4. "Because men have oilier skin, they don't need to use moisturizer"
Explanation: This claim is a myth. Using moisturizer is recommended for men even if they have oilier skin. According to Skinome's skin expert Ulf, men generally do not need as oily and occlusive creams because they usually have oilier skin. However, the use of a lighter moisturizer is recommended as it adds humectants and protective ingredients that support moisture balance and protect the skin, especially after shaving. In addition, frequent facial cleansing or use of makeup can further reinforce the need to use a moisturizer.
Ulf explains that shaving always entails a risk of damaging the skin, which requires that the moisturizer contains soothing substances that can help prevent the skin from becoming red and irritated afterwards.
5. "You only need to use sunscreen when it's sunny outside"
Explanation: This claim is a myth. During the summer season, there is not much difference in terms of UV intensity when the weather is cloudy or sunny. For example, on the hottest summer days, the UV index, which is a measure of how strong the sunlight is, often reaches 7 in direct sunlight, while in cloudy weather it is 6. This shows the small difference between sunny and cloudy weather when it comes to how strong is the sun.
Ulf recommends that a general rule of thumb is that a sunscreen should be applied from April to the end of September and when you are skiing or outdoors during the winter when the sun is shining and the snow reflects UV light. At the beginning of summer, our skin is more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun and therefore we need to protect it. But at the end of summer, the sun is still strong and therefore sunscreen must be applied even then to prevent possible damage to the skin. Using sunscreen is equally important when you are exposed to the sun's rays through the window, for example when you work from home next to the window or when you go on a road trip during the summer season. Although the glass window protects against UVB rays, it does not protect against UVA rays. The UVA rays reach deeper layers of the skin and can therefore affect fibroblasts and other cells that have a decisive role in the physiology of the skin.