10 Common Skin Myths That Need To Be Debunked Right Now by Dr Patricia Wexler l Skin Myths l Skin Remedies l Tips for Healthy Skin l Tips for Flawless Skin l Skin Health

It is Okay to Squeeze a Pimple if it Has a Head

Though that whitehead or blackhead might prove irresistible to pop (I've been there myself), please, summon all your self-control and fight the urge. Squeezing a pimple will only make it more prominent, deeper, and more inflamed; it will actually make it stick around longer and leave a scar. Instead, rely on an over-the-counter treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If it's really swollen, ask your dermatologist to clear out the puss with a comedone extractor, or if you need that damn spot gone quickly, have them inject it with cortisone. Always remain hands off when it comes to pimples. That little squeeze can cause a whole range of issues like scarring, dark marks, and infection so it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Using a Retinol the Skin Should Look Worse Before it Looks Better

It's really not necessary for you to look red, raw, or like you've had a chemical peel when you use retinol treatments. Now that they come in many forms, including moisturizing formulas with emollients and combined with soothing ingredients like chamomile and cortisone to make them less inflammatory, anyone can use them without seeing a reaction. If your skin looks chapped or feels tender, you're not using the right retinol. Though retinols that are OTC are less likely to do that, you should consult your derm if you have sensitive skin. And it's not a moisturizer, so you shouldn't be slathering it on. The amount should be no bigger than the size of a pea. Remember: The goal is to leave you with smooth, even skin, not like you've gotten the worst rug burn of your life.

It is Better to Use All Your Products From One Brand

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This isn't so black and white. If you want to buy an entire regimen from one brand and not think about it, then yes, it's simpler because the products are designed to work together. I've had patients come in with a shopping bag of products that they can't possibly use all in one day. And they're using too much of one ingredient or over-exfoliating. By using one range, you know you'll be getting the right amount of exfoliation, anti-aging and SPF. It's balanced so you're not over-using an active ingredient or neutralizing another product. It's really all about finding what works for your skin so if you discover a specific eye cream from one line, a night cream from another, and a day cream from another, feel free to cherry pick your routine.

You Need to Change Up Your Routine Depending on the Season

If it's not broke don't fix it. In other words, if you've been depending on the same regimen year-round and aren't having any issues, then stick with it. I know that the philosophy is use lighter products in summer and heavier products in the winter, but if it's business as usual--literally as in you're going to the office all day and limiting your outdoor time--there is no reason to make a change. It's really about your lifestyle, not what's happening outside. No matter what the weather, you should always use a good cleanser, moisturizer and exfoliant. But if during the warmer months, you're out in the sun a lot more, then you should step up exfoliation to once daily to reduce sun damage and free radical activity. And in the winter, if you're taking part in outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing, use a heavier moisturizer and add a barrier repair treatment. Just refer to your social calendar rather than the climate.

Lunchtime Procedures Mean No Downtime

If we're talking long, leisurely power lunches, then it's possible to pretend you're just out to eat rather than getting a little lift or laser. But more realistically, if you only have an hour to spare, you're going to be heading back to work with the physical evidence of that touch-up. Always check with your derm regarding possible side effects. Filler will leave you with a little bruising and that concealer will only make a black mark look grey. With Botox, you shouldn't apply makeup for at least four hours. And while lasers are mostly fractional so won't leave you looking like a burn victim anymore, they will make you look like you've lied out in the sun without sunscreen. And because it's not recommend you put makeup on immediately, there is no way to cover it up. Either way, you're going to look less than picture perfect so if you have to go back to the office, you might want to come up with an excuse for your appearance. You've been stung by bees? Had an allergic reaction? An afternoon tryst? So bottom line, I always put lunchtime in quotations because there will be visible effects with every procedure.