November marks Healthy Skin Month, a perfect time to bust some of the most common skincare myths holding back your glowing skin goals. With these 30 myth-busting truths, you can build a skin routine that supports healthy, radiant skin year-round.
1. Myth: Sunscreen is only for the summer months.
Fact: Sunscreen is vital year-round. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your skin, increasing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
Fact: Not always! Affordable products often contain powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which are essential for skin hydration and brightening.
3. Myth: Tanning beds are a safe way to boost vitamin D.
Fact: Tanning beds expose you to harmful UV radiation that raises skin cancer risk. Try vitamin D-rich foods or supplements instead for safer benefits.
4. Myth: Drinking lots of water will keep skin fully hydrated.
Fact: While hydration helps, your skin barrier also needs moisturizers that lock in moisture to prevent dryness and trans-epidermal water loss.
5. Myth: Only teenagers struggle with acne.
Fact: Acne can occur at any age due to factors like hormonal changes, diet, and stress. Adult female acne is more common than you might think.
6. Myth: Natural ingredients are always safer for your skin.
Fact: Not necessarily. Some natural ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Always choose dermatologist-tested products that suit your skin type and perform a test spot before use.
7. Myth: If you have oily skin, skip the moisturizer.
Fact: Moisturizers help control oil production and keep oily skin balanced. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
8. Myth: Hot showers improve skin health.
Fact: Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness. Use lukewarm water for healthy skin.
9. Myth: People with dark skin don’t need sunscreen.
Fact: Darker skin tones still need sun protection to avoid hyperpigmentation and UV damage. Melanin offers some protection, but it’s not enough. If you have hyperpigmentation, use tinted sunscreen.
10. Myth: Popping pimples helps them go away faster.
Fact: Popping pimples can lead to scarring and infection. A hands-off approach is best for clear skin.
11. Myth: Exfoliating every day is the key to glowing skin.
Fact: Over-exfoliating damages your skin’s protective barrier. Aim for 2-3 times a week.
12. Myth: Pro-aging products are only for older skin.
Fact: Pro-aging skincare routines in your 20s or 30s help prevent premature aging and maintain skin elasticity.
13. Myth: Oily skin doesn't need extra hydration.
Fact: Hydrating oily skin keeps it balanced and prevents overproduction of oil, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. Look for ingredients such as niacinamide.
14. Myth: Diet has no effect on skin health.
Fact: Diet plays a big role in skin wellness. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens promote healthy skin from within. Dr. Boakye’s recommendeation is to eat 30 plants a week and eat the rainbow.
15. Myth: SPF in makeup is enough sun protection.
Fact: SPF in makeup is usually not enough. Use a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen as part of your morning routine. Look for a SPF between 30-50.
16. Myth: Greasy foods directly cause acne.
Fact: While greasy foods don’t cause acne, a diet high in sugar or dairy can exacerbate breakouts. Avoid read meat, high glycemic foods and processed foods.
17. Myth: Hard scrubbing is necessary for clean skin.
Fact: Over-scrubbing weakens your skin barrier. Instead, use gentle, effective cleansers. Look for cleanser that are pH balanced and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
18. Myth: Face oils make acne worse.
Fact: Certain non-comedogenic face oils help balance oil production and soothe skin without clogging pores. Dr. Boakye’s favorite is jojoba oil
19. Myth: Stress doesn’t affect skin.
Fact: Stress hormones like cortisol can exacerbate acne and other skin issues. Incorporating daily mindfulness and relaxation can significantly benefit your skin health. Dr. B’s pro-tip: Take five minutes each day to practice gratitude—it’s a small habit with powerful effects on both your mind and skin.
Fact: Collagen supplements can help with skin elasticity and hydration over time, especially when paired with a balanced diet.
21. Myth: Sleep doesn’t impact skin health.
Fact: Good sleep promotes skin cell renewal and reduces dark circles and dullness, supporting a youthful complexion.
22. Myth: Blackheads are just for teens.
Fact: Blackheads can appear at any age due to clogged pores and oil build-up.
23. Myth: Skin detoxes are necessary.
Fact: Your liver and kidneys detoxify your body naturally. Healthy skin care routines and hydration help maintain clear skin.
24. Myth: Sun damage can be reversed.
Fact: While certain treatments can minimize sun damage, the best protection is prevention through daily sunscreen, avoidance of sun from 10-4pm, wearing wide brim hats, sunglasses, using UPF clothing and taking polypodium leucutoms.
25. Myth: Skincare only works if it stings.
Fact: Pain or stinging often means irritation, not effectiveness. Opt for gentle skincare to avoid damaging your skin barrier.
26. Myth: Anti-aging skincare is only for wrinkles.
Fact: Anti-aging products can also improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity.
27. Myth: Higher SPF means all-day protection.
Fact: SPF needs reapplication every 2 hours. SPF 30 or higher is ideal, but regular application is key.
28. Myth: Skin needs to “breathe” overnight.
Fact: Your skin doesn’t technically breathe, but nighttime moisturizers help repair and protect during sleep.
29. Myth: Rubbing alcohol is great for acne.
Fact: Rubbing alcohol dries out the skin and can lead to irritation and breakouts. Use targeted acne treatments instead.
30. Myth: Skincare doesn’t need to change with the seasons.
Fact: Skin needs to adjust seasonally. Hydrating serums and barrier creams in winter and lighter moisturizers in summer are ideal for seasonal skin health.
