Most common skincare myths debunked!

Myths persist because they're stories people want to believe, whether or not they're actually true. These stories are passed down from person to person without much thought as to where the stories originated or if there's any factual basis behind them at all. Myths exist in every part of life: health myths, cultural myths, parenting myths...the list goes on! But today I'm going to focus on debunking skincare myths.

People don't have control over the texture of their own skin

If you were born with dry, dull skin, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. But it also doesn’t automatically mean that a new moisturizing product will suddenly transform your skin into glowing perfection.

Genetics play a role in determining the texture of our skin—but they aren’t the only factor. Dryness and dullness can be caused by a number of different factors, all of which we have at least some control over. These include diet and lifestyle; sun exposure; hormones and skincare routines; and medications.

So, while genetics may be partly to blame for the condition of your skin (thanks mom!), there are things you can do to improve the texture if you don't like it! We'll talk about this more in another section.

There's no such thing as an oily, normal, or dry skin type.

The concept of skin type has become an ingrained part of the common skincare lexicon, with many labels being thrown around such as oily, normal, and dry. While these terms are used often, we must acknowledge that skin type is not a fixed category and can change depending on one’s environment, diet, hormones, and other internal and external factors. Your skin type may vary from season to season or even month to month. One day you may have oily skin due to hormonal changes; another day your skin could be dry due to the weather outside or because you tried some new skincare products that upset your moisture barrier. 

The best way to figure out your current skin type is by observing how your skin behaves throughout the day. Are there any signs of oil after a long day? Or do you feel like your face is flaking? This then will give you clues as to what ingredients would be more suitable for you at this point in time without overloading it with too much hydration or oiliness.

Banana peel is a natural way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging around the mouth

It's time to debunk one of the most common myths that we still hear around. While it's true that bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, a mineral crucial for maintaining skin hydration, they have absolutely no effect on wrinkles.

While the banana peel can be applied on other parts of the body like arms and legs to get rid of any discoloration, there is no miracle ingredient in them that will help you get rid of your wrinkles and fine lines. So no matter how many times you read about applying a banana peel on your face, do not buy into it.

There is no such thing as an oil-free moisturizer with SPF

You've heard it before: "the latest breakthrough in moisturizers!" "No oils! No sticks! No greasiness!" But here's the thing: there is no such thing as an oil-free moisturizer. Oil-free is a marketing term. A moisturizer works by binding water to your skin, which requires a substance that can dissolve in both water and oil (i.e., an emulsifier). The emulsifiers used in all mainstream moisturizers are mainly derived from oils and fats, thus making them far from "oil-free."

Oils are also necessary for keeping your skin hydrated and protected. Our skin naturally produces them, using sebum to maintain its moisture balance, provide nourishment and prevent dehydration. Without at least some amount of oil present in your skincare products (including sunscreens), you run the risk of drying out your skin or throwing off its natural protective barrier—both of which can lead to more issues down the road, like acne breakouts or premature aging.

You should always cleanse your face every night and morning

You should always cleanse your face every night and morning. Not exactly. If you go to sleep with a full face of makeup on, you might want to double cleanse and wash it off. However, if you are one of those lucky people who wake up with a clear complexion, there’s no need to wash your face in the morning. Cleansing removes dirt, debris, and makeup from the skin. So if you don’t wear any products and don’t feel dirty or unclean—there is no need to strip away natural oils that keep the skin hydrated while you sleep at night—or in the morning upon waking up!

Your diet doesn't affect your skin and overall health

We've all been told that what we eat affects our skin, but is it just a myth? The answer is yes and no. Those who eat foods high in sugar, fat, and processed foods tend to have more acne. However, people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables tend to have less acne. It's not the food itself, but the fact that those who eat unhealthy diets don't get enough essential nutrients their body needs.

In addition to helping with acne, eating a healthy diet can also make you look younger. People who eat a healthy diet tend to have fewer wrinkles and are less prone to sun damage because they're getting the proper nutrients their body needs.

Conclusion

The world of skincare can be a confusing one, and the number of myths that abound online is just a testament to this fact.

It's important to remember that not all advice should be followed blindly.

If you're thinking about changing up your skincare routine - or if you're thinking about sticking with what you've got now - it's always a good idea to do your own research and see what other people have said before making any drastic decisions!