10 Common Skincare Myths Debunked
It’s difficult to make the best skincare decisions when you’re overrun by conflicting and questionable information online. For the healthiest and most attractive looking skin, start now by separating fact from fiction. Read about the 10 most common skincare myths, debunked.
Myth #1 - Exfoliation needs to be harsh and painful to work.
When performed properly, exfoliation is beneficial for your skin and an important part of your skincare routine. It promotes a healthy rate of skin turnover and keeps skin looking smoother and brighter.
But at-home exfoliation should never be painful or harsh. If after treatment, your skin remains red, stings, burns, or itches, you’re probably harming your skin’s natural barrier.
When exfoliating at home, use mild products that you can apply with a gentle touch. Intensely rubbing your skin will cause irritation, acne breakouts, or other damage.
Professional exfoliations such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels are more intensive and may need downtime for skin to recover.
Myth #2 - You can attain beautiful skin by just using the right skincare products.
Your skin will benefit from using a regimen of skincare products. But, you need to use the ones that are right for your skin type, and use them correctly.
However, beautiful skin doesn’t come from skincare products alone—it also depends on benefits from healthy lifestyle choices.
Beauty habits for healthy, glowing skin include:
- Getting enough quality sleep
- Eliminating stress
- Eating a healthful diet and limiting sugars and alcohol
- Protecting your skin from the sun
- Not smoking
- Staying well hydrated
Myth #3 - Wearing makeup ages your skin.
Don’t be afraid to wear makeup because you think it will age your skin—it won’t.
However, if you do wear makeup, remove the makeup, and clean and moisturize your skin before you go to bed. This will keep dirt from clogging your pores and causing premature aging or other skin issues.
Myth #4 - Not washing your face enough causes acne.
A person develops acne when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Certain bacteria or hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to acne.
But simply not washing your face enough doesn’t cause acne.
In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that washing your face several times a day can lead to further irritation and cause more breakouts.
Your skin needs to maintain a delicate moisture balance. Too frequent washing will make your skin dry, causing it to produce more oil. This can make your acne worse.
The AAD recommends you wash your face only twice a day—when you wake up and at bedtime—or after excessive sweating.
Here are more tips for caring for adult acne.
Myth #5 - It’s okay if a skincare product stings or burns—that’s how you know it’s working.
Sometimes a skincare product causes a slight tingling. This is normal. But you should never experience harsh stinging or burning from a skincare product. If you experience this discomfort, stop using the product.
Skin tingling often accompanies products that contain glycolic acid or retinol. Here’s how to use retinol products in your skincare routine.
Do a patch test to rule out products that irritate your skin. Put a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow. After 48-72 hours, check for a reaction. If there’s swelling, redness, itching, or burning, the product isn’t for you.
Here are some good tips for caring for sensitive skin.
Myth #6 - Once you find a skincare routine that works—stick with it.
Even if you love your skincare routine, you’ll likely need to change it from time to time.
Skin is affected by these variables:
- Lifestyle
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Illness
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Immune system problems
- Allergies
- Irritants and other environmental factors
- Change of season or weather
Products that deliver significant results at certain points in your life may fall short during others. Reassess your skincare routine when you notice unwanted changes to your skin.
Myth #7 - The Right Skincare Products Will Remove Wrinkles Completely
Many skincare products can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making them less noticeable. Unfortunately, these products can’t actually remove wrinkles.
The good news is that there are professional skin treatments available that can either reduce or eliminate wrinkles altogether.
These treatments include:
- Botox®
- Dermal fillers
- Laser resurfacing
You can guard against wrinkles as you age by following a healthy lifestyle and keeping your skin protected from the sun.
Myth #8 - You only need to use sunscreen on a sunny day.
Harmful UVA and UVB rays can pass through your home and car windows—even on an overcast day. So, wear sunscreen every day, to keep your skin protected, even if you are planning on staying inside.
While many makeup products include SPF, it’s recommended that you apply an SPF sun-protector after moisturizing.
And don’t forget to use lip balms and lipsticks that contain SPF.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays:
- Damage collagen
- Damage elastin
- Generate free radicals
- Lead to wrinkles and premature skin aging
- Can lead to skin cancer
UVB rays:
- Damage the outer layers of the skin
- Cause age spots
- Cause sunburn and blisters
- Are most responsible for skin cancer
Myth #9 - It’s impossible to get rid of dark spots on your skin.
Dark spots on your skin, often called age spots, don’t have to be permanent. Today, there are many products and treatments that can lighten dark spots or remove them.
Some common treatments for sunspots and age spots include:
- Laser treatments such as triniti™ and sublative rejuvenation.
- Facial treatments such as Vibradermabrasion and skin peels.
Here you can read about the causes of dark spots and how to get rid of them.
Myth #10 - At-home Botox parties are safe.
Guests at Botox parties can get Botox treatment as they socialize with friends and enjoy great food. Sounds like lots of fun, but it can be dangerous.
Botox injections should only be provided by a board-certified physician or injector in a prepared setting.
Dangers of getting Botox treatments in a party setting include:
- An increased risk of infection because of unsanitary conditions
- Treatment by an inexperienced provider
In the rare case of a dangerous reaction to Botox, there is little—if any—emergency medical help available.
At Vibrance MedSpa, we offer rejuvenating skincare and non-surgical aesthetic treatments for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
