UNAIR NEWS – The spread of myths in the medical world cannot be avoided. In skin healthcare, for example, there is a popular myth regarding the choice of clothing color and its effect on skin health. Some people believe wearing dark-colored clothes and accessories can cause skin health problems. Is that right?

In an interview with a dermatologist, dr M Yulianto Listiawan, SpKK(K) FINSDV FAADV, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, UNAIR NEWS tried to find out the truth behind this myth, about the influence of dark clothing and its impact on skin disorders.

Myth of wearing dark clothes outdoors causes skin disorders

Regarding wearing dark clothes can cause skin disorders, Dr. Wawan stated that it was just a myth. Although wearing dark clothes causes a sense of heat on the body, it is not related to skin disorders.

“It’s just a myth. It feels hotter if you wear black clothes. But it actually has benefits because the heat is absorbed, not transmitted to the skin,” he said.

The main factor causing abnormalities on the skin is constant sunlight exposure. To UNAIR NEWS, the General Chairman of PERDOSKI explained that each garment with various colors has a different response to sunlight, especially for black or dark clothes. The doctor, known better as dr. Wawan, said that black has the ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy without passing it on to the skin.

“Black color reflects nothing, in fact it completely absorbs sunlight. What’s good from it? It means that sunlight is not transmitted to our skin, so it protects our skin,” he said.

Myth of black masks causes more acnes 

Apart from clothes, some people also believe that wearing black or dark masks can cause more acne. This myth has emerged since the Covid-19 pandemic occurred. As a matter of fact, facemask color choices do not affect the occurrence of pimples on the face at all.

“Masks may cause acnes, but it does not depend on the color. Even if it is related to color, it is more about its ability to absorb sunlight,” he said.

Furthermore, dr. Wawan said that the acnes caused by wearing a mask were caused by the closed area of the Sebaceous gland. Moreover, it also depends on the skin characteristic of each individual, as not everyone has this effect.

“What causes acne is the mask worn continuously in areas rich in Sebaceous glands. Thus, it couldn’t get out and caused an obstruction. Finally, a pimple appears,” he said.

Lastly, dr. Wawan emphasized that the color choice of clothing did not have a direct effect on the skin. Therefore, instead of being selective in choosing the color of clothes, being selective in choosing clothes should be prioritized because exposed skin may burn more easily.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia