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5 Skin Health Myths to Stop Believing Now by Dr Jen Gunter

1. Myth #1: Healthy skin is skin that looks flawless.​

  • The Fact: Skin is a complex, living organ with many functions that go beyond surface appearance
  • Epidermis (Outer Layer): Contains keratinocytes (replaced every four weeks) which form a protective, water-resistant layer and synthesise Vitamin D from the sun. It also has melanocytes (which produce pigment) and Langerhans cells (immune security guards)
  • Dermis (Second Layer): A collagen scaffold that houses blood vessels, hair follicles, glands, and sensory receptors that detect pressure, vibration, and pain . It also helps regulate body temperature.
  • Conclusion: Healthy skin is simply skin that is effectively performing its jobs. Spending a lot of money on excessive products like rollers and serums may be unnecessary for normal, healthy skin.

2. Myth #2: You only need sunscreen on sunny days.​

  • The Fact: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are always strong enough to damage cell DNA
  • UVA Rays: Penetrate the dermis, damaging the collagen scaffold and accelerating aging
  • UVB Rays: Cook the epidermis, causing sunburn.
  • Tanning is Damage: The release of more melanin that results in a tan is actually the skin's way of showing it has been damaged and is trying to protect itself.
  • Protection: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, to block both UVA and UVB rays and protect against sunburn, early aging, and skin cancer.

3. Myth #3: People with darker skin don't need sunscreen.​

  • The Fact: While the type of melanin associated with richer brown tones offers some protection, it is not nearly enough to prevent UV damage. Everyone needs sunscreen.
  • Racial Disparities: Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to have skin cancer detected at advanced stages due to systemic issues like:
  • Dermatologists being primarily trained to diagnose on white skin.
  • The repetition of this myth, leading to lower rates of early screenings for people of color.
  • Acral Melanoma: A dangerous form of skin cancer that is not caused by UV exposure and often appears in areas like nail beds and the bottoms of the feet. More messaging is needed on this topic, especially for people of color who may experience higher levels of distress toward doctors.

4. Myth #4: You can shrink your pores.​

  • The Fact: Pores are tiny openings (ducts) that allow sweat to cool you and oil to lubricate your skin.
  • Genetics: Pore size is largely determined by genetics and they do not truly shrink.
  • Actionable Advice: Pores can appear larger when irritated by makeup or harsh products. You should save your money on pore minimisers and simply wash your face with non-comedogenic products (those that won't clog pores).

5. Myth #5: Chocolate causes acne.​

  • The Fact: Acne is inflammation that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin, allowing bacteria to overgrow. Factors involved include hormones and genetics.
  • Research Status: The link between chocolate and acne has been extensively studied, but the results are inconclusive. Studies that blame chocolate are often small, and studies that absolve it are sometimes funded by chocolate makers.
  • Conclusion: While studying diet's effect on acne is complex, the research suggests that the healthiest diet for your body overall is also the healthiest diet for your skin