Have you ever had such a bad breakout that you tried everything the internet told you to do… but only to make matters worse?
Yep, we’ve been there.
The internet can be equally helpful and misleading. Due to the plethora of information available to anyone at the click of a button, it’s easy to consume information that may be outright false. And, when it involves something as delicate as your skin, it may have dire consequences. Here at TheGetWell, we strive to provide you with the best information out there… We also want you to distinguish facts from myths. Because, when it comes to your skin, you can’t afford to go wrong.
1. “I’m tired, I’ll just take my makeup off in the morning”
This is quite possibly the most harmful myth on this list. You NEED to take your makeup off BEFORE going to bed. The makeup you use is full of oils and chemicals that, if left overnight, can clog the pores and hinder it from its shedding and renewal process. Clogged pores can also bring about an acne breakout, blackheads, and other types of skin blemishes.
2. “It’s cloudy, I don’t need to put sunscreen on”
In an article by Patient.info, Dr. Walayat Hussain from the British Association of Dermatologists says the UV index, when measured three or higher, may be harmful to your skin. “Your first line of defense should always be making use of shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a minimum 4-star UVA rating and an SPF of 30 or higher.”
In short, clouds won’t block the sun’s UV rays. UV rays will still be able to harm and penetrate your skin if you don’t wear sunscreen. So when stepping outside, be sure to remember to put on sunscreen. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3. “SPF levels? Whatever, they’re all the same”
No, they’re not. When choosing a sunscreen product, it’s important to read the label and ensure that you are using sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. The FDA says any sunscreen with an SPF level below 15 only protects you from sunburn. Ideally, you’d also like your sunscreen to protect you against harmful UV rays that cause cancer and aging.
4. “I don’t really need moisturizer as I have naturally oily skin”
Probably the most common misconception about moisturizer is that people with oily skin think that they don’t need it. First off, moisturizers DO NOT act as a replacement for the natural oils in your skin. On the contrary, moisturizers are known to trap moisture in your skin to prevent it from drying up. In addition, moisturizers also provide a thin layer of protection against outside elements that may harm your skin.
5. “I change my skincare routine from time to time because I’m afraid my skin might get used to the products I regularly use”
This is exceptionally funny because that’s literally how routines work, right? It’s somehow ironic that you try and build a routine that works for you, your skin, your budget, and your schedule only to change it after a couple of weeks or months because you’re afraid that your skin might get used to it. But isn’t that the point of a skincare routine? Having your skin get used to the products that you use in order to produce favorable results?
6. “I exfoliate my face daily because it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean”
Now, this might be a little tricky. Generally speaking, there’s nothing wrong with exfoliating your skin daily provided that you use a light exfoliant and products that are gentle to the skin. When it comes to your face, however, exfoliating could be done two or three times a week as your facial skin is a bit more sensitive compared to the rest of your body.
In an article for Glamour, dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi says you should exfoliate “two or three times a week for normal and combination skin and once a week for sensitive skin.” The best course of action is to determine what your skin type is before coming up with an exfoliation routine. Exfoliating too much may result in the stripping of natural oils, irritation, and breakouts.
7. “I used this product and I saw a result in just 72hrs!”
There might be a little truth in this. However, always remember that results would never be the same for everyone. Two people that used the same product might have the same results occurring at different times. Claims like these from beauty and skincare companies are misleading and, most of the time exaggerated. Persistence, discipline, and knowledge on the right products to use for you and your skin are the only things you need to believe in!
8. “I always use hot water to open up my pores”
Most people think that using hot water when washing your face or your skin would help open up your pores but, in reality, that’s just a myth. Pores are tiny openings in your skin and the temperature with which you bathe/wash does not affect your pores. However, that doesn’t mean hot water won’t help. Hot water actually helps you strip excess oils and dirt that might clog your pores.
But there’s also a downside. Hot water not only strips excess oils but also gets rid of the natural oils that your body produces. The best way to rid your skin of dirt and oil is to use a light exfoliant and rinse it with cool or lukewarm water.
9. “I do everything this YouTuber says but my skin isn’t clearing up!”
There’s nothing wrong with watching another person’s skincare journey and following the same routine that they have. However, don’t expect that your skin will have the same response to your favorite YouTuber’s skincare routine.
There are a number of factors that may affect your skin’s response to another person’s skincare regimen. What type of skin you have, what level of activity you have, and what type of makeup products you use are just some of the things you have to consider when comparing skincare routines with your favorite YouTuber. So don’t be discouraged when the facial cleanser your favorite YouTuber uses doesn’t have the same effect on you. That just means you have to start over and find what’s best for you and your skin!
Do you have any myths to share? Let us know in the comments below!
