Your skin is the biggest organ on your body, and it’s the layer over everything else, so it’s an excellent measure to take care of it. Even if you don’t necessarily care about “aesthetics,” skin care is an essential part of taking care of yourself. If you have healthy skin, you’ll find that you generally feel better, too. That said, the world of skin care carries a lot of falsities around it. As trends and fads take over, people start following myths and believing the wrong perpetuation that seems legitimate.
The bad part about this is that it can lead to poor practices, unnecessary expenses, and basically that unwanted situation where it ends up being counterproductive for you. Make sure you don’t find yourself in a hassle because you followed some of these common myths.
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“Toners will shrink your pores.”
Many beauty products and even alleged gurus talk about minimizing pores, but these are all optical illusions. Some toners can make the appearance seem smaller but do not actually shrink pores as a default. Finding the best face toner basically comes down to your own preferences and what works with your specific skin type. Having a great toner that works for you can be a good part of your beauty routine, especially if you have dry skin or acne issues.
Different skin types have different needs, so it is not a one-size-fits-all situation, but when you find the right one, it can be a great step in your routine to get rid of built-up grime and bacteria. Keep in mind that it doesn’t replace your cleanser but complements it.
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“You can use antibacterial soap on your face.”
Normal soap for handwashing is much too abrasive for the face, and if you rub it around you face, you can dry it out too much and even cause some small rashes and inflammation. Even if you pick a brand that says it is made for a gentle touch, it’s still not formulated specifically for the face, which is more sensitive than other areas of your skin. You won’t do your skin any favors by doing this, as it is a surefire way to dry it out even if the soap is a moisturizing variant.
Stick to products truly made for the face like foams and cleansers, and make sure you get a reputable one so that you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of getting rid of bacteria for the sake of being gentler on your skin.
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“It is a good practice to have regular facials.”
Because we’ve all been taught that facials and the like are simply a part of treating yourself, it’s become akin to a beauty routine essential. That said, the idea that regular facials are a good thing is actually one of the more harmful and popular beauty myths out there. Although they have some visible temporary effects (given that you don’t have sensitive skin or a bad reaction), overall, facials actually cause acne breakouts, as do similar procedures like dermabrasion and chemical peels. Some aestheticians will claim this is par for the course, but your skin is literally reacting to tell you it did not like whatever it is you put it through.
This doesn’t mean you can’t ever get a facial, but it’s important to know that you don’t actually need that monthly visit, and you may be doing more harm than good.
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“If it’s not sunny, you don’t need sunscreen.”
It’s easy to think that if we don’t feel the sun’s blatant presence, it’s safe to go sans the sunscreen. However, UV rays are still coming down on you on cloudy, rainy, and snowy days. That’s what SPF is protecting you from. Even the snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays and expose you to sun damage. Regular use of sunscreen with moisturizing elements has shown less development of aging signs in those under 55.
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“You need an extensive routine to maintain good skin.”
While it is a good idea to have a routine that you can easily maintain, you don’t have to go all out and have every product you can think of. You may even be going overboard and either suffocating your skin or simply canceling out the various steps you’ve integrated. Find what works for you, and remember that other lifestyle factors are also important parts of what influences your skin’s health and appearance. Even if you have a good day and night beauty regimen, it will mean zilch if you don’t eat well, have regular physical activity, and have good sleeping habits.
Make sure you avoid letting these myths lead you astray and share them with your friends so you can all have glowing skin free of bacteria and irritation.
