A lot of skin care products and treatments come with a lot of hype. How do you know what's best for your skin?

Skin care tips and skin care products are everywhere these days. "Use this cream." "Exfoliate." "Drink more water." "Buy this acne cure."

Amid all the hype -- and the influx of antiaging products -- it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. How can anyone know what's true?

Here, are some of the top skin care myths encountered in dermatology practices around the country.

Skin Care Myth No. 1: Tanning booths are safe as long as they don't contain UVB rays.
We all know that tanning is unhealthy and can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. But what about tanning booths? Tanning booth companies often say that they are filtering out the so-called "sunburn" UVB rays. But when you go to a tanning booth, you're still exposing your skin to UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage that can lead to premature aging and the development of skin cancers.

Skin Care Myth No. 2: The higher the SPF, the better the protection.
There are three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply, altering our pigmentation to produce a tan. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. These rays also damage our skin's DNA and cause photoaging, pigment changes, and carcinomas (cancerous tumors). UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don't make it to the ground.

The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays or sunburns. Many sunscreens, therefore, need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and one of the following ingredients: mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) for UVA protection, or titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (which block both UVA and UVB).

Skin Care Myth No. 3: You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day.
Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth's surface. So make sure you use sunscreen every day, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Also, don't fall prey to the myth that just because you're wearing makeup with an SPF, you're protected. According to experts, you would have to put on 14 or 15 times the amount of makeup that a normal person would wear to reach the SPF on the label of powdered makeup. The same thing goes for foundation and liquid makeup. Make sure you use sunscreen in addition to your makeup.

Skin Care Myth No. 4: Scrubbing your face with soap will keep your skin healthy and acne free.
When you scrub your face, you're taking off some of the protective oils and barriers, which tends to lead to rashes and even burns. Instead, use a gentle cleanser followed by a moisturizer or sunscreen.

Skin Care Myth No. 5: It's better to get the pus out of a pimple by popping it.
The truth is, even though it feels really good to release [the pus], a lot of it just goes in deeper. When it goes in deeper, it causes more inflammation that can lead to scarring and spread under the skin. That's why you'll get another one a few days later, close to the first one.

It's crucial that people stop picking at their faces. But if you absolutely cannot resist, be sure and do it right. Don't squeeze and pop the inflammation. Instead, use something called a comedone extractor -- an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at most beauty supply stores. Apply firm pressure with the extractor, then roll across the pimple to take it out.

Skin Care Myth No. 6: Expensive skin care products work best.
This is simply not true. Many mass market products are better than expensive ones.

Experts agree. Most active ingredients found in antiaging creams are similar whether they are sold by a local store or a fancy boutique. Expensive skin care products can be good, of course. It's just that you can usually get something similar for a lot less.

If you want to pay for the feel, smell, and package, that's up to you.

Skin Care Myth No. 7: Antiaging products (or "wrinkle creams") can erase wrinkles.
Most wrinkle creams simply hydrate skin, plumping them out and making them look temporarily better. So don't buy into the hype. There is one product that has a solid history and reputation for reversing fine lines, however, and that is topical retinoids.

Often sold under the name "Retinol" or "Tretinoin," these creams or drops penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have shown them to be fairly effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and reversing the effects of photoaging, or sun damage. Some retinoids can be purchased over the counter. For higher strength, ask your doctor for a prescription.

We recommend using an antioxidant cream containing vitamin C, but caution that they tend to destabilize very quickly, so they should be purchased from a reputable company.

Skin Care Myth No. 7.5: Lasers can make me look 20 years younger.
There are many different types of lasers being marketed, and they all do different things. Some help with sun spots, some help with wrinkles. Some go deep and activate collagen.

While lasers are much better than they were a few years ago, and produce better positive results with fewer side effects, patients still need to be realistic about what they can actually do. If you've done intensive damage to your skin, there's only so much that lasers can do.

So what's the bottom line when it comes to skin care tips and antiaging strategies? Stay out of the sun, say the experts -- and use a good sunscreen every day and throughout the day.

About Dr. Lisa Coppa Breslauer
Lisa Coppa Breslauer, M.D. is a graduate of the prestigious Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where she graduated with high honors. She is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Member of the American Society of Mohs Surgery and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Before opening the Laser + Skin Institute in 2007, she was in private practice in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Lisa Coppa Breslauer has successfully instituted a patient-friendly environment designed to treat people of differing ages, races and genders.

For more information, please contact the Laser + Skin Institute at 973.635.5050 or online at: http://www.lsinj.com