19
It can be easy to get caught up in the latest skin care treatments, especially ones that we often see on social media. There are so many different claims out there on the internet, but beware: You shouldn’t believe everything you read! This month, I decided to put some common skin care myths to rest once and for all.
Myth: Toothpaste is a good spot treatment to dry out a pimple.
Reality: Toothpaste causes more inflammation and possibly redness, making the pimple worse. A good alternative is to ice the pimple. On cleansed skin, wrap an ice cube around a clean washcloth and hold against the blemish for one minute. Remove the ice, wait five minutes and reapply for one more minute. You can also apply an acne gel that utilizes antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide to help and clear the pimple, which can be perfect for spot treatment.
Myth: Hot water and steam opens pores.
Reality: Hot water can soften the sebum and dirt in the pores making it easier for extraction, but it can’t actually voluntarily open the pores.
Myth: You do not need to use a moisturizer if you have oily skin.
Reality: It’s easy to think that since oily skin is already producing enough sebum, you shouldn’t use a moisturizer, but that is not the case. Oily skin still needs a moisturizer suitable for that skin type. By using the appropriate products, oily skin can benefit from hydration that also combat excessive oils.
Myth: You do not need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.
Reality: Cloudy days are no exception; wear your sunscreen every single day. UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and you can still burn.
Myth: You should exfoliate your skin every day.
Reality: Exfoliation is key to keeping your skin healthy, but over exfoliating can cause inflammation. You should only exfoliate two to three times per week.
Written by Lashelle Kuhlman, licensed aesthetician, Mount Nittany Physician Group Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery
