Skincare myths vs facts, what you should avoid for mastering your care routine?

We all want to achieve flawless, glowing skin but don't always know how. With a huge number of skincare myths and facts floating around on the internet, it can be difficult to determine which advice is true and which isn't. No matter how much you try, or the best personal care products

 you use it’s difficult to keep up with the ever-changing skincare trends as well as the mysterious rules that come with them. From unscientific advice to downright myths, everyone seems to have an opinion on what is “best” for your skin – but do those claims really hold true? 

Fear not! In this blog, we'll examine popular myths and facts about skincare, giving you everything you need to know to help you master your care routine once and for all. Here are some common skincare myths and misconceptions, as well as the facts about them:

Myth #1: All skincare products are the same, so you can just use whatever is cheapest.

Fact: Not all skincare products are created equal! Cheap products may contain harsh ingredients that can damage your skin. It is important to read the labels carefully and choose products that are suitable for your skin type.

Myth #2: Washing your face more than twice a day will dry out your skin.

Fact: Not necessarily! If you have oily skin, washing more often can help control excess oil production. Just be sure to use a gentle face wash and moisturize afterwards to avoid stripping away all of your natural oils.

Myth #3: Oily skin doesn’t require Moisturizes.

Cleansers often have the tendency to strip away natural oils from your skin, so they should be replaced with another protective layer which can be done by mositurizers. Regardless of your skin type, whether it be oily and acne-prone or dry and dehydrated, you ought to have some kind of moisturizer in your skincare routine. The kind and quantity will differ on the condition of your skin; the oilier it is, the less moisture you'll need. 

Nevertheless, a moisturizer is pivotal for replenishing hydration levels. 

When opting for one, dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD advises going for lighter formulations such as a Body lotion as opposed to something richer like a Body cream.

Myth #4: Wounds need fresh air to breathe and heal faster.

Fact: How often have you got a wound or scar on your body and are advised to keep it open so that your skin can heal on its own in the fresh air? The facts are totally the opposite. Letting a wound on the skin dry out in open air will form a crust around it which will hamper the healing process and may invite skin infections wounds are an easy gateway for bacteria and viruses to penetrate.  There is the reasonable number of evidence to support that wound needs to be covered and kept moist for healthy healing.

Myth #5: Makeup Shouldn’t Be Worn Every Day

Fact: There is no “rule” that says you shouldn’t wear makeup every day. The important thing is to make sure you are properly cleansing your face and removing all makeup before bed. Also, choose makeup products that are gentle and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores).

Myth #6: Toothpaste will offer you an escape from pimples.

Fact: We all have heard stories of how toothpaste can offer you an escape from pimples in a few nights. Well, it might have worked for some but there is no scientific evidence supporting it. Toothpaste is designed to be an enamel product and is not at all a skin product. Applying toothpaste to the skin might cause bleeding, breaking, irritation and burning sensations.

Myth #7: Drinking adequate water can keep your skin hydrated.

Fact: Dr. Howard Sobel, an attending dermatologist, explains that there is no evidence showing that the amount of water we consume has a direct effect on our skin. Drinking more water can be beneficial to other parts of our body; it hydrates our cells as it is filtered by the kidneys and absorbed into our bloodstream. Severe dehydration, however, may affect not just your skin but your whole body's health too. To keep your skin hydrated, we recommend avoiding dry air (or using a humidifier), and using gentle cleansers and daily moisturizers or products which can help seal moisture into the skin barrier – like hyaluronic acid.

Myth #8: Men don’t need moisturizers:

The need for moisturizers is not discriminated against on a gender basis. Moisturizers are nourishing and hydrating products that lock in moisture for preventing dryness. They are as useful for men as women. 

Myth #9: You can skip sunscreen if you aren’t going to spend time in the sun.

Fact: Wrong! Even if you don’t plan on spending any time outdoors, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate through clouds and glass, so it’s always a good idea to apply sunscreen before heading out for the day.

Summing it up:

There are many skincare myths and misconceptions out there, which can make it hard to know what to believe. However, it is important to be informed about skincare so that you can properly care for your skin. By debunking these common myths and understanding how our skin works, we can better understand which products are beneficial for us and learn how to customize a routine that best suits our needs. By sticking to the facts and taking care of your skin with knowledge and love, you can keep it healthy and looking its best.