What you don’t know–or what you think you know–about skincare could be keeping your skin from spreading it’s springtime glow. To clear things up, we’ve identified some skincare myths that are hurting your wallet, wasting your time and damaging your skin. Here are 5 skincare lies debunked:
Myth #1: You need to splurge for your skin
Think again. Expensive skincare products are often made up of many of the same ingredients as mass market products. That’s not to say expensive products don’t work, but you can get the same bang for your buck by buying skincare products at your local drugstore.
Myth #2: The more you scrub the better
Many people believe that scrubbing your face with soap will keep your skin healthy and acne free. However, excessive scrubbing removes protective oils and barriers which can irritate skin, making acne worse and even leading to burns.
Myth #3: The higher the SPF, the better the protection
Just because the number is higher, doesn’t mean it’s getting the job done. There are 2 UV rays that you need to protect yourself against: UVA and UVB. SPF only refers to the amount of protection a product offers from UVB rays. Look for broad spectrum sunscreens to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB rays and keep your skin safe.
Myth #4: There are skincare products that work like BOTOX or dermal fillers
Sorry to break it to you, but any skincare product advertising similar results to Botox or dermal fillers is lying to you. When administered by professionals, Botox and dermal injections instantaneously make wrinkles in a treated area vanish. Because skincare products are applied topically to the skin, their ingredients cannot reach their targeted areas, and therefore cannot produce similar results.
Myth #5: Anti-aging products erase wrinkles
Contrary to popular belief, most wrinkle creams do nothing more than hydrate skin, filling it out for a temporary fix. Instead, use topical retinoid creams or drops that penetrate the skin and boost cell turnover.