5 popular skincare myths debunked

Skincare advise are aplenty especially in the era of the internet, and you may have heard of some these popular skincare advise yourself. We set out to debunk 5 of the more well-known skincare myths out there and instead offer some friendly suggestions on what you can do instead.

#1 You get acne because you didn’t clean your skin properly

Acne doesn’t happen because you didn’t clean your face well enough or frequently enough. The real reasons for acne come down to clogged pores, excessive sebum production, bacteria and inflammation. Sure, washing your skin is one way to mitigate some of these factors but it’s also  important to use the right cleanser that effectively treats these concerns.

To try: Once you’ve ascertained that your skin is oily, look for a suitable cleanser that’s right for you. Skin Laundry III Refresh Sapphire Cleanser is specially formulated to clear debris, dissolve acne-forming clogs and is infused with blue gold extracts and sebum-controlling fruit enzymes to improve the complexion.  

Read more: Your go-to skincare products for a healthy glow!

#2 Natural or chemical-free products must be better for your skin

While it seems to be the trend these days to purchase products that are labelled as “all natural” or “chemical-free”, there is in fact no concrete evidence that parabens and preservatives are harmful to the skin. On the contrary, the preservatives help your skincare products last longer by keeping bacteria, mould and yeast growth at bay.

If you do decide to go down the natural route, do pay close attention to the expiry date listed on your products and be aware that they don’t last as long as products with preservatives in them.

To try: If one of the reasons you’re looking for natural products is because you have sensitive skin, do look for skincare products that are specially formulated and catered for sensitive skin types. These will be gentle for your skin without compromising on efficacy.

#3 The harder you exfoliate your skin, the better the results

When it comes to skincare, pain and gain is not correlated. Always be gentle to your skin. Scrubbing or exfoliating your skin too hard or too often not only hurts the skin, it can strip your skin of essential moistures and make your skin more susceptible to infections, clogged pores and free radicals.

That being said, you only need to exfoliate your skin once to twice a week to reap the benefits.

To try: Gold Flakes Illuminating Facial Scrub is as good for the face as it looks. Featuring star ingredients from champagne and pearl, this vitaminised facial scrub helps to buff away dry flakes while vitamins A, C and E nourish and condition the skin for an ethereal glow.

 Read more: Going mask free? Easy tips for treating maskne

#4 You can skip moisturisers if you have oily skin

How many times have we mistaken oily skin for hydrated skin? If anything is to be said of oily skin, your skin is suffering from an imbalance and is calling out for help. No matter your skin type, dry, oily or combination, they all need a moisturiser keep skin balanced and nourished. The difference however is the type of moisturiser you use, depending on your skin type.

To try: With dry skin types, you can go heavier on the moisturisers to provide deep hydration. For oily skin types, look for lighter moisturisers that are non-comedogenic that won’t clog pores or leave an oily residue.

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#5 You’ll age faster if you wear makeup regularly

The important step when it comes to wearing makeup is to clean your face well and thorough. Wearing makeup alone won’t age you or expedite the process, but if you go to bed without cleaning it off and removing the day’s buildup of dirt and grime, your skin will be very unhappy and will show for it.

To try: Double cleansing is good method to ensure your skin is well and truly cleaned at the end of the day. Start with a gentle oil cleanser that helps to melt away and clean off your makeup easily. Follow up with your regular cleanser to ensure any remaining traces of makeup is washed away.