Taking care of your skin, using the right products, incorporating home remedies, treating acne, and your skin type, everything is a daunting task in itself, and the confusion it brings is at another level, with the wide use of social media and every other person on Instagram and TikTok suggesting various products that eventually makes us go wild about what is right and wrong. So, to make your future choices clear and crisp, we have created this guide where we debunked five popular skincare myths and gave precise information about what you really need to know.
Discover the Popular Skincare Myths
1. Sunscreen Is Only Needed On Sunny Days
It is a prevalent myth that most people believe and blindly follow as well. Many people think that if it’s cloudy or if they’re indoors, they can forgo sunscreen and only apply a layer of moisturizer. But this is a myth since UV rays are so powerful that they can penetrate the clouds and affect you worse. All the sun exposure can cause premature aging, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer as well. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather or your plans. The SPF should be at least more than 30 and you should reapply after every two hours if you are outdoors and 3-4 hours if you are indoors.
2. Exfoliating Harder Is Better
Another common misconception among people is that they think to clean the skin more, over-exfoliating the face is necessary. However, the contrary is true as over-exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. So, everyone should remember that gentle exfoliation is key to promoting cell turnover without causing harm. Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs and BHAs, can effectively dissolve dead skin cells without the physical abrasion of scrubs. Experts also recommend that you should exfoliate not more than 1-2 times a week. In the end, it is good to know that less can often be more when it comes to achieving glowing skin.
3. Oily Skin Does Not Need Moisturizer
A widespread myth is that individuals with oily skin do not need to use moisturizer and in this way, they can save their skin from extreme oil. However, the opposite is true, because if you neglect to moisturize your skin, it may overcompensate for the lack of moisture by producing even more oil, which can create excess oiliness and breakouts. So, it is important to choose the right moisturizers, you can opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
4. Overwashing The Face Helps With Oily Skin
Many individuals think that washing their face multiple times a day will rid their skin of excess oil and prevent breakouts. However, this practice can actually have the opposite effect. As overwashing strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. In response, the skin may go into overdrive, producing even more oil to compensate for the loss, exaggerating the problem you’re trying to solve. So, instead of torturing your face with over-washing, clean it twice a day– in the morning clean it with a gel-based cleanser, and at night double-cleanse your face to remove makeup residue or sunscreen imprints.
5. Toothpaste Can Dry Out Pimples
Many of us in our childhood or till now have tried this hack of using toothpaste on active acne. However, do you know that using toothpaste on acne can also disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to further irritation and potentially exacerbating the problem? Instead of this so-called home remedy, you should use targeted acne treatments that are specifically designed for the skin. Incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide in your skincare for better and safer results. Remember to achieve clear, healthy skin, it’s essential to rely on products formulated for acne care rather than unproven home remedies.
Also Read: Your Ultimate Guide to Preventing Tanning to Get Healthy Skin
Bottom Line
Now you know what is right for you and what is ruining your healthy and beautiful face. So, this is the right time to stop following anything on the internet and start researching first. If you follow or believe in any of the myths discussed here, it’s time to follow the tips to reduce them. With the right takeaways – sunscreen is necessary in every season and day, exfoliating harder is not better, oily skin also needs moisturizer, overwashing the face will cause irritation and extreme dryness, and not the least- toothpaste can make the acne worse. Remember to take care of your skin and firstly patch test before applying anything directly. Have a safe and happy skincare day!
