How would you know what’s best for your skin? Specialists uncover ten healthy skincare legends.
How much common knowledge about keeping your skin clear? Best tips get here
We’ve all grown up with our maternal units teaching us stuff on how to take care of our skin, and how to not do certain things. Remember the whole thing about ‘shaving makes your hair grow back thicker’? Yeah well, it doesn’t. So let’s quickly look at common skincare myths, and how many of them are actually true (if any.)
SKINCARE MYTH #1 – THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OVER CLEANING
Fact – It’s actually SUPER easy to go overboard with cleaning your face. Studies dictate that washing your face twice a day is enough. Some people even just use the cleanser once – at night. Cleaning too often strips your skin of its natural oils and nutrients. As a result, those pesky breakouts.
The same goes for washing your face with your hot water. One word – DON’T. And don’t go about shocking your face with ice-cold water either. Lukewarm water is the best, as much as you despise it. (I do, too.)
Similarly, among skincare myths, there’s another one that lies in the same boat. And that involves taking hot showers. They’re super relaxing, agreed. But, they’re not great since they tend to dry out your skin like crazy. If you’re like me and can’t give up your hot waters for lukewarm (eesh), shorten your shower times. And follow up by locking in the moisture by lathering moisturizer everywhere!
SKINCARE MYTH #2– MAKEUP CAUSES ACNE
Fact – There’s no factual evidence that shows a direct correlation between makeup and breakouts. (take that, haters!)
But we have to address the fact that sometimes you DO get breakouts after using certain products. They can be the result of an irritant or an inflammatory response. Additionally, a random skin reaction, or problematic ingredients unique to a person’s skin type. In cases like this, cut out the product you think is causing the issue, and see if there’s a difference.
Furthermore, terms like ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘non-acnegenic’ indicate that a product is less likely to cause breakouts. However, there is no standard or regulation set to categorize this labeling.
SKINCARE MYTH #3 – ACNE EVENTUALLY GOES AWAY
Fact – as much as we’d love to believe that this is true, it isn’t. It’s not just a “teen” thing. Some people can grow up with no acne issues, and experience it at a much later age.
While men can outgrow acne, women can’t. Because after puberty men’s hormone levels level out, whilst women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout their lifetime. Hence, many women experience breakouts around their menstrual cycle.
TIP – Please skip the application of toothpaste to your breakouts. Even though they contain beneficial ingredients, they’re more than likely to burn your skin and cause scarring.
SKINCARE MYTH #4 – TINGLING IS GOOD
Fact – tingling reflects irritation of the skin, which definitely ISN’T good. Irritation or inflammation, despite what causes it or how it happens, impairs the skin’s immune and healing response. So even though you might not see the damage immediately, it’ll show over time.
I’d also like to talk about OVER EXFOLIATION. It is bad for you. You don’t have to physically and chemically exfoliate on the same day. Because over-exfoliation can cause breakouts – nasty ones. And please don’t think scrubbing harder is good. It won’t get rid of your blackheads, but it definitely will mess your skin up.
SKINCARE MYTH #5 – NATURAL > SYNTHETIC
Fact – not everything that grows out of the ground is good for you. The truth is there are pros and cons on both sides of the table. See what works for you, and incorporate it into your routine. Moreover, don’t listen to every blogger because it will lead you to a drawer full of cosmetics and the problems still lying there on your table. Instead, follow a few but trusted ones and read realtime reviews of the products.
SKINCARE MYTH #6 – OILY SKIN DOESN’T NEED TO BE MOISTURISED
Fact – don’t buy into this. Oily skin is simply dehydrated skin which is overcompensating. So moisturize. Pick up a cream that works for your skin type, and use it.
SKINCARE MYTH #7 – EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS ALWAYS WORK
Fact – you will find numerous budget-friendly products that work as well as expensive pieces, if not better. So no, you don’t have to blow up your bank account to get the skin you want. Read up on ingredients, do your research, and give your money where you think you want to.
Under the same umbrella, just because your favorite skincare blogger recommends a product, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
SKINCARE MYTH #8 – YOU DON’T NEED SPF ON A CLOUDY DAY
Fact – 80% of rays still pass through no matter how cloudy. So, for goodness’ sake, please apply your sunscreens before you hit the streets. And remember, higher levels of SPF doesn’t mean more sun protection. It is advised to use a minimum of SPF 30, and physical protection.
Oh, and SPF lip balms too, please. Thank you very much!
SKINCARE MYTH #9 – WATER IS KEY FOR HYDRATING YOUR SKIN
Fact – while water is essential to stay hydrated, it isn’t the only thing that will help you combat your skin issues. A healthy diet, a good skincare regimen are also key factors in getting the skin you want.
Factor in exercise as well. Because not only does it make you feel good on the inside, it’s evident on the outside too. “Water hydrates, minerals, and salt naturally exfoliate, and urea and uric acid combat dry skin and dermatitis. Sweating purges the skin of bacteria, dirt, oils, and impurities.”
SKINCARE MYTH #10 – BLACK ISN’T BEAUTIFUL
Fact – Being melanin deficient doesn’t make you prettier than anyone else. So please take your mentality and yourself back to where it belongs – the dark ages. (Because we’ve never had white ages.)
Every skin tone on the spectrum is gorgeous, and don’t you let any troll tell you otherwise!
