Nowadays, the moment we open Instagram, there’s an influencer or blogger sharing her best skincare tips. But little do we know that most of these are skincare myths that probably won’t work for many of us. So, blindly following any skincare routine you see online is downright foolish. Before you fall into this trap, here are 7 common skincare myths that every woman should know.
1. “All I Need Is Some Natural Ingredients”
Trust me when I say, “That’s not enough.” Natural ingredients do play their part, but they are not going to magically fix everything, especially not overnight. So, whether you are putting honey on your face or rubbing turmeric the night before a major event, sorry to break it to you, but that’s not going to help.
So, you might be wondering, what’s the real skincare MVP? It’s the blend of natural ingredients and scientific processing. Many natural ingredients are of no use in their available form, so you need scientific assistance to formulate skincare products using natural ingredients that can specifically address your skin issues.
2. “The More Skincare Products I Use, The Better Results I’ll Get”
If you’re piling skincare products on your bathroom shelf following the old “more is more” skincare philosophy, let me tell you, it’s nothing more than a tempting trap. So, hold onto your impromptu skincare purchases, because it’s not going to make your skin filter-like flawless overnight.
Serving no benefit is one thing, but what makes it even worse is the damage these piles of skincare products can do to your skin. There’s always a specific sequence for applying skincare products, as some need to be applied before or after certain products in order for them to work properly. So, first of all, don’t use a skincare product unless you have consulted with your dermatologist. It’s high time you stop torturing your skin with random TikTok and Instagram skincare trends.
3. “Sunscreen Is Only For Sunny Days”
Here’s another tan-tastic misconception. Hold onto your SPFs cause it’s going to get debunked. See, the purpose of sunscreen is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. And if you don’t know it already, let me tell you that UV rays are not only in the sunlight. Even when it’s a cloudy day, with no hint of sunlight, these UV rays can penetrate through clouds and damage your skin barrier.
The solution is simple, don’t save your sunscreen only for sunny days. Make good use of it as you need UV protection 24/7.
4. “Exfoliation Should Be Done Daily”
Scrubbing away dead cells – a great idea. But you overdo it and your skin will turn into an irritated, red, rashy patch. When you increase the frequency of exfoliation, it will strip away the natural oil of your skin and damage the protective barrier, resulting in increasing sensitivity.
So, a rule of thumb, when it comes to exfoliation, is, “less is more”. Instead of daily exfoliating your skin, stick to 2 times per week, and you’ll see amazing results.
5. “I Can’t Use Moisturizer, I Have Acne-Prone Skin”
You can and you must! Acne and moisturizer are two very different things. Regardless of whether you have acne-prone skin or not, you need a moisturizer to prevent dehydration and balance the natural oil production of your skin. Skipping the moisturizer altogether can have negative effects on your skincare, including a damaged skin barrier, dryness, irritation, and even worsening acne.
The key lies in selecting a moisturizer specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, preferably one that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lightweight. By adding a suitable moisturizer to your skincare routine, you can effectively address acne while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced.
6. “Toothpaste Will Heal Your Breakout Acne”
No, it’ll not! Do this and you’ll witness your acne getting worse. Toothpaste is for teeth, so let’s keep it to that. The paste contains all kinds of ingredients, like menthol, fluoride, and baking soda, which can be too harsh and dry for your delicate skin. (A VEY GENTLE REMINDER: Be very careful of what you are applying to your skin – Choose Wisely)
If you want an immediate solution, try using pimple patches or stickers. Besides, you can also use natural remedies, such as tea tree oil, but be mindful while using any natural ingredient as they are not equally good for all skin types. Make sure you do your research or consult your dermatologist beforehand.
Adding A Little Bit Of Truth Serum To The Skincare Myths!
In a digital world where you are exposed to tons of information, it’s easy to get swept away by enticing promises and catchy trends. But before you dive headfirst into the latest fad or believe any anecdote, take a moment to add some truth to the mix.
By seeking out credible sources, consulting with dermatologists, and looking for evidence-based information, you can navigate the maze of skincare myths with confidence. After all, your skin deserves nothing less than the truth.
What’s The One Skincare Myth That You Have Believed For Years?
For years, I bought into the myth that oily skin didn’t need moisturizing. Now that I look back, I realize how wrong I was! It wasn’t until I tried incorporating a lightweight moisturizer into my routine that I realized the difference it made.
What about you? What skincare myths have you believed for years? Share your experiences below!
