Toothpaste as remedy for acne, warm water to open pores — some skincare myths busted

 

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Myth 1: Warm water opens and cleanses pores.

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, warm water doesn’t magically open your pores. Instead, opt for lukewarm water to cleanse your face and follow up with proper skincare steps to truly clean and clear skin.

Dr Preet Pal Thakur, co-founder, Glamyo Health told indianexpress.com, “It is impossible to ‘open’ your pores with warm water. Your pores cannot voluntarily open and close regardless of the temperature of the water, since they are not muscles. Nothing can physically alter the size or number of pores. Warm water can aid in cleaning out the dirt, filth, and sebum that have gathered inside your pores even while it won’t truly cause your pores to open up”.

Truth: While it might seem like a quick fix, toothpaste can actually irritate your skin and worsen the situation. Stick to dedicated acne treatments for effective results.

“Toothpaste is not beneficial for your skin, and you can end up with a pimple that is more irritated and red than when you started. Toothpaste components can be too potent or harsh for your skin, which could result in redness, stinging, burning, irritation and inflammation,” said Dr Thakur.

UV rays can still penetrate through windows, so protecting your skin with sunscreen is vital, even when you’re indoors. (Pic source: Freepik)

️Myth 3: Wearing sunscreen indoors is unnecessary.

Truth: UV rays can still penetrate through windows, so protecting your skin with sunscreen is equally vital when you’re indoors. Shield your skin from harmful rays every day, regardless of your location.

Dr Sushil Tahiliani, consultant, dermatology, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar said that though there is a good natural protection against sunlight indoors, one has to remember that 40% UV rays reach indoors through reflection and refraction. “Besides, the French windows, blue light from computers and smartphones, as well as some UV rays from CFL lamps can be of concern in persons with extreme sun sensitivity,” he continued.

Myth 4: Natural skincare is always safe for sensitive skin.

Truth: Just because a product is labelled “natural” doesn’t guarantee it’s suitability for sensitive skin. Always check the ingredients and opt for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin types.

“Labels like ‘natural’ and ‘clean’ are unregulated, so you may not actually know what you’re getting — and even natural ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions. This can be problematic for people who have sensitive skin or who develop an allergy to these products while using them,” said Dr Uday Kumar Sonnappa, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Belenus Champion Hospital, Bangalore.

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