Proper skincare matters
IN PHOTO: Miss Universe South Africa 2012, Melinda Bam, retouches her makeup Reuters/ Miss Universe Organiz

People do a lot of things to try and make their skin look radiant and fresh all day long. However, there are many who make common mistakes because they believe the wrong things. Here are some skincare myths that have to be debunked.

1. Sunscreen is only needed when the sun is out

Many people make the mistake of not putting sunscreen on a cloudy day. Ultraviolet radiation continues to penetrate and can equally damage skin. People should continue applying and reapplying sunscreen every two to three hours. They also need to protect themselves from all three types of UV rays.

2. Frequent face washing is beneficial

Differing from skincare myths, cleansing the face several times each day can eliminate its natural oils and allow irritants and germs to penetrate easily. The skin is also more prone to dehydration especially when people use harsh surfactants like ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. There are many gentler cleansing products available, based on coconut oil or glucose.

3. Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of the pus

Contrary to skincare myths, people actually push the pus deeper into the skin pore when they pop pimples. As a result, the skin becomes more inflamed and can get scarred permanently. If individuals should decide to manually get rid of their zits, they should at least use the right tool, called a comedone extractor.

4. Junk food causes pimples

One study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology showed that drinking at least three glasses of skim or full-fat milk every week can increase the risk for severe or moderate acne among predisposed individuals. Junk foods, however, are not shown to have any direct effect on the progression of pimples. Usually, people who eat junk food with their hands then touch their face without washing lead to irritation and inflammation.

5. Expensive skincare brands are the best

It is a complete myth that price has a significant correlation with the benefits that can be derived from skincare products. Dermatologists recommended people to read more about the contents of the products they purchase. Many products in the market are overpriced due to marketing. Staying informed about the individual contents of a product can help people save more and gain more benefits. One study published in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed that gold can actually accelerate the aging process and cause wrinkles so people should be careful about skincare myths and products boasting to contain the precious metal.