There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to skin care. From what you should be using to how often you should be using it, can be hard to know what is true and what is not. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common skin care myths so that you can feel confident in your skincare routine!
Myth #1. Washing your face more than twice a day will cause your skin to dry out.
Washing your face more than twice daily will not cause your skin to dry. In fact, washing your face more frequently can assist to get rid of extra oil and grime that might accumulate on your skin throughout the day. But if you have dry skin, you might want to limit how often you wash your face to twice daily or every other day so that you don’t remove the natural oils that your skin needs to stay hydrated.
The natural oils in your skin can be stripped away by overwashing, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. It can also cause breakouts because when you scrub too hard, you can end up trapping dirt and bacteria underneath the surface of your skin. So, how often should you wash your face? Dermatologists usually recommend washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. This is enough to remove any dirt, sweat, and makeup that has accumulated on your skin during the day. You may need to cleanse your face more frequently if you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts. But washing less often may be better for you if you have dry or sensitive skin. Remember, it’s important to be gentle when washing your face – use a mild cleanser and always use lukewarm water. Overwashing can damage your skin barrier and leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and unhappy – so stick to twice a day, and you’ll be good to go!
Myth #2. You don’t need to wear sunscreen if you don’t plan on being in the sun for very long.
You should always wear sunscreen, even if you don’t plan to be in the sun for a long time. Sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays may penetrate through clouds and glass, so even if you’re not spending time outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed areas of your skin.
Skin cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Most skin cancers are preventable, yet they still account for billions of dollars in medical costs each year. UV exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. UV rays cause damage to the DNA of skin cells, which can lead to the development of cancerous tumors. Just a few minutes of exposure can increase your risk, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself, even if you don’t intend to stay out in the sun for long. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is one of the best ways to protect yourself from UV rays. If you’re swimming or sweating, you should reapply sunscreen more frequently than every two hours. Wearing protective gear and avoiding peak sun exposure hours will help you lower your risk in addition to using sunscreen.
Myth #3. Eating greasy foods will cause your skin to break out.
Eating greasy foods will not necessarily cause your skin to break out. However, eating greasy foods can worsen existing breakouts if you have acne-prone skin. This is because when the sebaceous glands in your skin produce too much oil, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It is best to follow a balanced diet and avoid foods that may act as triggers for breakouts if you are prone to them.
Myth #4. You don’t need to moisturize if you have oily skin.
You should moisturize even if you have oily skin! When your skin lacks moisture, it can actually produce even more oil in an attempt to hydrate itself, leading to an endless cycle of oil production and breakouts. Look for a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores and will help to keep your skin hydrated without making it oily.
People with oily skin often think they don’t need to moisturize, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. When skin is too dry, it produces even more oil to try and compensate. This can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and an uneven complexion. Moisturizing helps to balance out oil production and leaves skin looking healthy and glowing. In addition, it’s important to use the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type. People with oily skin should look for lightweight, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores. Taking care of your skin can help prevent breakouts and achieve a radiant complexion.
Myth #5. Skincare products expire after 6 months/1 year/2 years/etc.
The truth is that there is no set expiration date for most skin care products. However, over time certain product ingredients can degrade and become less effective or even harmful if used past their prime (think of using expired makeup—yikes!). Most products can be used for 1-2 years after opening before they start to degrade significantly if stored correctly in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Of course, if a product starts to change color or smell funky before that time frame is up, it’s probably time to toss it!
There are many myths floating around regarding skincare—but luckily, we’re here to set the record straight! Washing your face more than twice a day will not cause excessive dryness, greasy foods won’t necessarily give you breakouts, and wearing sunscreen is important even when you’re not spending extended periods of time outdoors. So go forth and enjoy summer without any worries about what might be causing those pesky breakouts!
