Dry skin is one of the most common skin problem affecting a significant number of people worldwide. Through the years, both traditional and the modern medical professions have been helping out people identify and counter the problem. There simply are so many urban legends, speculations, unfounded theories and myths circulating to explain drying of the skin. What is worse and very much risky is that out of those unfounded myths are accompanying treatments and practices that are originally aimed at aiding and eliminating dry skin, but in truth are contributory to making the situation much worse.

Here are some of the most commonly circulating myths about the development and onset of dry skin. After each myth are the facts and explanations that support or contradict the statements based on studies and basic knowledge in the current dermatological practice.


1. Natural skincare ingredients are healthier than the synthetic ones.

While it is true that there are so many natural or organic ingredients in skincare products that are good for the skin, not all of them are ideal. Some natural ingredients are known to prompt the appearance of allergies and skin irritation. Likewise, not all synthetic ingredients are bad for the skin. Remember that synthetics are developed through the years following tedious and thorough research and development. Most of them are formulated not to harm the skin and are designed to be good and provide good skincare benefits. Besides, there is no such thing as 100% organic skincare products as synthetic ingredients are almost always present.


2. Oily skin ages slower than dry skin.

Oily skin definitely appears to have lesser wrinkles because it is moisturized. But it does not necessarily mean oily skin ages faster or wrinkles more than dry skin. Further, nothing can be done to stop or prevent the phenomenal and very natural aging process. Skin discolorations, sagging and wrinkles, which normally appear with the aging process, are natural occurrences and are caused by skin damaging practices like exposure to harmful sun rays, sagging muscles and genetic inheritance.


3. Cheaper dry skin products are less effective.

It is not always the case that cheaper dry skin products are better than the more expensive ones. Of course, the more costly products would have better and more effective ingredients. However, the cheaper ones may have substituted those expensive ingredients with alternatives that can be better. Another fact is that usually, the basic composition and formulation of expensive and less expensive dry skin products are almost the same.


4. To combat skin drying, moisturizers should always be applied to the skin.

This is a fact. Moisturizers have nutrients and essential moisturizing ingredients that nourishes and provide the skin with essential moisturizing ingredients. One piece of advice, prefer toner with moisturizers if you do not have dry skin. If your skin is drying, you can safely choose lotions, creams and serums. Such products would help prevent any possible onset of breakouts.

Dry skin can be taken care of and can be treated properly. Consult with your dermatologist and find out more about myths and facts about the skin problem.