Lets debunk some of the most common myths we hear when it comes to skin...
Myth 1
People with acne have dirty skin.
Hygiene doesn’t play a role in the development of acne. Acne is due to excess oil production, bacteria and clogged pores, which then causes inflammation. This can be caused by hormones, stress, diet or reactions to products. Of course, not washing your face won’t help your skin, but equally, your acne has nothing to do with your face being 'dirty'.
Myth 2
You need to exfoliate your skin.
A common skin myth is that you need to exfoliate your skin. Your skin will naturally shed every month. You don’t need to buy expensive exfoliators, go for peels, facials or exfoliate your skin yourself, and you definitely don’t want to use anything abrasive on your skin, I’m looking at you St Ives!
Myth 3
Natural and botanical skincare products are the best for your skin.
This is a myth. Natural based skincare products are often unregulated and contain essential oils. Essential oils can lead to allergic reactions and are very strong to use on the skin. Just because a product is natural doesn’t mean that it’s best for your skin. Medical grade skincare is always the most effective.
Myth 4
You don't need to use retinol until you reach around 50 years old.
Retinol is now seen as a gold standard of skincare. Using a good retinol can increase your cell turnover, increase collagen production and can even help unclog pores which can help treat acne. It is proven to minimise fine lines and wrinkles and can also help with skin tone and evening out pigmentation.
The ideal time to start using retinol would be in your 20's in order to prevent any damage from occurring.
Top Tip- It’s a lot easier to prevent damage then try to fix it later on! Did you also know that retinol is a form of Vitamin A? I ensured that Vitamin A is in all of my skin supplements as it’s such an important supplement for skincare.
Myth 5
You only need to wear sunscreen when it’s sunny.
The ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn might not be as strong in the colder months, but they are always present. These UV rays cause premature ageing in the way of fine lines, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation in the skin, so it’s very important that you apply SPF every day even if it’s cold and cloudy.
Myth 6
Its important to use a toner if you have acne.
As a previous sufferer of acne I know we tend to look for products that combat oil. These toners are often marketed as a way to clean the excess oil from your skin. However, if you’re using a good cleanser with water, that’s adequate enough to cleanse your face. What we don’t want to do, is strip all the natural oils from the skin. This will then make the skin dry and irritate the skin more.
Do you have any more skin myths? Comment below or DM on social media.
As always, I love to hear from you!