There are many old wives tales when it comes to skincare, for example; 'The harsher the scrub, the better it is.' False! Or, 'Toothpaste is an effective spot treatment.' Also false. To clear up some myths about skincare that can be detrimental to your overall skin health, keep reading.
Myth 1- You Only Need An SPF In The Summer Months
This Myth needs debunked quickly. SPF is a vital part when it comes to caring for your skin. SPF stands for, 'Sun Protection Factor.' Wearing SPF every day does more than just boost your skincare routine. It reduces the risk of skin cancer significantly. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that, 'Applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40%'. If this reason doesn't make you want to wear SPF, I don't know what will.
Wearing SPF all year round prevents the premature aging of your skin. SPF protects you from the UV light which is also responsible for premature aging. Do you want skin discoloration, pure patches, blotchy skin? I know I don't, and once you get those on your face, there is no way of getting rid of them.
You can use all the hyaluronic acid, niacinamide serums all you want, but if you are not using sun protection, you are going to look like a dry leather chair by the time you're 45. What a look... ;)
Price doesn't necessarily mean much when looking for an effective SPF. A £45 SPF 30 is technically the same as a £15 SPF 30. Of course, there are some exceptions. Skincare brands are very on the ball and pricier ones now have hydrating serums and anti aging properties in them so you don't have to buy a couple products. Also, the higher the SPF, the more expensive that it is, but that is just common sense.
You will know that there are different factors with SPF that you put over your body in the Summer so you don't get burnt. It is the same idea when it comes to your face. You can get SPF 15, which perhaps without you knowing it, is probably already built into your day creams or in your foundation. Most foundations are now made with SPF and hyaluronic acid as skincare is key to getting your makeup to sit.
Most CC creams have a SPF 30 or higher. My personal favourite SPF makeup is the IT Cosmetics CC+ cream and it has the SPF of 50.
Skincare brand La Roche Posay have a great selection of SPF that I really recommend. They have a range or 15, 30 ,50 and even of SPF 100. If you have teenagers, male or female, get them to wear their SPF. Habit becomes routine and it is necessary. I promise. We will not be known as the 'Leather chair' generation.
Myth 2- You Don't Need A Moisturizer If Your Skin Is Oily
Hydration is necessary to regulate oily skin. As much as you may want to skip out on moisturising your skin if you feel as though your complexion is on the oily side. DO NOT! The lack of hydration in your skin will lead to more oil being produced, which with excess moisture will cause your pores to clog. Then... we all know what happens then. You cry about having a breakout. I recently was watching a video and @Isomerskincare addressed this myth and she explained it in a way that was really good. She said moisturiser is linked straight to hydration. When we are thirsty we drink water. If you are oily, why wouldn't you put moisturiser on? You wouldn't drink oil, you'd drink water.
Best moisturisers for oily skin
BYOMA- Moisturising Gel-Cream
THE INKEY LIST= Omega Water Cream
CERAVE = Moisturising Lotion (Blue Bottle)
CERAVE- Ultra-Light Moisturising Gel
CETAPHIL- Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
Myth 3- You Need To Double Cleanse
Double cleansing was a big thing a few years ago. It is still a common practice that skincare lovers still do. I sometimes still do it, to make sure I get that excess eye makeup off. I don't know about you, but my eyes cling on to every single particle of mascara and it can be so annoying. However, Dermatologists try and discourage this because, if you have more of a dry skin complexion, you are at risk of skin tightness if you double cleanse. Tightening of the skin can cause cracking and peeling, which leads to lines and wrinkles on your face. Remember when I made the leather chair reference? Yeah, it is a similar case. Listen, the Dermatologists train for 12 years to get that job title, so who am I as a part time beauty specialist to dispute that? (I do know what I am talking about I promise, I have been being frequently skincare trained for six years now) If you suffer from acne. Teens listen up! A gentle cleansing balm. Recommend Clinique, NO7 and Elemis for a cleansing balm. Over cleansing your skin can cause acne breakouts and flare ups of eczema.
Myth 4- You Can Shrink Your Pores
Going back on the topic of genetics for a second. Your pore size is already genetically determined before you are born so it is impossible for you to shrink your pores naturally with a product. There is a high market for products that minimise your pores by plumping and simulating collagen that surrounds your pores. These products/ treatments are able to successfully minimise the appearance of your pores but will not be a permanent solution.
You can get Micro BOTOX injections that can shrink your pores for you but that can become unsustainable as it is expensive and doesn't do a lot.
Another myth that comes a long with pores is that your pores can open and close with the use of hot and cold water. However, pores do not work like that and that is not possible. The appearance of your pores can appear larger or smaller but that doesn't mean that they are opening and shutting. By using exfoliating products that are used to remove dead skin, dirt and oil. These products with ingredients of AHA or BHA can reduce pore appearance. Paula's Choice, which is a new brand that all the teenagers have learnt from Tik Tok. She has a great rated exfoliating AHA in her range. I must try it out.
REN do an amazing AHA lotion Tonique, which is amazing for the pores on your legs. Every experienced strawberry legs? That red looking bumpy skin? This cleared mine and made my legs ready for the Summer. I genuinely swear by this.
Myth 5 - Vitamin C Isn't Compatible With Other Active Ingredients
Whoever told you that Vitamin C isn't compatible with other active ingredients was only half listening when they were told that or didn't do enough research. You can mix Peptides, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acids and yes, even retinol.
My personal favourite is a mixture of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Remember when I was banging on about protecting your skin from UVB rays? Then this combination gives your skin double the protection from free radicals and UV damage than on their own.
You can apply Vitamin C with niacinamide together. This combination is most common to be applied as a part of your morning skincare routine. This will provide your skin at least a SPF 30 protection.
Applying Vitamin C with Retinol would once have been viewed as something that you just didn't do. By mixing them both together, you are improving the look of dark spots, uneven skin tones, fighting against any signs of aging with fine lines and wrinkles. This combination will give your skin that healthy-looking glow.
The only things are not compatible with Vitamin C are Aluminium or Chemotherapy. Using Vitamin C while receiving Chemotherapy is not recommended as it can raise the risk of reducing the effectiveness of some of the antineoplastic agents. (Medications that are used to treat cancer!)
There are many skincare myths and old-wives-tales, that I could write about all week long. These are the top five that I think are the most detrimental in getting the best skincare.
(Reading back over this, you would think I had some unresolved trauma with leather chairs... I don't know what that's about either.)
Hope these debunked myths helped and cleared a few things up. Next article will be posted on Friday! Thank you everyone for all the love and support on the previous articles, it means the World starting it back up again. If you liked this please heart it and comment.
Much Love,
Amy-Teresa xox
Very interesting and informative
Great to know