Blog

We've seen and heard many myths about skincare on the internet and social media. What is possibly most frustrating to our team is that people just like you are lead to believe false information and try unsafe "treatments." So we sat down with board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermatologistOnCall, Mark P. Seraly, MD, to discuss a few things we've heard online. Here is Dr. Seraly's list of facts about skin care that will probably change your daily routine for the better.

Here they are, five facts that will make you change your skincare routine

1. Scrubbing skin can worsen acne.
   Scrubbing your face or using harsh products can irritate your skin. The key to washing your face is gentle cleaning with gentle cleansers (non-irritating, pH balanced). Specifically, scrubbing your skin can remove lipids, which will actually worsen acne.
2. The sun's UV rays can cause premature skin aging.
   Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin, and this holds true if you get a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or any other indoor tanning equipment. All of these emit harmful UV rays that accelerate how quickly your skin ages. If you don't already, be sure to put sunscreen on every day. Some sunscreens can also serve as a moisturizer to put on before your makeup; however, keep in mind that makeup products with SPF alone are not enough protection.
3. Dull razors can cause irritation, rashes, and cuts.
   Dull razor? Then it's definitely time for a new one. Old razors with dull blades not only make it more difficult to get a close shave, but they are more prone to cause red bumps called razor burn, irritate your skin, and cut your skin. Not to mention, old blades can even harbor bacteria. A good rule to follow is when the blade starts to feel like it's tugging at your skin (rather than gliding across), it's time for a new one.
4. Your moisturizer can work better if you wash your face before bed.
   Throughout the day, your skin is trying to deal with the sun's UV rays, pollution, dirt, and makeup. While you sleep, skin naturally repairs and restores itself, and since there is less damage than in the daytime, moisturizes applied at night may be more effective. In addition, if you don't wash your face at night, pollution from the day, mixed with dirt and makeup, can impede the skin's ability to renew itself at night.
5. Your skincare routine needs to change with the seasons.
   Cold temperatures can cause poor circulation and widened capillaries. As a result, your skin can suffer – you'll notice that you are more prone to skin feeling dry, itchy, or irritated. Not to mention that moving from cold temperatures outdoors to the warm, dry indoors can "confuse" skin's ability to regulate itself and adjust to changing conditions. The worst part? Dry skin can itch, flake, crack, and even bleed. So when the season starts to change, "winterize" your skincare routine: always moisturize, exfoliate less, and avoid long and hot showers/baths.

There you have it. A few small skincare routine changes can go a long way in achieving healthier skin. If your current skincare routine just isn't cutting it anymore, be sure to see one of our board-certified dermatologists online with DermatologistOnCall. A doctor can provide you with a care plan that customized to your unique skin type.