Debunking Common Skin Care Myths

Did you know that your skin is your largest organ in your body? It is also the most visible organ that demands constant care and protection. While most of us do care about protecting our skin, we are not quite sure whether we are doing it right.

We get carried away by the dizzying array of options, the marketing and packaging seducing us to pick them up right away. We tend to splurge on various types of topical creams, cosmetic enhancements (Botox), and spa treatments to reduce wrinkles or keep the skin in great shape, without knowing if they’re right or not.

Here, we’re trying to eliminate skin care myths and discuss the truths about it to save you from harming your skin over time, rather than actually protecting it. (Sources - Harvard Medical School and Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI):

Myth - Skin Care is just external

Skin care is deeper than you think and not limited to just external care. It begins from inside. Just topical application of creams and lotions may not be enough to keep it healthy and glowing. Feeling positive, a sense of well-being, both psychologically and emotionally, and a relaxed state of mind can do wonders for your skin. Also keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy diet such as vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants (beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and A) nourishes your skin from within and keeps it looking young and healthy.

Myth - Use the right skin cream

According to Harvard Medical School, amidst the tens of hundreds of creams that promise to keep your skin looking youthful, topical creams containing retinoic acid (as in Retin-A) show evidence for reducing wrinkles.  Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related to vitamin A that can actually pass further into the dermis to produce the effect of wrinkle-free skin. However, several over-the-counter products contain retinoic acid, but it's difficult to say which one is better. The best ways to keep wrinkles at bay are using sunscreen and avoid smoking or second hand smoke.

Myth - Use Antibacterial Soap to Keep your Skin Clean

It is not required to use Antibacterial Soap for everyday use, say experts. Just regular soap should be sufficient to keep it clean. Skin normally has bacteria on it. Using antibacterial soap may lead to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria and yet cannot keep your skin completely free from bacterial for any given amount of time. Thorough and regular hand-washing with normal soap, can help prevent the spread of infection.

Myth -Eating oily foods and chocolates causes acne

The truth is that acne is caused by sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin. There's no evidence that any specific food causes acne according to Harvard Medical School.

Myth - The higher the SPF, the better is your sunscreen.

The major difference between young and old skin is the extent of sun exposure. Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. Above a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) does not make much difference as compared with a lower SPF. A higher SPF may be worth it, if you are exposed to sun during its peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) However, in most circumstances, a higher SPF may not be worth the extra cost.

Myth - Vitamin E will fade away scars

There's not much evidence to support this claim. Your surgeon or dermatologist may guide you better if you have concerns about a visible scar. There are many options like laser treatments among others, for improving the appearance of scars. It helps to talk to your Dermatologist.

Final lessons: Use sunscreen, vaseline, and retinoids; don’t bother with facials; don’t rub poison ivy and citrus juices on your skin; and don’t be seduced by fancy packaging and high prices according to JCI ( the Journal of Clinical Investigation, published by the American Society of Clinical Investigation.