10 Skincare Myths Debunked
If Retinol irritates, stop using it!
Starting the retinol journey (and it is a journey) should be slow and steady. You should start with a low formulation and work your way up and always have a consultation before deciding which Retinol is right for you. Start by using a pea sized amount every second day. If this is still drying and irritating push that out to every 3 or 4 days and once your skin has adjusted, use more frequently.
After around 6 months of using a particular formulation, speak to your therapist about your next step. This might be going from strength 0.01% to 0.03% and then follow the same rules as above until your skin adjusts.
If you are wanting the benefits of a Vitamin A, but just can’t use it (allergic, pregnant, breastfeeding) Medik8 has a fabulous alternative. Bachuiol Peptide. This has all the benefits without the irritation.
You don’t need a moisturiser if you have oily skin.
Sometimes your skin is oily because it doesn’t have enough oil and your oil glands go into overdrive to produce more. This can leave your skin looking and feeling oily. Try adding a richer moisturiser at night, start with a thin layer to see how your skin reacts. Give this a try for a few weeks so your skin can adjust to the new regime.
How your skin ages is based on genetics.
We can attribute a lot of things to our parents and our skin can be one of them, but there are many factors that affects the way we age. If you compare your parents’ sunscreen regime (probably didn’t exist), their diet and lifestyle compared to yours and what products they used compared to what you use now. All of these will affect the way we age.
Drinking water will hydrate your skin.
There is no denying that drinking water is good for you, however the water we drink does not get absorbed by your skin. Drinking water will hydrate your cells, which does help hydrate your body all over. If you are severely dehydrated it will take a toll on your skin as well as the rest of your body. The best way to keep your skin hydrated is to avoid dry air, use a gentle cleanser and moisturise daily.
The higher the SPF the better.
Firstly, SPF is a measure of the product’s protection against UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn). Secondly, basic maths principles don’t apply to sunscreen. Dermatologist Dr King points out “the difference in UVB protection between an SPF 100 and an SPF 50 is marginal and doesn’t offer double the blockage. SPF 100 blocks 99% and SPF 50 blocks 98%”
We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays with at least a SPF of 30.
You must also apply regularly and liberally to keep the protection up.
Eating junk food gives you pimples.
Pimples are caused by loads of things, but certain food groups don’t give you pimples per se. Usually, the flare up of pimples or redness is your body’s inflammation response. Eating high GI food such as refined sugars and carbohydrates can cause inflammation in your body and can result in a number of issues including pimples.
Your pores can open and close.
No! Pores stay the exact same size. Steaming your face or using a mask is great for loosening up the dirt or oil that has created a clog in your pore, but it is not your pore widening that has allowed the dirt to come out.
Your pore size is dependent on your skin type. We have two types of pores, one releases natural oils and the other sweat. Sometimes the oil-releasing pores can appear enlarged. Whilst we can’t shrink the pore, there are ways to minimise the appearance but that’s a whole other topic.
Facial wipes are as good as a cleanser.
No! These wipes are actually not designed to cleanse your skin and should not be used as your primary method of makeup removal. The chemicals in them to keep them moist also coat your skin so will gradually block your pores. These wipes are handy for emergency situations only. Make sure you are kind to your skin next time you are in your own bathroom!
You can use the same products for your day and night routines.
Some products can and should be used both day and night, such as cleanser, hydration serums, etc. However, during the day your skin is in ‘protect’ mode and you should help it by using products that offer defense from free radical and sunscreen. A good vitamin C and an SPF of 30+ is advisable.
At night your skin is no longer warding off pollutants and the sun so your night-time products should be more restorative. Retinol for example should only be used at night as it encourages cell turnover and makes the skin delicate, meaning it should not be exposed to the sun.
You can never wash your face too much.
Not true but over-washing can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation so you need to be sensible. Your cleanser should suit your skin type and should not strip your skin of its natural oils. It is important not to rub your skin too hard as this will affect the acid mantle and leave your skin feeling and looking not great.