Skincare has become quite trendy these days. Some people are using 7-step skincare routines to look younger, while others are trying out every moisturizer available in the market to fix their acne breakouts. Most people who have dealt with acne for a longer period of time have dealt with people suggesting random hacks to fix it. But sadly, almost all the common skincare hacks are myths propagated by luxury brands to sell their products. From sunscreen to be applied only on sunny days to moisturizer is not for oily skin. Here are a few more common skincare myths that you need to stop believing before you destroy your skin barrier entirely.
1. Sunscreen is Only For Sunny Days
We are sure your friends or family have told you not to wear sunscreen as it’s not sunny outside that day. Surprise! They are wrong, as sunscreen not only protects your skin from sun damage, but it also has more benefits. And even on a cloudy day, even though the sun is invisible, about 80% of the rays can still reach your skin. Sunscreens are helpful to prevent wrinkles and act as a blue light defence. And by opting for sunscreen with a high SPF, you significantly reduce the chances of getting Skin Cancer. So, take a vow right now to wear it daily and save yourself from visiting a dermatologist when you are older.
2. Expensive Products Are The Best
Another common misconception is that expensive skincare products are the best. Just because a brand is offering a skincare cream with nice texture and fancy packaging does not mean that it will work just fine. Effectiveness comes from products that include ingredients backed by science and are not the highest-priced. You should focus on choosing skincare products based on your skin type, budget, and personal requirements. Stop letting Instagram influencers convince you to buy an expensive product that promises to fix your acne breakouts overnight. It cannot happen this quickly; instead, use products tested and selected by qualified dermatologists.
3. Acne is Due To Poor Hygiene
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirty skin, but instead it is driven by hormones, genetics, and inflammation. Overwashing it or scrubbing your skin aggressively strips away your natural moisture barrier, but does not magically make your acne disappear. Even touching your face throughout the day or squeezing the blemishes can leave scars and increase inflammation. Avoiding food that triggers your acne and eating meals that have high fiber and low calories can help fix your acne. Makeup stays on your face for almost the entire day, so choose your makeup products wisely. Go for water-based makeup as it’s incredibly lightweight and does not cause breakouts.
4. Oily Skin Does Not Need Moisturizer
If you are someone who has oily skin, you constantly hear people say you do not need moisturizer. Despite the common belief, we would like to tell you that this is a myth. When you skip moisturizer, your skin becomes dehydrated, so your skin cells start to overproduce sebum, which leads to your face feeling greasy or shiny. Choosing moisturizers with the right formula is extremely important; avoid buying products that have ingredients that include fragrances, heavy creams, and petroleum jelly. For taking proper care of oily skin, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, as they do not clog your pores and reduces breakouts.
5. If it burns, it’s Working
People need to let go of the No pain, no gain mindset, at least in the skincare business. If you have applied a new product and instantly your face starts burning severely, you should take off the product right that second. To save yourself from such incidents, you should always first go through all the ingredients of the product before buying. And do a patch test on the inside of your forearm or on the side of your neck, wait for 5-10 minutes, and then you can wash it off. Monitor that area of skin for about 48-72 hours, as some products have delayed reactions.
Continue reading: Skincare Ingredients That Help Repair the Damaged Skin Barrier
Bottom Line
Nowadays, almost everyone is eager to use expensive skincare products without even reading what the products contain. The common belief that if you have oily skin, you don’t require moisturizer is a complete myth. In reality, skin produces oil in excess when you are dehydrated, so by using non-comedogenic moisturizers instead of heavy creams, you can look fresher and less greasy. Even doing a patch test before trying out a new product can help protect your skin from any unnecessary accidents. And sunscreen is not just for sunny days; even in cloudy weather, you need to protect yourself from sun damage by using high SPF sunscreen. We hope that from now on you won’t be making such common mistakes; instead, focus on taking good care of your skin.
