Have you ever questioned whether certain skincare statements were true? Let’s address some misconceptions and clarify what is fact and what is a myth when it comes to our skin! 

Many of us count on word of mouth and recommendations from others on how to care for our skin. What we may not be aware of is that false information can spread like wildfire.

Don’t be surprised to learn that what you may have believed about your skin is in fact a myth! 

Here are ten common myths about the skin and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Expensive skincare products give better results

The truth: Spending hundreds of dollars on skincare products does not guarantee perfect skin.

The potency of a product depends on the ingredients and their concentration. It is best to check the label to see if it contains a sufficient level of premium ingredients.

Expensive skincare products usually have the same potent ingredients as budget-friendly options. 

Often, what makes a product more pricey is the fancy packaging.

Myth #2: Sunscreen with higher SPF is better

The truth: If you are planning to be outdoors for more than two hours between 10 AM to 2 PM, paying a slightly higher price for a higher SPF may be worth it. Higher SPF products are slightly better at protecting you from UVB radiation.

Some food for thought: SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB and SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB. In normal circumstances, you don’t need a sunscreen that is higher than SPF 30 for daily use. 

Although a product containing SPF can only protect you from sunburns. It does not protect you from UVA radiation, which is the kind that penetrates deep into the skin. 

UVA radiation causes free radicals in the skin. This causes oxidative stress that brings on wrinkles and melanoma. 

Avoiding prolonged direct exposure to the sun especially at midday is the best way to avoid UVA damage.

Myth #3: Anti-aging products work immediately

The truth: When trying out anti-aging products for the first time, do not expect miraculous results after one application overnight. 

Skincare products are not magic, no matter how pricey they are.

Time is an important factor. You need patience and consistency to experience any sort of visible result.

Most anti-aging products show results within 4-8 weeks. For some individuals, results may take up to 8 weeks.

Myth #4: Peel off masks will get rid of blackheads

The truth: Although peel off masks may help remove the impurities from your skin, they may do more harm than good.

With regular use, they can damage the protective barrier of your skin. It pulls out sebaceous filaments and strips the skin off natural oils which are needed for the healthy balance of the skin. Furthermore, stripping the skin of these oils makes it more vulnerable to irritations.

It is better to exfoliate once a week to get rid of dead cells and impurities such as blackheads. 

Myth #5: You don't need sunscreen if you are wearing makeup that has SPF

The truth: Do not assume that you are protected from the sun's harmful rays just because your makeup has SPF. 

While wearing a foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 is better than nothing, it is only most effective if you are reapplying it every two hours, as you would with sunscreen.

Double your sun protection by applying a proper sunscreen with SPF 30 as a base then top it with an SPF infused foundation, CC cream or tinted moisturizer.

Myth #6: Pores can open or close according to water temperature

The truth: Muscles do not control pores, so they do not shrink or open because of heat or cold. Switching between hot and cold water may irritate your skin.

However, slight heat can help unclog impurities from the pores with regular washing and exfoliation of the face.

Getting rid of dirt and excess oil may actually make your pores less noticeable.

Myth #7: Aging is determined by your genes

The truth: DNA plays an important role in the aging process. However, aging is not solely determined by genes.

Lifestyle and eating habits also contribute to the rate at which we age and show signs of aging. 

The environment also plays a vital role. Pollution, stress, and fatigue take a toll on the aging process of your organs, including the skin.

An increase is the cortisol levels in your blood due to environmental stressors results in loss of collagen and elastin tissues.

Myth #8: Chocolate and oily food causes oily skin and acne

The truth: This a tricky one. Oil in our food has nothing to do with the oil that is produced by the skin. Oily skin is due to hyperactive sebaceous glands. 

However, a healthy diet consisting of non-greasy foods contributes to a healthy microbiome. There is a connection between clean eating and a visibly clearer, more healthy-looking complexion when our microbiome is in optimal condition. 

Dark chocolate on the other hand, is actually very beneficial to your overall health. It is a superfood for the skin. It is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can protect your cells. It also helps reduce stress and slows down the signs of aging.

The amount of oil your skin creates depends on your hormones, particularly the testosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands. Because of this, acne is more common during puberty and before the menstrual cycle when there is a surge of testosterone.

People who are prone to acne are also genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to hormonal inconsistencies.

Myth #9: Effective anti-aging products can be DIY

The truth: Although fresh food and plants are dense with nutrients, not all DIY skincare products may be safe. They should be properly preserved and stored otherwise microbial growth will occur. 

You may not even realize that one of your DIY products has become contaminated because bacteria, mold and yeast are not always seen by the naked eye.

Dermatitis, bacterial or fungal infections are some skin reactions that may occur if you use a contaminated DIY skincare product.

A lot of DIY recipes call for sugar, salt, coffee grounds, or nutshells, raw eggs, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, crushed aspirin, and other supplements. 

The risks of using many DIY skincare recipes found online outweigh the potential benefits. 

Myth #10: Anti-aging products are only for older people

The truth: The skin needs to be nourished at every age. Don’t wait until age spots become visible to then start using anti-aging products.

Incorporating anti-aging products into your daily skincare routine as early as your 20’s is a wise prevention step to slow down the signs of aging.

You should select skincare products according to your skin type and skin concerns. 

Older women can have the same skin concerns as younger women, such as acne and oily skin. Likewise, uneven skin tone can also be a concern for younger and older women.

Some younger people are apprehensive that the ingredients of anti-aging skincare products may be too strong for their young skin. Others worry that anti-aging ingredients will not be as effective when they get older because their skin will adapt to them when used regularly at a younger age. There are no studies proving such concerns.

Are you guilty of believing any of these myths about your skin? 

Now that we have addressed some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to skincare, you can go forth on your skincare journey wisely! 

Have you ever tried reasonably priced skincare products that give you more value for your money? Try YEOUTH Complete Anti Aging Skincare System.

A complete anti-aging system formulated with premium medical grade ingredients. This set of anti-aging products will hydrate and moisturize the skin, fill fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, reduce crow’s feet and puffiness around the eyes.

HAVE YOU EVER USED AN ANTI-AGING MOISTURIZER? DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGES OR SEE RESULTS? LET’S TALK IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.