The 8 Skincare Myths you Need to Stop Believing ASAP!

We come across a ton of skincare advice and its sometimes difficult to separate myths from facts. One minute you are reading about how drinking more water will fix dry skin, the next you are reading about a quick fix to your breakout problem. This post will break down the myths from truth to know what works for you.

Myth 1: You Can Skip Sunscreen If Your Makeup Has SPF.

While wearing makeup that has SPF is sometimes helpful, it can only provide a single layer of protection in your overall sun protection regimen. As such, makeup should not be your face’s only line of defense against harmful UV rays.
While the sun is proven to help your skin produce vitamin D, you still need to be well protected against both UVB and UVA rays. This type of protection is only possible by applying a quality sunscreen that packs what dermatologists call ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘multi spectrum’ protection.

Also, some people tend to think that SPF numbers are an indicator of the amount of time you should stay in the sun. However, that is not the case. No matter the level of protection you use, you still need to reapply it after every two hours to stay protected, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or plan to get wet.

Ideally, you should wear sunscreen every single day when indoors or outdoors and regardless of the weather outside.

Myth 2: People With Oily Skin Do Not Shows Signs of Aging.

The next myth that people believe is that oily skin will not show signs of aging. With such misinformation, people with oily skin may tend to go slow on essential skincare routines. Although that moisturized, plump appearance of oily skin is associated with youthful-looking skin, you still have to take good care of it. Regardless of your oily or dry skin, you still have to worry about sun exposure. Sun exposure is one of the seven common factors of premature aging, alongside environmental pollutants and some lifestyle habits like smoking.

While dry skin does not cause aging, it can enhance aging signs once they appear on your skin. Without a proper skincare regimen, you will still experience premature aging, and it won’t matter what type of skin you have.

Myth 3: There Is Only One Right Way to Skincare.

Any dermatologist will advise you to try different things to figure out what is right for your skin. Obviously, everyone’s skin care needs are unique and have to be addressed as such. For best results, you must go through some trial and error before finding what works for your face and skin. After all, that is why trial sizes and different products are available.

Myth 4: Pores Respond Faster to Higher Water Temperature.

Any belief you may have had about pores responding better to high water temperature needs to fly out the window. While your pores might look visible when using hot water, it has little to do with their opening up. On the contrary, pores are more noticeable because just like skin, they swell slightly with higher temperatures. For best results, always use lukewarm water to wash your face.

Myth 5: Results Should be Immediate with Any New Skincare Product or Routine.

Believing any new product will give you instant results will not only cost you time and money, but it may also affect your skin. It is normal for new skincare products or routines to take time before you can see actual results. On average, your skin cell turnover cycle is about 21 days. According to skin experts, cell turnover might be faster or slower based on age. The more you age, the slower your skin might become to respond to a new product or regimen. On average, give your product a month or so before you can look for results. While not everyone is that patient, a month is more than enough time to give you clear information on what works for your skin and what does not.

Myth 6: Skincare Is Only Achieved From The Outside In.

Amongst the most famous myths on skincare is that it can only be achieved from the outside in. That means layering product after product and hoping for the best. Well, that is not the way to go. Good skin is pretty much from the inside as it is from the outside. No amount of body butter or beauty creams can change your skin if you only eat all the wrong things. Foods high in refined sugars, unsaturated fats, alcohol and more only negatively affect your skin. To achieve quality skin from the inside, make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes vegetables and fruits to boost your skin inside and out. Still, on what you eat and drink, hydration is a vital part of health while also helping you avoid dry, irritating skin!

Myth 7: Skin Care Is Just For Your Face — Not the Whole Body.

If you want an even-looking complexion, then your skincare routine has to go beyond your face. Your face, neck, chest area, back, and hands all need the same tender loving care to look beautiful and stay youthful. While most people are more than happy spending time and money on just their faces, this is usually a mistake. Sunscreen, moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and scrubs are all essential products that every part of your body will appreciate. Make sure to pay enough attention to the skin on your hands, feet, elbows and knees to avoid dryness that may need more treatment if neglected early.

Myth 8: Lasers Will Make You Look 20 Years Younger.

The skincare world is full of different lasers being marketed as the next best thing. Some are designed for sunspots, wrinkles, or to activate collagen for a younger-looking version of you. Unfortunately, all that marketing can be disappointing if the promise to make you look 20 years younger fails to meet your expectations. While lasers are much better than they used to be, they are still not ready to make anyone a completely different person. Modern lasers may produce better results and have fewer side effects, but people still need to be realistic with what to expect. For instance, if you have done intensive damage to your skin, there is only so much lasers can do for you.

Bottom Line

With all the constant buzz about newly released, must-have products, anti-aging treatments, skincare tips from every corner, and proclaimed experts, it can be hard to separate hype from reality, by learning about the myths above, you can avoid disappointment while enjoying better results.