28 Skincare Myths

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. As such, its health is important. Not only does it affect the way you look, but your skin has crucial jobs such as tipping off the immune system that there’s an issue – like an influx of pathogens – and managing inflammation. 

If you want your skin to be as healthy as can be, it’s best to know as much as you can about caring for it. But there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around out there. So, to make sure you’re not mistakenly doing anything that can actually harm your skin, today I’m going to cover 28 skincare myths and how much truth they carry. 

1. Hot water is good for your skin – False 

Whether it’s your face or your body, washing with hot water strips even more oils and natural moisturizers away from your skin than a simple wash is already doing. The result is dry and itchy skin – or that tight feeling. The skin on your face is especially sensitive to hot water, so if you’re planning on having a hot shower, wait to wash your face with warm water instead. And, as always, be sure to moisturize after.

2. Only teenagers get acne – False

It’s true that elements of puberty, like an increased production of oil in the skin (sebum), can cause acne. But there are many other causes of acne as well which can occur or stick around regardless of age.

3. Cucumbers will eliminate the bags under your eyes – Half true

While it’s true that placing a cool, moist cucumber over your eyes can help reduce puffiness, compressing anything that’s cold over your eyes will have the same effect. 

4. Face exercises will remove wrinkles – False

Unfortunately, once you get wrinkles, they’re not going anywhere. Though you may be able to minimize their prominence through certain means, stretching the skin of the face will likely only make them worse or even create new wrinkles.

5. Eating carrots turns your skin orange – True

If you ate a dozen carrots every day for several weeks, there’s a chance that your skin will actually develop an orange hue. This is due to the carotenoid in carrots called beta-carotene – an antioxidant that gives carrots (along with other fruits and veggies) their color. But because it takes so much beta carotene to happen, this phenomenon is quite rare.

6. Pores open and close – False

Contrary to popular belief, steam won’t open your pores to let them breathe. Pores don’t open and close, but they do loosen.

7. Chocolate causes acne – False

As far as we know, no food on its own is going to cause acne. However, aspects of a diet can. Too much sugar – from any source – can contribute to an acne breakout. 

8. Lips don’t sunburn – False

Just like your skin, the lips can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. In fact, they’re even more vulnerable than your other skin. Be sure to use a lip balm or a product that offers SPF protection.

9. Indoor tanning is safer than being in the sun – Mostly false

The UV rays in tanning beds are no less serious than the rays from the sun, and some even argue that it can actually be more harmful. However, the good thing is that you have more control in a tanning bed over intensity and duration.

10. Waterproof sunscreen lasts all day – False

In terms of how long it lasts, waterproof sunscreen isn’t all that different from the regular stuff. If you plan on being outside all day, be sure to reapply your sunscreen once every few hours. 

11. Acne is genetic – True

Though there hasn’t been a specific gene found that causes acne, it’s widely accepted by researchers that acne runs in the family.

12. Toothpaste will kill a zit – Half true

It seems like an old wives tale, but it could actually work! Some toothpastes do contain ingredients that are found in acne treatment creams. However, the problem is that they can also contain ingredients that may harm the skin, worsening the inflammation. 

13. SPF protection is all the same – False

When applying sunscreen, you want protection from both UVA and UVB sun rays. These can both damage the skin in different ways. However, some products – like makeup, for example – may only offer protection from UVA or UVB, not both. Be sure to check the label and see which kind of protection your products are offering. 

14. Makeup makes you age faster – Mostly false

This one does depend on the quality of product you’re using, but most makeup can actually be beneficial for your skin. If you wear good quality makeup as directed, wash it off nightly, and follow a proper skincare routine, there’s no reason why makeup should harm your skin.  

15. The sun can treat acne – Half-true

Sun exposure may be able to reduce inflammation on the skin. However, this is because the sunlight suppresses the immune system and the immune cells in the acne. This short-term fix is not recommended due to the long-term consequences, like reduced immunity and increased skin aging.

16. It’s good for skin to feel tight – False

Many people may think that tight skin means no wrinkles. In reality, this means that your skin is too dry and void of its natural protective oils. 

17. You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days – False

As much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. If it’s light outside, the sun’s rays are getting through. No matter the weather, if you’re going to be outside for a long period of time, be sure to protect yourself!

18. Men don’t need to moisturize – False

Skin is skin, regardless of who is wearing it. Moisturizing helps the skin from getting too dry, which can lead to irritated or cracked skin.

19. You can sweat out toxins – False

Your body mainly uses the kidneys and liver to clear out toxins. Sweat is predominantly water, with traces of salt and fat, and its purpose is to regulate body temperature. 

20. You should pop pimples – False

Though you may be able to do this in a careful manner, it’s generally recommended to not pop those whiteheads. Yes, nobody wants to show the world one of these, but popping it can lead to scarring and may allow bacteria to get inside, where more problems can arise. 

22. Moisturizer reverses wrinkles – False

Using a moisturizer won’t remove any wrinkles you already have. Though, it can help keep your skin hydrated as you age, making the wrinkles less pronounced. It may also prevent or reduce future wrinkles.

23. Giving a cut some air will help it heal faster – False

Of course, always listen to your doctor’s advice on managing any wounds you may have. But removing the bandage to let it breathe may cause it to dry out, which slows the healing process.

24. Frogs cause warts – False

Okay, I know this one isn’t as pressing, but just in case, I wanted to bring it up! Despite their own bumpy skin, frogs do not cause warts. Warts are caused by a virus carried in humans, not frogs.

25. Stress causes acne – True

While not the only cause, it’s certainly one of the reasons you may see acne in adulthood. Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance that triggers breakouts. 

26. Shave against the grain – False

Especially for sensitive skin, it’s best to shave in the direction that your hair grows. Though shaving against the grain may give a closer cut, it may pull at hairs before they get cut, causing irritation and ingrown hairs. 

27. Butter heals burns – False

While the idea is to keep the skin moist, applying butter right after a burn may cause the fat to lock in the heat and cause damage. If you burn yourself, it’s best to apply cool water to the affected spot immediately. However, if the burn appears to be really serious, cover it in a clean cloth or towel and head to the emergency room, as even cool water could cause further damage to a severe burn. 

28. Wearing a hat causes hair loss – False

The idea here is that a hat “suffocates” the hair and stunts growth. But hair gets the oxygen it needs to grow through the red blood cells via hair follicles. Hair loss is largely genetic or due to a deficiency. 

Skin myths

I hope that these 28 skin myths help you take better care of your skin. Remember, before you do something to your skin, be sure to know all the details. Everything you do to your skin on each day adds up and impacts it – whether you see it straight away or not. 

If you’re unsure about something, do a quick search on the internet first!

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