COMMON SKINCARE MYTHS: PART 2
Not long ago, we shared with you a blog article called Common Skincare Myths, debunking a handful of the most common misconceptions we’ve heard and seen floating around the web. Unfortunately, there are plenty of those to go around, so we figured it wouldn’t hurt to follow up with a part 2.
Here are a few more misunderstandings we believed needed to see the light of day and be recognized for exactly what they are: myths!
MYTH #8: RUBBING ALCOHOL WILL HEAL YOUR ACNE.
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of your skin crying.
Rubbing alcohol is much too drying and irritating for the skin. Therefore, straight-up rubbing alcohol is definitely not a solution to acne–despite the belief that the alcohol will kill acne-causing bacteria. In most cases, it will dry you out so much that your skin will overcompensate by producing excess sebum (oil) and clog your pores even further.
Alcohol is a common ingredient in many skincare products because it is quick-drying, but also because, when combined with the proper ingredients and in the right concentrations, it is considered safe and effective. Rubbing alcohol is much too concentrated and can break down your skin’s protective barrier and strip it of the natural oils it needs.
Instead: look for proper acne fighters containing glycolic acid, AHA/BHA, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
MYTH #9: YOU DON’T REALLY NEED A NIGHT CREAM
The skincare police won’t come knocking at your door if you don’t have one, but...we definitely recommend it.
Your body repairs itself during sleep, and because the growth hormone is released during these periods, “it’s the ideal time to stimulate collagen production”, says Dr. Brandt of Dr. Brandt Skincare. Depending on your skin type, a nighttime moisturizer will help accelerate the regeneration process and help you achieve your skincare goals much faster.
It is also important to note that certain anti-ageing ingredients can slightly irritate the skin or are inactivated by the sun (thinking of you, retinol!)––so you want to apply them at bedtime.
MYTH #10 - TOOTHPASTE IS AN EFFECTIVE SPOT TREATMENT.
Um...false. For the love of skincare, please do not use hygiene or household products on your skin!
Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, toothpaste, etc, are not effective spot treatments for acne. These can all cause major irritation and are not meant to find their way to your face! If you have a preference for natural products, we suggest opting for reputable brands that are certified vegan or cruelty-free.
MYTH #11: YOU’LL OUTGROW ACNE.
If that were true, no one above 25 would be dealing with breakouts. Unfortunately, both men and women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s can experience acne caused by multiple factors, including hormonal imbalance or clogged pores. The good news is that the treatment principles remain nearly the same.
What is true is that men can outgrow acne, as their hormone levels even out after puberty. Meanwhile, women's levels fluctuate throughout their lifetime, which is why many women experience breakouts more frequently.
MYTH #12: EXPENSIVE COSMETICS > INEXPENSIVE COSMETICS
The truth is that there are good and bad products in all price categories. It's less about price and more about the ingredients and the product’s formulation.
The amount of money you spend on skincare products has nothing to do with the quality or uniqueness of the formula. There are expensive products with ingredients that are nearly identical to drugstore brands, and inexpensive products that are formulated like royalty. It all boils down to how closely you pay attention to the ingredients and make sure to do. your. research.
There you have it! Hopefully, these two articles have allowed you to feel more confident in your skincare knowledge and helped ensure you make the best decision for the health of your skin.
Until next time, keep glowing!
Mathilde