Skin care is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of our daily lives. Misinformation about sunscreen use, tanning, and routine skin care can lead to confusion and potentially harm your skin. As one of New York City’s leading dermatology practices, Marmur Medical believes in setting the record straight.
That’s why we’ve assembled “Mythbusters: Skin Edition!” This guide will debunk some of the most common myths, helping you navigate your way to healthier skin. Let’s explore the truth behind these misconceptions and learn how to care for our skin the right way!
Myth 1: You only need to wear sunscreen in the summer/at the beach/when it’s directly sunny outside
Sunscreen is to be worn at all times! Even if the clouds are blocking the sun, that does not mean they are blocking the harmful sun rays from reaching the skin which can lead to sun damage.
Myth 2: SPF/Sunscreen protects you from tanning
SPF/Sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn and from harmful UVA/UVB radiation from the sun. If you lather a ton of sunscreen with SPF on yourself and lay in the sun, you will certainly still tan, but you will be protected from sun damage!
Myth 3: If you have more melanin, you don’t need SPF/Sunscreen
Although those with lots of melanin don’t sunburn as easily as those with much less melanin, sunscreen with SPF is necessary to protect the skin from damage due to harmful UVA/UVB radiation from the sun. Remember, SPF is important for everyone to use, and on a daily basis as well!
Myth 4: You don’t have to wear sunscreen in non-summer months
The sun still shines in non-summer months even though it’s not hot outside, so your skin still needs sunscreen.
Myth 5: You need to have a complex skincare routine in order for your skin to respond to products and get better results
The simpler, the better! The more consistent, the more effective! Having a complex skincare routine can be debilitating on the person but is also very unnecessary. As long as you cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and use SPF (along with any other dermatologist-recommended products) consistently, your skin will get what it needs.
Myth 6: Hot water is good for your skin
Showering and bathing in hot water can cause the skin to be inflamed as well as strip the skin from its natural balance of moisture, disrupting the flow of natural oils, fats, and proteins that keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.
Myth 7: Indoor tanning is safer for your skin than outdoor tanning
Whether it is inside or outside, tanning can cause a serious risk of skin cancer. As lamps used in tanning beds often emit UV radiation, this makes indoor tanning no better than outdoor tanning as one can experience premature aging of the skin, damage to the eyes, as well as a potential allergic reaction to the chemicals emitted in tanning beds.
Myth 8: Waterproof sunscreen lasts the whole day
Waterproof sunscreen is very water resistant, but it does not last all day after being in the water. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 1-2 hours, especially when you are sitting directly under the sun.
Myth 9: People with oily skin don’t need to use moisturizer
Even if your skin is oily, it still needs to be moisturized on a daily basis. Moisturizer is critical to maintaining the healthy and natural balance of oils and oil production. A good balance of oil is in fact beneficial as it can prevent premature wrinkling of the skin, keeping it youthful and glowing.
Myth 10: Pimples are meant for popping
While it is not necessarily unsafe to pop pimples, this may cause serious scarring in some skin types that can be difficult to remove from the face.
Myth 11: If you’re completely covered in clothing, you will not get sun damage
UV rays can actually go through clothes! Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) refers to the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that a fabric protects the skin from. Wearing clothes head-to-toe alone is not enough to completely block your skin from sun damage, so dermatologists recommend wearing UPF clothing as well as using sunscreen with SPF.
Ready for the Truth About Skincare? Contact Marmur Medical Today!
Knowledge is critical in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. The expert dermatologists at Marmur Medical in NYC are here to support you with expert care tailored to your individual needs. At Marmur Medical, we believe that your skin is an investment worth protecting. Contact us online today to learn more!