10 Common Skincare Myths, Debunked

Image via Complex Original

Actually, genes and hormones are the biggest culprit when it comes to zits. Cleansing twice a day is important to get rid of excess oil and debris, but using harsh formulas or excessive scrubbing can irritate skin and make breakouts worse. For the record, there’s no proof that eating chocolate leads to acne, either. Chow on.

Those tiny dots that you see across your nose are actually always open to let sweat and dead skin cells reach your skin’s surface. A steamy shower will loosen up the gunk that sits inside of them, though, and clear pores usually appear smaller. So, as it turns out, there’s nothing that you can actually do to shrink your pores, despite what all those creams claim.

Don’t grow a fear beard. Getting rid of unwanted hair on a regular basis isn’t going to make it grow back fuller, or coarser. The reason that this myth lives on is because when you slice the tip of the hair shaft, the blunt end sticks straight up and appears thicker. Still not a believer? Think of it this way: The hair that comes out of your face is already dead, so it’s not exactly shouting out directions to the root as you chop it.

SPF math isn’t simple. Most people assume that SPF 30 is twice as effective as SPF 15, but here’s the real deal: SPF 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent of rays. No SPF blocks 100 percent of rays, so splurging for a number higher than 30 or 50 really doesn’t make sense.

Most dermatologists agree that, while relaxing, a facial isn’t going to prevent you from future damage or have any long-term benefits for your skin. Instead, save your cash and visit your derm for a mole check. Although, if you’re sick of your girlfriend putting her paws on your blackheads and you don't mind a nice head massage, go for that facial.

You actually do need the extra hydration, because odds are your skin isn't actually oily everywhere, and dry skin can (surprise) lead to even more oil. Look for lightweight, oil-free formulas or a water-based gel that offers a matte finish.

Your mug deserves more than cheap scrap metal. A good quality razor has multiple thin blades placed close together to reduce the amount of pressure required to get a close shave. The best are very sharp (dull razors lead to nicks and cuts) and designed to hug and accommodate to your skin's natural contours. 

It’s normal for some ingredients (like salicylic acid or peppermint oil) to leave your skin cool and tingly, but if you’ve got that dried out, stinging feeling, then whatever you’re using is too harsh and actually inflaming your skin.

Believe it or not, you can have adverse reactions to ingredients from Mother Nature, too. Though there aren’t many regulations on using the term “natural,” so the label might mean squat. If you’re prone to irritation, look for products that are free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, or harsh cleansing agents like surfactants.

Manual razors, which now come tricked out with amenities like five smooth coated blades and ultra-moisturizing lube strips, can be a better (and much faster) option than the old school stuff. Shave first in the direction of hair growth, and then against the grain in the second pass.