Common Skin-care myths debunked.
In a world full of information (and misinformation), skincare myths seem to proliferate like rabbits. Here I bring some clarity to the subject and debunk the 10 biggest skincare myths.
1.Myth: Our face needs to be washed 2 times per day.
Over-cleansing your skin can strip it of its natural oils, leading to breakouts, irritation, and even sometimes dermatitis. Unless you are an oily skinned teenager, or you somehow got dirty while you were in bed (giggity) then one good double cleanse at the end of the day is sufficient and maybe a quick t-zone cleanse in the morning.
2.Myth: You Don't Need Sunscreen on a Cloudy Day
Truth be told, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin even on a cloudy day. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, no matter the weather.
3.Myth: Popping Pimples Will Make Them Go Away Faster
This is a surefire way to make things worse. Popping pimples can lead to scarring, infection, and even more acne. Patience is the answer; let the spot run its course or treat it with a high frequency device.
4.Myth: Natural Skincare Products are Always Better
While natural ingredients can be beneficial, they are not always superior. Some synthetic ingredients have been clinically proven to help skin and may work better for certain skin types or conditions because they do not contain potential irritants.
Learn more about Natural vs Synthetic here and why Natural soaps are not always better
5.Myth: Junk Food Causes Acne
While a healthy diet supports overall skin health, no definitive link between acne and junk food exists. Hormones, stress, and genetics are the primary contributors to acne.
note: The hormones found in our food may very well contribute to breakouts so in this way, junk food can be a culprit.
6.Myth: Skin Care Products Can 'Detox' Your Skin
Your skin is a living organ that naturally detoxifies itself. Products can support this process, but they cannot detox your skin for you.
7.Myth: More Expensive Skincare Products are More Effective
Price doesn't always equate to effectiveness. Some affordable brands can deliver results as good as, if not better than, their high-end counterparts. Plus, take a look at the packaging. As much as 90% of the money you spend could be tied up in the container and all its accompanying bits.
8.Myth: You Don't Need a Moisturizer if You Have Oily Skin
Every skin type needs hydration. In fact, not moisturizing can trigger your skin to produce more oil. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers if you have an oily complexion.
9.Myth: All Alcohol in Skincare is Bad
Not all alcohols are created equal. Fatty alcohols, like cetyl and stearyl alcohol, are actually beneficial, helping to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
10.Myth: Skin needs to be squeaky, or it is not cleansed thoroughly.
In fact, cleansing to the point of squeaky skin or hair means that you’ve removed the lipid barrier. Ya know the one thing between your insides and the big world. Cleansing with harsh soaps can lead to an imbalance in your skins natural biome allowing for conditions like atopic dermatitis to crop up. Learn more about this here.
Learn more about what happens when you over strip your skin
11.Myth: Retinoids are exfoliating your skin.
Retinoids like retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid are biomodulators. This means that they change the rate and nature of cellular proliferation and differentiation. The skin that you see peeling off in the beginning of a retinoid regimen is a layer of corneocytes that is shedding en masse as a result of increased turnover.
12.Myth. Retinoids thin the skin.
While the top layer (epidermis) does in fact thin some with the use of retinoids, The layer underneath (dermis) actually thickens in response. This is the layer of skin where the collagen and fibroblasts live so this is a good thing.
Learn More about Retinoids here
13.You can develop a moisturizer dependency.
While it is true that properly hydrating your skin can lead to a slight reduction in sebum production, this is your skin telling you that it is getting what it needs to remain in a balanced state. Very much like when you eat a balanced nutrient rich diet and your brain fog disappears. You aren't developing a dependency on such foods, you just function better when you eat them.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to skincare. Now that we've debunked these myths, you can make more informed choices and create a skincare regimen that truly works for you.
If you want more information on this topic I recommend Dr. Sandy Skotnicki's brilliant book "Beyond Soap" to anyone who has skin.
Stay Glowy, and remember to
Have a quality day!
MBM
