CALL TODAY: There’s a ton of content on the internet about beauty hacks and skincare recommendations, and you know that you can’t believe everything you read! We’re writing today to identify four common skin myths — and tell you why we’ve labeled these “busted”!
Skin Myth #1 – The higher the SPF, the better the sunscreen.
What is SPF, anyway? SPF (sun protection factor) is a relative factor that measures how long it will take for your skin to burn with prolonged sun exposure. So, if a sunscreen is SPF 30, it will theoretically take 30 times longer for the sun’s ultraviolet rays to cause a sunburn than if you were wearing no sunscreen. So, it makes sense to follow the logic that the higher the SPF, the longer it will take to burn. Right?
Not really. Under laboratory conditions, the SPF factor is a good measure for how long a sunscreen will last to protect your skin—but life takes place outside the lab. Swimming, sweating, and other activities reduce the amount of time sunscreen stays effective, so don’t let your high SPF lull you into a false sense of security! You still need to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to keep your skin protected. Also, it’s important to look for a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, meaning one that’s formulated to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Lastly, look for sunscreen ingredients with a predominant ingredient of zinc oxide, which is a powerful physical blocker of harmful UV rays.
Skin Myth #2 – Popping pimples is healthy.
Despite the viral YouTube success of Dr. Pimple Popper, we recommend that you never pop your pimples, no matter how satisfying it may feel! Pimples are your body’s response to blocked pores and bacteria. When you pop a pimple, you create an open wound. This tearing of the skin can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation (stains), especially when it’s done repeatedly over time.
Ever notice that when you pop a pimple, even more pimples show up to its funeral? That’s because by popping the pimple, you release oil and pus onto the skin’s surface, which can cause a nearby inflammatory response and lead to even more clogged pores and lead to even more pimples! Also, when you pop, you’re introducing even more oil and bacteria from your fingers onto your face…and more oil and bacteria is the last thing anyone who struggles with acne needs on their face!
Resist the urge to pop, and instead, reach for a product like our DW Clearing Cleanser or DW Clearing Toner Pads that help reduce the oil and bacteria without injuring the skin. Or, make an appointment to see one of our board-certified dermatologist to get your acne under control.
Skin Myth #3 – You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days.
False! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clouds only block up to 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so you’re still exposed to 80% of the rays! While most people never skip applying sunscreen on a sunny day at the beach, it’s just as important to apply before a cloudy day of window shopping.
Ninety percent of all nonmelanoma skin cancer cases are caused by sun exposure. Make applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 part of your morning routine every day!
Skin Myth #4 – Shaving makes your hair grow back darker and thicker.
Shaving your underarms and legs can feel like an exercise in futility—so much effort, such short-term results! It can feel like shaving mobilizes your hair follicles to come back with a vengeance, thicker and darker than ever, which means even more shaving…and so the cycle continues.
It turns out that shaving doesn’t actually make your hair grow back thicker or darker. Ever notice that your hair seems fuller after a fresh haircut? The same principle applies to the hair on your body. When hair grows naturally, its ends are tapered, narrower at the tip than at the base. When you shave, you lop off the tapered end, so when the hair is pushed back up by new growth, the blunt end of the shaved hair feels thicker and pricklier. If you’re tired of shaving, schedule a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Ever wondered if a skin tip you read online is true? We can help answer all your questions! To schedule an appointment, contact our office at (305) 866-2177.
