Everyone has a skin care routine, but how often do you stop to question that routine, and better yet, the source of the information? Here’s a fun fact, information on the internet is not always accurate. So much so that it would seem old wives’ tales and the internet have something in common, and nowhere is misinformation more abundant than the topic of beauty and skincare. From false claims to conjecture, the internet is, well, full of it (see what I did there?). But no worries, we’ve got your back. Ahead you’ll find five common skincare myths debunked. You’re welcome.
1. If You Have Oily Skin, You Don’t Need To Moisturize
This is probably one of the most common skin care myths out there, so it tends to come up often—and it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Those with oily skin often think that their skin will produce more than enough oil anyway, so there’s no need to moisturize. When, in fact, the opposite is true. When your skin is oily, it still needs hydration. If you skip your moisturizer, your skin will feel tight and dry, prompting it to produce even more oil to remedy the problem. In the end, you’ll end up with far more shine than you bargained for. Your skin requires daily hydration, no matter what your skin type is.
2. Acne Is Caused By Poor Hygiene
One of the oldest myths about acne is that it’s caused by poor hygiene, specifically not washing your face enough. The fact is, acne is not caused by poor hygiene alone. The real recipe for acne is clogged pores, oil, bacteria, and inflammation. All of these things must come together at the right time for those familiar bumps to form on your skin. No factor as a stand-alone will lead to a breakout.
3. It’s Ok To Sleep In Your Makeup
Not sure how this one ever gained any traction, but any aesthetician, dermatologist, or ahem, beauty writer will tell you that it is never ok to sleep in your makeup. Remember that during the day, your face is busy collecting oil and dirt. When you turn in for the night to catch some zzz’s, your makeup and the oil and dirt that you’ve gathered are wreaking havoc on your skin. Remember our recipe for acne? Well, here’s another one. Don’t sleep in your makeup. Pass it on.
4. You Don’t Need Sunscreen In The Winter Or When It’s Not Sunny
Another skincare myth that’s completely inaccurate is the belief that sunscreen is only required in the Summer when the sun is sunny—not so. The truth is your skin needs sun protection each and every day. Even in the winter, even when it’s cloudy and overcast. UV rays are pretty powerful and pretty damaging. Over time, excessive exposure to the sun, without protection, can lead to hyperpigmentation, premature signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), reduced elasticity, and even burns.
5. Hot Showers Are Good For Your Skin
While hot showers can feel like the pinnacle of luxury after a long day, it’s important to remember that they’re not so great for your skin. Hot water strips your skin of essential oils, flipping the switch to excessively dry. To keep your skin healthy, try lukewarm water in your shower, and slather on the moisturizer immediately after to lock in hydration.
While we all have our habits and routines, there’s certainly no harm in putting them under a microscope from time to time. Not only should your skin care routine evolve over the course of a lifetime, but it’s probably wise to give it a refresh once in a while. Now that we’ve clarified a few misconceptions, you may want to consider adding a few new products (hello sunscreen?) or reassessing your routine.
