Myths about skincare

On the internet but also in everyday life we ​​can hear a lot of skin care advice, but are they all good? In fact, some of these "tips" can actually be harmful to your skin and health. It is for this reason that we want to reveal some myths about skincare.

Myth #1: You get acne because you don't wash your face.

Although it is a popular myth, it is, indeed, a myth. You won't get acne just because you don't wash properly or enough. For acne to develop, you have to have a combination of four factors: enlarged pores due to loss of keratin, sebum, bacteria, and inflammation.

Myth #2: You'll age faster if you wear makeup regularly.

Makeup alone won't make you age faster. In fact there are so many dual action makeup products that nourish, protect or enhance your skin! However, if you don't wash your face before bed, you'll be leaving not only your makeup behind, but also the dirt, oil, and toxins your skin has collected throughout the day, which is what really causes aging. Fortunately, you can continue to apply all the makeup you want without worry, as long as you remove it and clean your face at the end of the day.

Myth #3: If it burns, it's working.

This is one of the most dangerous myths because it sounds almost believable, along with the phrases "No pain, no gain" or "Beauty hurts". When it comes to skin care, a little tingling is normal (with some products); stinging or burning, however, is not. This type of reaction may indicate that you have sensitive skin, or it may be something more serious, such as an allergy to an ingredient you are using. If something seems off, remove it immediately. And if the pain or irritation does not disappear within a few minutes, contact your dermatologist immediately.

Myth #4: You don't need to moisturize if you have oily skin.

It couldn't be further from the truth! Oily skin needs hydration as much, if not more, than other skin types. Most cleansers will strip your skin of its natural oils, so you'll need to replace that protective layer or your skin will do it on its own by producing even more sebum. Regardless of your skin type—oily and acne-prone or dry and dehydrated—you need to use some kind of moisturizer to keep your skin balanced and nourished. The differences lie in the type and amount of moisturizer your skin needs.

Myth #5: Anything labeled "natural" or "chemical-free" must be better for you than other types of skin care products.

This depends on the person. Things like "chemical" peels can still be made from natural ingredients and are great for all skin types. It's all about preference and skin type when deciding which ingredients to put on your skin. There is no hard evidence that parabens and preservatives in skin care are harmful to your skin or body. In fact, without preservatives, skin care and cosmetics are more susceptible to the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast. If you choose to go the natural route, be sure to pay close attention to the expiration dates on your products, as natural products don't last as long as the alternatives.

Myth #6 Pores can be narrowed

Unfortunately, your pore size will never change, no matter what products you use or how much steam you put on your face. (Side note: we suggest you avoid steaming your face unless it's occasional gentle steaming, otherwise this is a surefire way to dry out your skin for little benefit). Pores can sometimes appear wider or tighter as temperature changes cause the skin to either soften or contract, but this effect is only temporary. The good news is that pores are only really noticeable when they are congested and this can be fixed. The best way to improve the appearance of clogged pores is to use beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) – also known as salicylic acid. BHA works to loosen clogs by binding to sebum and oils that clog pores, minimizing their appearance over time.

Myth #7 Exfoliating daily will keep my skin clear and smooth

Regular exfoliation is a great idea, however, daily exfoliation is very risky, it can lead to stressed and uncomfortable skin. Whether you use a scrub, a gentle exfoliator with enzymes, acids, retinoids, or a combination of all of them, we recommend applying exfoliating products no more than once to three times a week. What's more, you risk compromising your skin's natural moisture barrier and ending up with tight, red, flaky skin. Existing blemishes are also more likely to become irritated, and the skin will take longer to heal. When it comes to exfoliation, moderation is key.

Myth #8 Home beauty remedies are harmless

Natural home remedies for popular skin care problems seem harmless enough, combining various common household ingredients for instant hair and face masks, scrubs, and other treatments. However, they should be approached with caution, as many of these otherwise safe ingredients are not so safe when applied directly to the skin. For example, baking soda is often featured in these recipes, but its highly alkaline properties can compromise the skin's acid mantle, doing far more harm than good. Lemon juice and coconut oil are also often recommended as part of these DIY remedies, however, lemon juice is extremely acidic and can burn and dehydrate your skin, while coconut oil can clog your skin it can seriously clog your pores and weigh your hair down. Leave beauty formulations to the experts!