The skincare world is full of old wives’ tales and urban legends. They’ve been around for so long that we no longer question them. But they might be doing our skin more harm than good. To help you distinguish between fact and fiction, here are some common skincare myths and why you shouldn’t believe them. Your skin will thank you for it.
The Higher Your Sunscreen’s SPF, the Better
While it’s true that you should never leave the house without SPF, a higher SPF rating doesn’t mean it’s more beneficial. SPF 30 products block around 97% of harmful UVB rays. SPF 50 provides 98%, while SPF 100 offers 99%. The increase in protection is insignificant, so you don’t have to spend more on higher SPF products. The experts recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30 formula that blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen Is Only for the Summer
A common misconception is that you can skip the sunscreen once summer’s over. But UVA and UVB rays never take a break. The sun casts UV rays 365 days a year, and 80% can penetrate clouds on gloomy days. It’s possible to get sunburnt around snow, water, or sand because they reflect the sun’s light. So regardless of the season or weather, wear sunscreen indoors and outdoors and reapply it every few hours.
You Have Acne Because You Don’t Wash Your Face
When someone has acne, people think it’s because they don’t wash their face. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Acne is a problem that stems from a combination of four things: 1) clogged pores from dead skin cells, 2) bacteria, 3) sebum, and 4) inflammation. Forgetting to wash your face won’t help the issue, but it’s not the only cause. Another related myth is killing acne with alcohol. That will only dry your skin out, cause it to produce more oil, and clog your pores all the more.
Wearing Makeup Regularly Causes Premature Skin Aging
Makeup enthusiasts don’t have to worry about premature skin again. Makeup on its own won’t bring out the wrinkles. Many makeup products are now infused with skincare ingredients and nourish your skin while you wear them. However, not removing your makeup at the end of the day will cause your skin to age faster. The buildup of dirt, toxins, and oil is the real culprit. You can wear makeup as often as you want, but cleanse your face thoroughly before bed.
You Shouldn’t Moisturize If Your Skin Is Oily
Even if you have oily skin, you still need a moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and balanced. Most cleaners strip the face of its natural oils, so you must replace that protective layer. Instead of avoiding moisturizers, choose a lightweight product like a hydrating serum. But if you don’t like the feeling of moisturizer on your face, you can swap your regular cleanser for an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. These products are more gentle and will retain your skin’s PH level.
The Bottom Line
There’s no shortage of skincare advice on the internet. But before you buy into something, you’ll find it pays to do your research. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person might not work for you. Find skincare practices that are suitable for your skin. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.