As a dermatologist, I frequently come across skincare advice that just doesn't hold up to science. Helping people understand the facts behind healthy skin by debunking common myths is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Here are a few of my favorite skincare myths and misconceptions.
Myth 1: Vaseline, Aquaphor, or petroleum jellies clog pores and cause acne.
Dr. Schmidt: False. The plug that causes acne is composed of clumped skin cells that didn’t properly separate from themselves as they were maturing and migrating out of the hair follicle. That is why medicines like isotretinoin (Accutane), that cause skin cells to mature and separate more quickly, are universally successful in clearing acne.
TL;DR: No — petroleum jelly products like Vaseline and Aquaphor don’t clog pores and are safe for acne-prone skin.
Myth 2: Eating greasy food causes acne breakouts.
Dr. Schmidt: False, for the same reason. Skin cells in certain people don’t mature and shed themselves in a timely manner. The reason these skin cells act that way is genetic and is not related to diet or hygiene.
TL;DR: Greasy foods don’t cause acne — genetics do. Acne stems from how your skin sheds cells, not from your diet or how clean your face is.
Myth 3: I need to wash my face vigorously every day to prevent breakouts.
Dr. Schmidt: No, gentleness is the key. Your skin is protected by a thin layer of oil and removing that oil with soap, astringents or clarifying agents can lead to irritation and dryness. That protective thin layer of oil does not contribute to acne and should not be removed.
TL;DR: No — aggressive cleansing strips away your skin’s natural oil barrier, leading to dryness and sensitivity without preventing acne.
Myth 4: Exfoliants like glycolic acid or Retin-A are great for eliminating wrinkles.
Dr. Schmidt: For a brief period, they may. In the long run, however, exfoliants like glycolic acid or Retin-A strip away the stratum corneum, which is the skin’s most important layer for sun protection. As a result, the deeper layers of your skin are exposed to more ultraviolet radiation and you end up with more wrinkling and photoaging.
TL;DR: Exfoliants may improve skin texture short-term, but overuse can weaken your skin’s natural sun barrier and increase your risk of sun damage.
At Dermasport we are devoted to protecting your skin. We use science as a guide to make products that enable you to enjoy the great outdoors without causing any of the long term problems associated with a life in the sun.
- Dr. Christopher Schmidt
