EVERYONE wants luminous, clear skin, but skin health is about much more than just looking great. Your skin is the largest and most visible organ in your body. Some might think that makes it easier to care for, but many people still follow outdated practices and believe false information about skincare, says Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. Learn the science behind some of the most common skincare myths below. 1. Myth: There’s one right way to get glowing skin. There are certain basics of skincare that everyone should follow, like washing your face, wearing sunblock, and using a moisturizer. But no matter how great your skincare routine, genetics play a big role in the appearance of your skin, affecting everything from acne to wrinkles. Therefore, it may take some trial and error — or professional guidance from a dermatologist — to determine what’s right for you. 2. Myth: You need to scrub your face with hot water. When it comes to washing your face, gentle is best. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, and avoiding scrubbing, which can irritate the skin. 3. Myth: You only need sunscreen while outdoors. Wearing SPF of 30 or higher should be a daily habit. Not only are we exposed to sunlight even when we spend most of our days indoors, but new research indicates that artificial blue light from computers and phones can also age our skin. However, currently no sunscreens can block out blue light or fluorescent light, both of which cause sun spots (liver spots) and aging. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical blockers which may combat blue light. 4. Myth: People with dark skin don’t need sunscreen. Everyone, including people with darker skin tones needs to wear sunscreen. Dark skin is less prone to burning but is not immune to damage from the sun. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of how light or dark your skin is. 5. Myth: People with oily skin don’t need to moisturize. The AAD recommends that people with oily skin moisturize daily. People with oily skin should choose a lighter moisturizer and apply a smaller amount, but never skip it. Hyaluronic acid moisturizer is great for both oily and drier skin as it is naturally found in the body and may hold one thousand times its body weight in water. 6. Myth: Eating greasy food causes acne. Anyone who has struggled with acne has probably been told to look at their diet, but the AAD offers no dietary changes to manage the condition. That’s because research shows diet has little effect on acne. In fact, the only food linked to acne development was milk. However, eating a low-glycemic diet full of whole foods can help prevent acne by reducing spikes in blood sugar, the AAD says. Overall, 81 percent of your risk for acne is determined by your genetics not your lifestyle, although research has also found that taking a daily probiotic may help mitigate acne. (SD-Agencies) | 