Myth: Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated

Maintaining optimal fluid balance in the body is key to overall health. However, it is important to remember that drinking excess water is not always beneficial. While drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for healthy skin and overall well-being, going over the recommended intake will not lead to better skin.

Individual fluid requirements may vary depending on factors such as weight, climate, physical activity and lifestyle. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support a direct link between fluid intake and skin conditions, except in extreme cases such as severe dehydration or heatstroke.

Proper water consumption plays an important role in maintaining health, including skin condition. However, while hydration is important, it is not a panacea for all skin problems. Drinking enough water helps keep your body hydrated and promotes overall skin health, but it doesn’t guarantee dramatic improvement.

Proper nutrition, regular skin care, and protection from harmful external factors are also important to achieve optimal skin health.

Myth: Dirt on the skin causes acne

No, ordinary dirt is not the only or main cause of acne. But while ordinary dirt may not directly cause acne, certain substances, such as oily foods, hair gels, greasy makeup or industrial oils, can clog skin pores, contributing to the appearance of acne.

Acne is usually associated with more complex factors, such as hormonal imbalances and a tendency for pores to become clogged with skin secretions such as keratin, which is secreted by skin cells.

The skin microbiome of people with acne may be different from that of people with healthy skin, but this is not associated with dirt. In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of acne associated with the use of smartphones. Acne appears on the side of the face to which a person is accustomed to pressing a mobile device.

This is due to a combination of factors: short-wave light from a smartphone, sweat, dirt, heat, friction and bacteria on the surface. An effective prevention is to regularly clean the screen of your smartphone.

Myth: Any exposure to the sun is bad for your skin

Every exposure to the sun undoubtedly leaves traces of photodamage on the skin, but it is important to realize that sunlight is essential for the health of our body, especially in the context of vitamin D synthesis.

This need is especially relevant for those who live in areas remote from the equator, as well as for people with dark skin types who require more time to form vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

The anti-inflammatory properties of solar radiation are currently being actively researched, which may be useful in the treatment of certain skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and itchy skin.

It is important to balance the potential benefits with the risk of skin cancer, which is directly related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm.

At least five million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Most are associated with excess exposure to sunlight, highlighting the importance of protecting the skin from UV rays and taking preventative measures.

Myth: Vitamin E helps get rid of scars

It has long been believed that vitamin E may have beneficial effects on scars, but this claim has been extensively researched for many years. Unfortunately, experts say the arguments supporting this are not convincing. Current evidence does not show a significant beneficial effect of vitamin E on scars.

In some cases, the use of vitamin E for medicinal purposes can be harmful if the individual characteristics of the body are not taken into account. In this regard, it is recommended to look at products based on silicone gel as an alternative.

Multiple studies have shown that such products have a noticeable positive effect on the healing processes of scars and the appearance of existing scars.

Myth: Wounds heal better in air

This myth, which believes that wounds heal faster in the fresh air, has become firmly entrenched in everyday consciousness, but this is far from the truth. In fact, research shows that wounds heal more effectively in a moist environment.

The results of many studies clearly demonstrate that during the early phases of wound healing, cells migrate more efficiently in a moist environment. If there are no signs of infection or inflammation, it is recommended to apply a doctor-recommended product to the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.

However, in the later stages of the healing process, when the wound is almost healed, the passage of fresh air can be a beneficial factor.

Myth: Daily exfoliation is essential for healthy skin

Exfoliation is a natural process in which dead skin cells are removed from the surface of the skin. This process helps maintain healthy skin, leaving it softer and smoother. However, it is not always necessary to use artificial exfoliation products, since the skin itself is able to regulate this process.

Excessive use of exfoliants can destroy the skin’s natural protective barrier and cause irritation. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance and not overuse exfoliation products, giving the skin the opportunity to independently maintain its health.

Myth: The more expensive the creams, the longer the skin will remain young

The skin care cosmetics industry is a gigantic business. For example, in the United States alone, sales of “prestige skin care” exceeded $1.1 billion between April and June 2020.

However, no cream, despite its popularity and price, is capable of indefinitely protecting the skin from the natural aging process.