7 Common Misconceptions About Beauty

Gunjan thakurFebruary 17, 2022

Many of these so-called pieces of advice come from unfounded beliefs and end up doing more harm than good. In the midst of constant buzz about the new, must-have products, the influx of skin-care advice and anti-aging treatments from every corner, it’s hard to separate the bubble world from bitter reality.

Here are the facts provided by some of the leading dermatologists about some commonly known beauty misconceptions.

Misconception: It’s best to remove the pus formed in a pimple by popping or bursting it.

“The fact is, even though it feels really good to release the pus formed in a pimple, a lot of it just goes deeper,” Johnson says. “When it goes in deeper, it causes more inflammation that can lead to scarring and

spread under the skin. That’s why you’ll get another one a few days later close to the first one.”

Johnson believes it’s essential to stop people from snagging off their own faces. However, if you are unable to resist, she suggests to make sure when you do, do it correctly. Don’t squeeze or burst the pimple. Instead, opt for something known as a comedone extractor, an affordable tool that is available at all beauty stores. Use firm pressure using the extractor and roll it across the pimple in order to eliminate it.

Misconception: Luxurious skin care products are the best for skin.

“This is absolutely not the fact,” Bauman says, who uses popular moisturizers from drugstores and sunscreen in her personal skincare regimen. “Many mass market products are better than the expensive ones available for higher class people.”

Kim shares her thoughts. The majority of active ingredients used in anti-aging creams have the same properties to her, regardless of whether they’re sold at an individual store or a boutique with a high-end look. The most expensive products for skin care can be beneficial but they are not necessarily the best. But you’ll typically find similar products for less.

“If you want to pay for the feel, smell, and package,” Kim says, “that’s up to you.”

Misconception: Tanning booths are secure to use as they do not contain UVB rays.

You are aware that sun-bathing is not healthy and may cause skin cancer and premature aging. What about tanning booths? The

companies that offer tanning booths often claim they’re filtering out the so-called “sunburn” UVB rays, claims Jenny Kim, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology and medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. However, when you enter tanning booths, you’re still exposed skin to UVA radiations that penetrate more deeper into your skin, causing damages that could lead to premature aging or skin cancer.

Misconception: Cleansing your skin with soap can ensure your skin is clear and healthy.

“When you scrub your face, you’re taking off some of the protective oils and barriers, which tends to lead to rashes and even burns,” claims Sandy Johnson, MD, a dermatologist certified by Johnson Dermatology Group in Fort Smith, Ark. Instead, she advises to apply gentle cleansing products, and then a moisturizer or sunscreen.

Misconception: Microdermabrasion and facials are suitable for your daily routine of skin care.

It’s a commonly known misconception according to Bauman particularly in light of the increasing popularity of spas that offer daytime treatments. However, Bauman says, a recent discovery conducted in India found that facials can cause acne breakouts for the majority of people.

“They feel great and comfortable coping with it but have no long-term skin benefit beyond relaxation,” she states. “Like microdermabrasion which only removes the skin’s top layer and is an “totally and completely waste of money.”

Misconception: For better protection, the SPF should be higher.

There are three types of UV Rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA Rays penetrate your skin very deeply, altering the color of your skin, resulting in an appearance of brown tan. UVB Rays are the most common sunburn radiations. The rays can also damage the DNA of your skin, causing pigment changes, photoaging as well as carcinomas (cancerous tumors). UVC Rays are absorbed into the atmosphere , but don’t get to the ground.

The SPF in sunscreens refers to the level of protection that it provides against UVB radiation or sunburns. A lot of sunscreens must provide protection against the effects of both UVA and UVB radiations. Broad spectrum refers to protection against UVA as well as UVB. You should look for an SPF at least 15 and include one of the three ingredients listed below: mexoryl the oxybenzone and avobenzone (Parsol 1789) to provide UVA protection or titanium dioxide for UVB protection.

Misconception: No need of sunscreen during cloudy days.

Even during cloudy days, UV radiation from the sun rays can penetrate the surface of the earth. Make sure you apply sunscreen regularly and apply at least every 2 hours, as well as when you sweat or swim.

Don’t give in to the notion that you’re safe just due to wearing makeup that has SPF. As per Leslie Bauman, MD & director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and the author of The Skin Type Solution, you’ll need to apply fourteen or fifteen more times as much makeup an average person applies to achieve an SPF listed on the labels of powdered cosmetics. Similar in the case of liquid makeup and foundation. Make sure to apply sunscreen aside from makeup.