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Charleston Dermatology Blog

Top 10 Skincare Myths

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We could fill a book with all the old wives tales we’ve heard at Charleston Dermatology. While some are worthwhile (eating avocado and salmon for better skin and nails), some are downright dubious. To help you sort through the rumor mill, let us dispel some common myths:

 

Myth: If a product is “all natural”, it must be better for your skin.

Reality: Just like groceries, even if something is labeled as “natural”, that doesn’t exactly mean it’s true unless it’s certified organic or meets some other kind of certification. Plus, in the realm of skincare, it’s actually beneficial to use preservatives to prevent bacteria growth. Schedule a consultation with us at Charleston Dermatology to let us help determine which products your skin will most benefit from!

 

Myth: Dermatologist-tested is best.

Reality: Just like the “all-natural” label, “dermatologist tested” or “dermatologist approved” actually doesn’t mean much. There are no standardized tests required to meet this certification, so it may simply be a marketing ploy. If you’d really like to know what products are dermatologist approved, come and visit us at Charleston Dermatology to help us customize your skincare product arsenal.

 

Myth: The more expensive the product is, the better it works.

Reality: Truthfully, many of the more expensive products use similar ingredients to what you’ll find at the drugstore. Pay attention to the labels; especially since that’s mainly what you’re paying for!

 

Myth: Your skin acclimates to products.

Reality: Unless you’re using retinol or prescription retinoids, you don’t need to worry about your skin “getting used” to your skincare products. If you do feel like you need a stronger product due to natural aging of your skin, make an appointment with us at Charleston Dermatology to determine which products are best for your routine.

 

Myth: You should customize your skincare routine around your age.

Reality: Nope! Age is not a skin type, so instead of considering how old you are, customize your routine around whether your skin is oily, dry or a combination. However, keep in mind that anti-aging products are important to start incorporating into your routine as soon as possible!

 

Myth: So many SPF myths… Where to begin?

Reality: Let’s start by revealing the truth about SPF: You need to wear it every day, even if it’s cloudy, even if it’s raining. You need to wear broad-spectrum SPF, since it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You need to wear an SPF of at least 30 and it needs to contain either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone.

 

Myth: Steam opens up your pores.

Reality: Have you ever seen someone lean over a boiling pot of water while making pasta in hopes that it will “open up their pores”? This is just silly, but it’s a prevailing myth. Steam can help your skin in a number of ways, like hydrating and soothing, but opening up your pores is sadly not one of these ways since your pores are always open.

 

Myth: Cellulite creams work wonders.

Reality: We all really wish they did, but unfortunately, there’s no scientific proof that these creams work, which means that cellulite creams have a lot in common with snake oil (although we wouldn’t be surprised to see that pop up on Goop, either).

 

Myth: Damaged hair can be repaired.

Reality: Just like pores are always open, hair is always dead, which means that it can’t exactly be revived. Of course, smoothing products can temporarily make it shine or feel soft, but there’s no mending the damage done from heat styling and dying.

 

Myth: Popping pimples is the best.

Reality:  Welcome to the sensation that has swept the nation (we’re looking at you, Dr. Pimple Popper). But even though popping the pus from a pimple may feel like the best thing to do at the moment, it can actually lead to inflammation and scarring. However, with the right regimen (which we can help you find at Charleston Dermatology), acne can be controlled without going to such drastic (and disgusting) measures.

Sources:

eonline.com, charlestondermatology.com, healthline.com, paulaschoice.com, realsimple.com, lorealparisusa.com, webmd.com, dermstore.com

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