Have you been following the same skin care myths like they were law? Here, I’ll present a rundown of some of the most common myths about skin care so you can get on the right track.
1. Junk Food Causes Acne
This myth has been around for a long time, and many people still believe that junk food can cause your skin to break out. According to specialists, however, there have been no conclusive studies published that offer a link to poor eating habits and acne. While your consumption of greasy, fatty foods should be limited because of health concerns, there’s no proof that these foods cause acne.
2. You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Just because the sun isn’t out in full force doesn’t mean you can leave your house unprotected. Even when clouds are thick in the sky, the UV radiation from the sun’s rays can penetrate the surface and still cause sun damage. So, be safe rather than sorry — wear sunscreen every day, even if you think you don’t need to.
3. Placing Cucumbers on your Eyes will Reduce Puffiness
This one is a two-sided coin. Cucumber slices on their own will not reduce puffiness; however, the fact that they retain cold will. Anything that maintains coldness after refrigeration can help reduce puffiness under the eyes, but there’s no magic ingredient in cucumbers that will do the trick.
4. Tanning Salons are Healthier than Natural Sun
If you’re still believing this skin care myth, you need a serious reality check (and maybe a visit to your dermatologist)! While tanning salons will tell you using tanning beds is safer than tanning outdoors, it’s simply not true. Tanning beds still expose your skin to UVA rays, which can in turn increase your risk for skin cancer as much as tanning in bright sunlight will. Avoid the tanning salon and opt for a faux glow instead.
5. Blackheads Pop Up When you Don’t Wash your Face
No matter how often you wash your face, blackheads can appear and no amount of scrubbing will make them go away. In fact, excess scrubbing will actually irritate the skin even more. Blackheads are caused by a build up of skin cells and oils that accumulate in your pores — not a byproduct of dirt on your face. Try using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to help unclog your pores, but don’t overdo it — it won’t make them disappear any faster.
These common skin care myths have been around for years, and many people still mistakenly believe them! Hopefully, this article helped set the record straight and will help you take care of your skin the best way you possibly can.
