Skin woes can have you trawling the internet for quick fixes and unorthodox remedies in a bid to achieve clear skin. While some remedies may occasionally work, it’s important to bear in mind that the internet can be a minefield of false information. Worse still, the web is often a downright dangerous place when it comes to skincare advice. Ensure your sources’ reputation is impeccable and always defer to professional practitioners’ advice if in doubt. Below are 6 skincare myths always making the rounds that you should avoid like the plague. They have no place in any effective skincare routine! As ridiculous as they may sound, they do make for entertaining read so let’s dive in.
Scrubbing Is The Way To Acne-Free Skin
Unless you wish to scrub yourself raw, you should go easy on the abrasive scrubs. Exfoliation is an essential part of your routine; there’s no doubt about it. However, using aggressive products and techniques is likely to result in micro-tears on your skin surface. Use mild scrubs for regular exfoliation. If you need something that goes a little deeper, choose chemical exfoliants. Liquid exfoliants can bring you brighter, clearer skin with fewer fine lines and blemishes.
Lemon Juice Your Way To Clear Skin
I like my lemon juice in my pancakes with a sprinkle of sugar. I do occasionally get a squirt in my eyes when squeezing a wedge and it’s not nice. With a PH level of 2, lemon juice is a strong acid which can cause serious damage to skin cells. Disturbing your skin’s PH balance can cause lasting damage because it irritates and sensitises your skin.
Lemon juice causes phototoxicity resulting in hyperpigmentation and often, chemical burns. Avoid using pure lemon juice to wash your face or any other part of your skin.
Pure Coconut Oil As Moisturiser?
Coconut oil is an amazing ingredient for hair and skin products. It smells good, tastes great and is good for your health too. Coconut oil has loads of vitamin E and essential fatty acids which makes it a beauty industry darling.
Like most oils, using it on your skin helps to lock in moisture—all well and good. But, coconut oil molecules are big enough to clog your pores which will result in breakouts. If you have oily skin, why not choose lighter oils like argan or hemp seed for your face.
Don’t Get Into A Spot Of Bother With Toothpaste.
As old wives tales go, this one has been around for a while; using toothpaste to treat spots. Many brands of toothpaste contain drying agents such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. These ingredients perpetuate the myth that toothpaste is fast and effective at zapping spots. This trio of ingredients may be magical at keeping your teeth sparkling, but when it comes to your skin, it may just be a step too far. Toothpaste formulations are harsh chemicals, which may aggravate dermatitis and eczema. For spot treatment, choose products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead.
You Don’t Need SPF When It’s Cloudy.
Believe it or not, UVA rays are around all the time, whether the sun is shining or not. Most people will remember to lather on sunscreen when they head out to the beach or are on holiday. UVA rays are long-wave in nature and play a key role in causing premature ageing and skin cancers development. Therefore, it’s essential to wear sun protection every day, rain or sunshine. The earlier you start, the better it is for you. SPF30 is a great lightweight sunscreen and the minimum you should be using on bare skin or with make-up.
Skip Moisturiser If You Have Spots
Keeping the skin’s hydration up is essential for a healthy complexion because dryness causes blemishes. Many people assume that if your face is breaking out, then you should skip using moisturiser. However, this is a mistake because the moisturiser helps to keep the skin healthy. If you’re taking medication to help clear your acne, keeping your skin’s moisture levels up is vital. Combine your over-the-counter acne treatment with a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) moisturiser to help clear your skin faster.
Now That You Know The Myths…What Next?
They say knowing thy enemy is half the battle, and knowing yourself is the other half. Please pay attention to these myths, and make sure you don’t give in to the temptation to seek quick fixes when it comes to your skin. If you’ve been practising any of the above as part of your skin regime, stop immediately and give your skin a chance at a natural recovery.
Struggling with skin problems and natural remedies aren’t working? Speak to one of the Vinci Aesthetics specialist consultants today and begin your journey to clearer skin.
