The No-Nonsense Truths About Skincare
Since skin can be a touchy subject, so we’ve decided to bust open some baloney beliefs once a for all! When it comes to the health and beauty industry it sometimes feels there’s no way to get it right. With so much information and so many different opinion it’s hard to know what to believe - but allow us to cut through some of the bulls**t.
Myth #1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer
Oily skin tends to generate an abundance of sebum, a waxy substance naturally produced by the skin. Although sebum contributes to skin moisture, regular use of a moisturizer aids in regulating its production. Paradoxically, when the skin is dry, it triggers even more sebum production, perpetuating the issue. Opting for a lighter, oil-free, or water-based moisturizer not only hydrates the skin but also helps maintain a balanced sebum level, effectively supporting your skin's health.
Myth #2: You Can Shrink Your Pores
No product can actually shrink your pores despite what they might claim. However, you can take steps to minimize their appearance. Pore size is fixed, but keeping them clean is crucial as debris and excess oil can magnify their appearance. Regular cleansing helps, and exfoliating aids in removing dead skin cells, promoting healthier skin. Certain products, containing ingredients like niacinamide, retinoids, or salicylic acid, can assist in minimizing the appearance of pores when used alongside a good cleansing routine. Finally, protecting your skin from the sun is absolutely vital. Sun damage reduces skin elasticity, which accentuates pore size.
Myth #3: All Natural Ingredients Are Always Better
Natural isn’t always better. I know, we said it, and this is why. Natural ingredients, though great when used correctly, can sometimes lack effectiveness and even be unsafe. Synthetic ingredients are specifically tested for their effectiveness and reaction to the skin. Organic products can often be less regulated and risky for allergies and irritation. They also aren’t nearly as regulated and formulated to maintain their purity and stability during their shelf life. Finally, despite the belief that natural is more environmentally sound isn’t always true. The sourcing and cultivation of these products can often cause more environmental harm than good.
Myth #4: The Harder You Scrub, The Cleaner Your Skin
Another myth we’re excited to debunk! Scrubbing harder won’t penetrate your pores any deeper, and could potentially lead to more irritation, redness, and micro-tears. Stripping the skin completely of its natural oils can make your face dry and will trigger a response to produce more oil. This could lead to more breakouts and unwanted oiliness. More than anything, remember your skin is sensitive, especially on your face. Treat it kindly, use a gentle cleaner consistently and there shouldn’t be a need to declare war.
Myth #5: Acne Means Dirty Skin
Acne appears for a number of reasons, dirt buildup can add to them, but it’s primarily caused by other factors such as hormones, genetics, bacteria and inflammation. Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, menstruation, and stress, can stimulate the your face to produce more oil, leading to acne. Being genetically predisposed can also play a big role. If your parents or close relatives had acne, you may be more likely to experience it as well. As for bacteria, there are natural bacterium that reside on your skin, and this doesn’t mean the face is unclean. Sometimes this bacteria can overproduce and clog pores, leading to more acne and inflammation. Acne is a normal part of being human and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Learning the causes makes it easier to treat!
These are just a handful of the numerous skincare myths that could use a bit of debunking. In a culture flooded with information, opinions, and trends, navigating through the noise can be a challenge. Always keep in mind: You are beautiful, your skin is stunning, and you deserve to feel confident and well-informed every single day!
