There is a lot of hype regarding skin care and skin remedies. You read a lot about skin care tips in agony column, using skin miracle creams, excellent exfoliate, drink a lot of water and cure for acne face packs or face scrubs etc. But how would one get a better deal for a glowing skin? Be aware of a few very important skin care myths in daily life.

Myth: Sunscreen SPF – the higher the better.
Fact: There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. We need to protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays as UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don’t reach us. UVA rays penetrate the skin very superficially resulting in temporary tanning which can be reversed. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. UVB rays damage the elastin in the skin thereby skin starts easily bruising and cuts appear. Skin is repeatedly repaired in younger age but after sometime the process fails to upkeep the skin integrity and precipitates precancerous and cancerous lesions which are referred as photo-aging. These damages produced by sun rays mostly fail to restore itself resulting in skin aging.

The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays. Sunscreens, therefore, need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a SPF of at least 15 and one of the following ingredients: mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) for UVA protection, or titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (which block both UVA and UVB). While sunscreen helps to minimize damaging sunburns, it doesn’t completely prevent tanning or burning and should be reapplied every two to four hours. Moreover, SPF too high in concentration interferes in natural conversion of vitamin D, which is important in strengthening bones.

Myth: Sunscreen is not required on a cloudy day.
Fact: Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth's surface. So make sure you use sunscreen every day, and reapply every 2 to 4 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Myth: If the Tanning (Spa) chambers don’t contain UVB rays, they are safe.
Fact: We all know that tanning is unhealthy and can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. But what about tanning chambers? Companies often say that their Tanning chambers are filtering out the so-called "sun burn" UVB rays. But in a tanning Spa, you are still exposing your skin to UV rays at a much higher concentration in a shorter period, which penetrates deeper into the skin and causes damage that can lead to premature aging and the development of skin cancers.

Myth: A rigorous daily scrub is good for the face.
Fact: Scrubbing face causes removal of the protective oils and barriers, which tends to lead to rashes and even burns. Instead use a gentle cleanser (neutral soap) followed by a moisturizer or sunscreen application.

Myth: Facials and microdermabrasion are good for skin care routine.
Fact: This is a popular myth, especially with the proliferation of day spas. But a recent study from India concluded that facials actually sometimes precipitate fresh crop of acne lesions. "They feel good but have no long-term skin benefit beyond relaxation". The response to any kind of facials can vary from individual to individual. Like microdermabrasion, which merely sloughs off the top layer of skin, they are at a personal priority phase.

Myth: Facial exercises and facial massages can prevent wrinkles by toning the muscles.
Fact: Sagging skin and wrinkles are due to a loss of support in the substratum of the skin. It is not because facial muscles are relaxed or have a lack of tone.

Myth: Pimples get better by popping them and removing the pus.
Fact: Even though it feels good to release the pus, but a lot of it just goes in deeper and causes more inflammation. This usually leads to scarring and spreads under the skin, resulting into eruption of another one a few days later, close to the first one. It's crucial not to pick. But if you absolutely cannot resist, be sure and do it right. Don't squeeze or pop the inflammation. Instead, use a comedone extractor -- an inexpensive tool and can be purchased at most cosmetic supply stores. First steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes and then, apply firm pressure with the extractor, then roll across the pimple to take it out.

Myth: Expensive skin care products work best.
Fact: Most active ingredients found in anti-aging creams are similar, whether they are sold by a local store or a fancy boutique. Expensive skin care products can be good, of course. It's just that you can usually get something similar for a lot lower expense. If you want to pay for the feel good, smell, and package, it’s a feel good factor and personal comfort as long as it is healthy and safe.

Myth: Dry skin causes wrinkles.
Fact: Whether skin is dry or oily has no influence on wrinkles. Wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of protein fibers (collagen, elastin) in the subcutaneous structure of the skin, as a result of aging or sun exposure.

Myth: Anti-aging products (or "miracle creams") can erase wrinkles.
Fact: Most wrinkle creams simply hydrate the skin, plumping them out and making them look temporarily better. So don’t go by the impression. "Retinol" or "Tretinoin," these creams or drops penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have shown them to be fairly effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reversing the effects of photo-aging, or sun damage. Some retinoids can be purchased over the counter. For best results, consult your doctor for a prescription of antioxidant cream which has vitamin C. But this particular compound gets destabilized very quickly, so better go by doctor’s prescription and from a reputable company.

Myth: Lasers make a person look much younger.
Fact: There are many different types of lasers being marketed. Some help with sun spots, some with wrinkles. Some go deep and activate collagen. It's all hyped so much so much that people think it can make you completely a different person." The newer lasers are much better than they were a few years ago. They produce better positive results with fewer side effect, patients still need to be realistic about what they can actually expect.

Thus the bottom line to take good care of skin is “Stay out of the sun and use a good sunscreen every day and throughout the day. Drink a lot of liquids to keep your skin moist and yourself hydrated.”

What skin care myths would you like to find out about? Join the discussion on our board with our panel of experts!