By Victoria Moss, MD 

As October rolls in and Halloween approaches, let’s expose some spine-chilling skin myths that lurk in the shadows of skincare. Here are a few tricks you should avoid: 

Skin Myth 1: Tanning is Fine as Long as You Don’t Burn 

Don’t be fooled—any tan is your skin’s scream for help! UV rays can haunt your skin, causing premature aging and even skin cancer. Vampires avoid the sun for a reason! 

If you want a sun-kissed glow without the dangers, opt for safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions, mousses, or spray tans. These products give you a bronzed look without UV exposure. Also, tinted moisturizers and bronzing powders offer an instant, sun-free glow. Remember to exfoliate before using self-tanners to achieve an even, natural-looking finish. 

Skin Myth 2: No Sun? No Sunscreen! 

Just because it’s gloomy doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. UV rays hide like ghosts behind the clouds, ready to haunt your skin. Slather it on even when the sky looks spooky. Sunblocks with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide create a physical barrier on the skin and give great broad spectrum coverage. 

Skin Myth 3: Higher SPF Means You’re Safe 

SPF (short for sun protection factor) may sound like a magic spell, but no amount of SPF will give you complete protection. No matter what sunscreen you choose, it’s important to apply prior to going outside and to reapply throughout the day. As a rule, we recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours as sunscreen ingredients will either rub or wash off the skin or be absorbed into the skin and lose their efficacy. 

Skin Myth 4: Oily Skin? Skip the Moisturizer 

Don’t fall for this horror story! Oily skin needs moisture too. Without it, your skin could turn into a true fright, producing even more oil. Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic options.  A great over the counter option is Cerave AM which has a moisturizer plus sunscreen and won’t clog your pores. 

Skin Myth 5: Scrubbing Hard Will Banish Acne 

Aggressively scrubbing to ward off acne is a recipe for a skincare nightmare. You’ll only stir up irritation, making matters worse. Be gentle to your skin—it’s not a monster to battle. 

Skin Myth 6: Natural Products Are Always the Best 

Just because it’s labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s a magic potion for your skin. Some natural ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Even witches test their potions first! Always apply a new product to a small, hidden part of your skin (like the inside of your arm) to test its effects before going all in on application.  

Don’t Be Tricked—Treat Your Skin Right! 

This Halloween, avoid these skin myths that trick too many people into bad habits. Take proper care of your skin with science-backed advice to keep it glowing, not ghastly! 🎃 

If you need a new skincare regimen, schedule a complimentary skin analysis at clara by calling 719-579-5555.

If you have any concern about your skin, especially a new or changing spot, call us at 719-355-1585 or use or online appointment request form to get in with one of our trusted dermatology professionals.  

Victoria Moss, MD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology at Vanguard Skin Specialists. Dr. Moss has been a national trainer for Allergan Cosmetic since 2016, teaching clinicians proper techniques to best inject Botox®, Juvederm®, and Kybella®—a distinction given to only 150 physicians nationwide. She enjoys teaching and loves to help expand the knowledge base of her colleagues.