Social media is always abuzz with skincare hacks and tips. While there are sources that prove to be legit, there are still many that circulate misleading and false information. You might even still be believing some of them, so board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez, known as Dr. Dray on YouTube, is here to set the records straight! On her Youtube channel, she debunked five skincare myths that you need to stop believing. Read all about them below!
Myth #1: Steam "opens" your pores.
This age-old advice that you may or may not have been believing all along is actually a myth! Pores aren't doors, and steaming can't magically open them. Steam only helps soften the skin and saturate the excess dirt and build-up on the face, making it easier to clean.
However, Dr. Dray adds that steaming is not a good habit because exposing the skin to condensed water, which later evaporates, may cause irritation and dryness. If you use acne medications such as topical retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, then you may want to avoid steaming, too, because it can worsen skin irritation.
Myth #2: Skincare products stop working because you become immune to it.
Nope, you don't need to switch up your products every few months because the skin gets "used to" certain ingredients. This is because the epidermis, or the top layer of your skin, turns over every 40-56 days. Meaning, your cells can't be immune to a product because it generates new skin cells every month and is reintroduced to them!
Myth #3: Moisturizers make your skin lazy.
As we get older, our skin barrier—the top-most surface of the skin—becomes prone to dehydration since it becomes less compact. Moisturizers help remedy this by hydrating the skin and sealing in the natural moisture our body produces. However, using moisturizers won't make your skin forget how to hydrate on its own since it only works as an aid in boosting and locking in hydrating elements.
Myth #4: Medical-grade products are the only skincare products that work.
According to Dr. Dray, medical-grade skincare are dermatologically-tested products that are typically sold at expensive price points not necessarily because of its ingredients, but because of how it’s marketed. The derm explains, "medical-grade skincare [is] just like drugstore skincare is cosmeceutical, so it's not under any kind of regulatory oversight as far as demonstrating efficacy."
Myth #5: Products in tubs and jars are prone to contamination.
Is there a risk of contaminating your skincare with bacteria when we scoop it from the jar? The quick answer is no. Dr. Dray says that when a product contains preservatives like parabens, it will help eliminate any potential pathogenic bacteria. So as long as the products has the correct preservatives, the doctor says you don't need to worry if it comes in a tub or a jar.
Watch Dr. Dray's full video below:
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