As we move forward, we realize how immature we were to accept certain myths for several years. However, with research and knowledge today, we can surpass those myths and adopt what certified dermatologists advise.
Myth 1: Oily skin does not need a moisturizer
The most common misconception for ages is that oily skin produces enough skin, so it does not need any moisturization. This is wrong; you need to moisturize your skin regardless of skin type. Like all the other skin types, your oily skin gets dehydrated; your skin is producing excess oil to keep it hydrated. When you use a moisturizer daily, you will notice that your skin is less oily because it is hydrated. You can even use a hyaluronic serum for that extra moisture.
Myth 2: The higher the SPF, the better the sun protection
Sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which cause skin damage. The concept of sunscreen is like this: the higher the SPF of a sunscreen, the more UV protection it provides. Accurate, but only to a degree. A high SPF sunscreen will provide marginally greater protection than an SPF 50 sunscreen. For example, SPF 15 blocks 94% of UV rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays. So, at most, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 to protect against 98% of UV rays and no more. So ignore the SPF of more than 50. You can use sunscreen from SPF 15 to SPF 50; that’s it. But remember to reapply every 2-3 hours for optimum protection.
Myth 3: Toner is an essential product in skincare
When I started to maintain a skincare routine, there was this notion that you needed a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer in your daily skin routine. The concept of CTM was pretty famous back then, but dermatologists busted the myth that you can apply toner if you want, but it is not an essential product in your routine. Most skin types should avoid toners and astringents, especially those containing alcohol. They remove the harmful oils but don’t know the difference, so they strip the skin of all the oils. So the most important three products in your skincare routine are cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, not toner.
Myth 4: One should only use chemical-free products
Like how I was intimated with the acids when I started taking skincare seriously. Why would someone apply acids to their face, as I was completely unaware of the term in skincare? In the same way, people who are new to skincare often think chemical-free products are the best and superior to those with chemicals. This is because the chemicals in the products are suitable for your skin. So stop thinking that products with chemicals are harmful and chemical-free products are good. So whether it is a natural shampoo, natural face wash, natural hair conditioner, natural body wash, or others. Don’t be blinded by the word natural; instead, invest in the appropriate products for your skin, and you are good.
