With the emergence of so many beauty, skincare products and aesthetic clinics in the country, it is important that we educate ourselves on the basics about our skin and how to take care of it. 

There are, however, a number of myths that are going around about ways to achieve healthy skin.

Here are just three of them.

Myth number one: Antibacterial soap is best for keeping your skin clean.

Truth: According to Harvard Health Publishing of the Harvard Medical School, the skin normally has bacteria on it. It is impossible to keep your skin completely free of bacteria for any amount of time. In fact, many experts are concerned that the use of anti-bacterial soap could lead to more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial soap is not necessary for everyday use. Regular soap is fine. Thorough and consistent hand washing, not anti-bacterial soap, is what helps prevent the spread of infection.

Myth number two: The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the better

Truth: Above a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) has little added benefit compared with a lower SPF, according to the Harvard Health Publishing of the Harvard Medical School. Experts generally recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. A higher SPF would be more effective if you are planning to be outside for more than two to three hours, especially during hours of peak sun exposure (10 am to 2 pm). But in most circumstances, a higher SPF may not be worth the extra cost. 

Myth number three: Expensive skincare products work best

Truth: This is simply not true, according to WebMD.Com. Many mass-market products are better than expensive ones. Most active ingredients found in anti-aging creams, for example, are similar whether they are sold by a local store or a fancy boutique. Expensive skincare products can be good but you can usually get something similar for a lot less.

There is a product in the market at the moment that will definitely break all skincare myths and that is Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System. Proactiv+ is a dermatologist-developed, scientifically proven 3-Step Clear Skin System designed to get and keep you clear. 

Kendall Jenner, an American model and media personality, swears by Proactiv, the product that helped her overcome her acne problem. In fact, she came up with a video where she recounts how her regular use of Proactiv helped her solve her acne issues. She adds that it was the American formula of Proactiv that helped her solve her acne issues. You should check the formula that is available in your country. The Proactiv formula in the Philippines contains salicylic acid. Learn more about the video on Proactiv Philippines Facebook page.

The Proactiv+ 3-step Clear Skin System starts with a Skin Smoothing Exfoliator. Apply a small amount to dampened skin. Using your fingertips, gently massage in a circular motion for one to two minutes avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry and proceed to the second step – Pore Targeting Treatment which stops the acne at the source. 

Use one to two pumps of the Pore Targeting Treatment and apply to your entire clean and dry face. Do not rinse off. The Pore Targeting Treatment contains salicylic acid which dissolves all the dirt that clogs pores and causes acne. When it has been fully absorbed, you can proceed to the last step which involves the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator which diminishes awkward acne marks and brightens the skin.

With your fingertips, apply the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator generously to your entire face. Do not rinse off. Once it has been absorbed by your face, you can go to bed with the assurance that you will wake up with skin that is ready to face another hectic day. It is advisable that the Proactiv+ 3-Step Clear Skin System is used twice a day to achieve better results. 

Effective does not have to be expensive all the time. Break this myth and start your pre-holiday glow with 20% off on Proactiv Plus 3-Step Clear Skin kit, a limited-time offer exclusive at Watsons and at SM Department stores nationwide.

At the regular rate, you may avail of the 30-day kit for Php3,250 which includes the Skin Smoothing Exfoliate 60 ml, Pore Targeting Treatment 30 ml and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 30ml. You can also avail of the 60-day kit at Php4,680 which includes Skin Smoothing Exfoliator 120 ml; Pore Targeting Treatment 60 ml and Complexion Perfecting Hydrator 60 ml. Proactiv products are also available at the Proactiv Online Shopping Cart.