12 skincare myths busted

Get your routine in order by avoiding these traps

By Jaime Morton-Hawley
 Digital content creator, professional photographer and makeup artist

Published: Fri 23 Aug 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 23 Aug 2019, 2:00 AM

WIPES = GOOD CLEANSER
These may be a quick fix but dermatologists are not fans. Wipes tend to move dirt around the face, don't penetrate into pores, create trash and aren't the best option to cleanse your skin. Wipes are best used as a first step before you cleanse, like a pre-cleansing step, and used only when the face is very dirty or is covered in makeup.
RETINOIDS: DOUBLE UP = DOUBLE THE EFFICACY
Using two products with retinoids won't make the retinoid more effective. It will only increase the potential for irritation. It is recommended to only use one effective product with retinoid as opposed to using different that have retinoids.
IT'S OKAY BECAUSE IT HAS SPF!
Products like moisturisers and foundations will include SPF, leading one to assume that these will protect your skin from the sun. Products that have secondary ingredients like SPF are to be considered a "bonus", but not seen as a replacement. It is recommended you have a dedicated SPF product applied as your final skincare product for optimal efficacy.
USE WHAT YOUR FRIENDS USE
You may think it's best to ask your friend with beautiful skin what products they use to make their skin so flawless so you can have the same. In theory, this makes sense. In reality, your skin hasn't been in the same environment, had the same sun exposure nor is it the same skin-type. It's best to buy products that work well for your needs.
OIL = MORE MOISTURE
Oils don't necessarily moisturise better than cream or water-based moisturisers. Oils are best used at the end of your skincare routine to seal in everything applied before it. Remember: oils can penetrate your serums but your serums can't penetrate oils so always apply your oil last.
GREASY FOODS + CHOCOLATE = ACNE
Avoiding unhealthy and high-sugar content foods is one thing, but they do not cause acne. Removing dairy from your diet may help clear up your skin.
EXPENSIVE SKINCARE IS BETTER THAN DRUGSTORE BRANDS
Products at any price point can have additives or ingredients that can cause irritations or just have bad or ineffective ingredients. What you spend on skincare does not directly relate to the quality or efficacy of the ingredients. A drugstore-priced brand may be just as good or better than a luxury-priced product.
WHEN PRODUCTS TINGLE, IT MEANS THEY ARE WORKING
More often than not, when your skin tingles, it means it is being irritated in some way. Surprise! Ingredients that typically cause this reaction may include peppermint, camphor or menthol, which are basically used to substitute one inflammation for another. Over a period of time, these products may cause damage to the skin, break down collagen and elastin, and increase bacteria growth.
SKIP SPF IF IT'S NOT SUNNY
Broad spectrum sunscreen is a necessity. Visible signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots are caused by exposure to the sun's rays, be it direct or indirect.
OILY SKIN DOESN'T NEED MOISTURISER
There are many external factors that can cause damage to the skin's moisture barrier, causing it to over-produce oil. Choosing a lightweight or matte moisturiser may work well, including moisturisers that have hyaluronic acid.
YOU CAN'T OVER-EXFOLIATE
There are many positive benefits to exfoliation, including, but not limited, to removing dead skin cells. Each person's skin has different requirements for exfoliation. Some may require it just once a week when others may need daily exfoliation.
HAVING A BASE TAN IS LIKE SPF
Though it does help, having a base tan would only equate to about an SPF of 5 or less. And though it certainly is better than nothing, the recommended daily SPF is at least 30.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com