Think you know everything there is to know about looking after your skin? Think again – you may have fallen trap to some of these common skincare myths. Here, we bust the big ones and present the truths behind the misinformation.
#1 It's okay to sleep in makeup
Makeup clogs pores – fact. It might seem economical but keeping your makeup on 24/7 means your skin is prevented from self-exfoliating, healing, and releasing natural oils, and if you’re not cleansing your skin, it’s at risk of accumulating harmful bacteria as well. The results can be anything and everything from increased breakouts through to a dull sallow complexion and earlier signs of aging.
Removing your makeup doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some quick solutions.
#2 You can skip SPF if it's not sunny
We all know how important it is to apply SPF when it’s sunny, but it should actually be in your routine 365 days a year. 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, windows, and clothing – so although your skin won’t burn, it’s still being damaged. Although invisible to the naked eye, this damage ultimately leads to signs of skin aging – wrinkles, fines lines, age spots, and loose skin.
Want more details? Read more here.
#3 Retinol is only for anti-ageing
It’s true that retinol is great for addressing signs of aging, but it actually does so much more and can be a huge benefit to many skin types and concerns. Retinol helps to trigger cell regeneration, which unclogs pores and boosts cell renewal making it especially beneficial to those who experience breakouts, congestion, and red post-breakout marks.
Read this article to answer all your questions about retinol.
#4 You don't need moisturiser if you have oily skin
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that oily skin already has enough moisture and doesn’t need any more. However, if you have oily skin, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s well hydrated – in fact, it can mean your skin is dehydrated and is compensating by over-producing oil to moisturise itself. The role of moisturiser is to hydrate skin by adding water to it, and hydrated skin is healthy skin, so in actual fact, moisturising is a good way to get your excess oil under control.
Check out our roundup of the best moisturisers for oily skin.
#5 Anti-ageing products are only needed when you're old
The thing to remember about anti-aging is that it’s more about prevention than cure. Once you have fine lines and wrinkles, it’s hard to get rid of them – it’s much easier to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Technically, skin is always aging – as it’s exposed to environmental aggressors and UV rays, it’s always being minimally damaged. Experts recommend using SPF every day and antioxidants serums from your early twenties to keep signs of aging at bay.
Meet cactus, the anti-aging ingredient with extra benefits.
#6 You can use the same products AM and PM
During the day time skin needs to protect itself from damage, but overnight it goes into overdrive to repair itself. To support both functions properly, it’s important to use the right products AM and PM. Your morning routine should focus on protection, so use antioxidant serums and SPF. In the evening, your routine should be more about nourishing and hydrating your skin. Use acids or retinol products to aid repair and reach for rich face oils and hydrating masks.
Find your perfect skincare routine here.
#7 Dry skin is the same as dehydrated skin
Dry skin lacks oil whereas dehydrated skin lacks water – you can still experience both at the same time, but it’s important to find the right balance of using oil- and water-based products in your routine. Typically, dry skin feeling tight and looks dull, with flaky patches, whereas dehydrated skin can feel tight and dry but can also look oily in parts and experience breakouts.
#8 If a product makes you break out, it's bad
Ever heard people talk about purging? If you’ve started using a new mask, cleanser, or treatment with cleansing, purifying properties, this can increase cell turnover and trigger to skin to react by breaking out. This is basically the skin’s process of getting rid of dead skin cells and clearing congestion. The lesson? Persevere with your new product because the reaction may pass soon. Unfortunately, it can be a lengthy process in some situations so it’s always advisable to seek professional advice if it continues.
Check out our favourite pore-clearing treatments.
#9 The stronger your exfoliant, the better
If your skin is sensitive or you haven’t used chemical exfoliants before, it’s best not to go in with the super strength acids to begin with. Start by using products with gentler acids like mandelic acid or lactic acid before you move onto glycolic acid. Starting with a high-strength exfoliant can irritate the skin and cause dryness, redness and sensitivity issues.
#10 Natural skincare is better for you
Natural doesn’t always equal better. Just because something is made in a lab doesn’t mean it’s toxic, and just because something is sourced from a plant, this doesn’t make it safer for your skin. A lot of times, ‘natural’ products require additional additives to help them absorb better into skin because the molecules in naturally sourced ingredients can sometimes be too big to properly absorb into pores. Natural skincare can be great, but it’s always good to properly research a product before you buy it, and be mindful of the fact that natural products will expire quickly as well.
Want to try a natural product that really works? Check out rosehip oil.
