10 Skincare myths

• October 1, 2019

As much as there are skincare facts, magazines and blogs, there are still many skincare myths out there. Of course it might not be a big problem, however it does cause some confusion more often than we realize: the myth is like bad gossip that goes against your dermatologist’s advice.
So, we had a chat with Dr. Costi concerning the 10 most common skincare myths, and here’s what he had to say. Let’s see the difference between the fairytales and the facts!

MYTH 1: Hot water opens up your pores
Fact: Hot water can make the outer layers of skin swell, which makes pores look more “open”. But Pores are not temperature-sensitive. They don’t open and close based on temperature. When washing, water should be kept at a lukewarm temperature.

MYTH 2: There’s no such thing as washing your face ‘too much’
FACT: Over-washing can lead to dryness, sensitivity and irritation, so we need to be sensible about cleansing. Wash your face twice a day with a sulphate-free cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils, and it’s important not to rub the skin too harshly.

MYTH 3: Makeup with SPF is just as effective as a sunscreen
FACT: SPF in sunscreens refers to UVB protection, whereas the system on products refers to UVA protection. We may not be getting adequate sun protection from just our makeup. Adequate protection would also require the makeup to be reapplied throughout the day, just as sunscreen is, which is often not the case.

MYTH 4: Your skin can become immune to skincare ingredients
FACT: It would be very unusual for your skin to get used to the beneficial effects of skin-care products if you always use the same products. When active ingredients in your products are giving you the desired results and improvement, there’s no reason for them to stop giving you the same result unless the condition you’re treating changes.

MYTH 5: You don’t need to use anti-ageing products until you’re in your thirties
FACT: the earlier you start, the better with Anti-ageing products, especially with antioxidants. However, it is important to use anti-ageing products that are appropriate for your skin type. Products with potent active ingredients such as retinol can begin being added to your regimen in your mid to late 20s.

MYTH 6: Botox can prevent wrinkles permanently
FACT: When you have Botox, you are preventing fine wrinkles and preventing deepening of those wrinkles that you already have. Botox can help prevent deep imprinted lines because of the effect of relaxing the muscle. If you start early, you will atrophy the facial muscles and weaken them so that you don’t have to get Botox as often when you are older. However, in this case, you cannot stop using Botox completely if you want to prevent wrinkles.

MYTH 7: Applying a high SPF means you can stay in the sun for a long time
FACT: While a higher SPF increases the amount of time you can stay in the sun and be protected. For example, however, you still need to reapply regularly as sunscreen with a high SPF wears off as well.
SPF is only one feature of a sunscreen and there are other important factors to be taken into account; predominantly the level of UVA protection, which can differ. This will also depend on factors such as your skin type and whether you’ve been in the water.

MYTH 8: You should use the same skincare products for day and night
FACT: During the day, your skin is in ‘protect’ mode, and you should help it on its way with products that offer defense: from free radicals and sunlight.
At night, your skin is no longer defending itself from pollution or light, and so night time products tend to be more regenerative and contain restorative ingredients such as peptides and vitamins.
Furthermore, some elements of skincare should only be applied at night, such as retinol, as it encourages skin cell turnover and makes the skin delicate: meaning it should not be exposed to the sun.

MYTH 9: People with dry skin age faster
FACT: The main cause of ageing skin is firstly sun exposure, followed by things such as smoking and pollution. With time, such exposure breaks down collagen fibers which keep the skin looking youthful and plump. Therefore, dry skin does not cause wrinkles or ageing, however it can emphasize them.’

MYTH 10: Junk food is the main cause of breakouts
FACT: There is evidence to suggest refined sugars and high glycemic index foods drive acne in selected individuals. However, treating diet alone will not completely clear the issue up. It is one part of a much bigger equation.

We will leave you with a question for you to decide if it’s a myth or a fact: Do you think drinking more water will help improve your skin?
Comment and let us know what you think!