With so much information floating around the internet, it can be difficult to identify common skincare myths and their truths.
Common Skincare Myths
How do you know if your cleanser is right for you? Should you be afraid of exfoliating if you have sensitive skin? And what temperature is the right temperature for washing your face?
These are just some of the questions we've heard over the years that need clarification. So we're exposing the truth to these myths and more by sharing five common misconceptions so you can make your way toward your healthiest skin!
Myth #1: You Should Only Exfoliate If Your Skin Is Feeling Dry & Dull
The Truth: There's a common misconception that you only need to exfoliate your skin if it's feeling dry or dull. After all, exfoliation only works to remove dead skin, right? This couldn't be further from the truth!
Here are just a few of the many benefits of exfoliating regularly:
- It unclogs pores, removing debris and buildup that can cause breakouts.
- It evens skin tone by allowing healthy skin cells to reach the surface of your complexion.
- It helps stop the signs of aging by clearing dead skin cells that enhance wrinkles and fine lines.
- It helps your skincare products work better, sloughing away dead cells so they can penetrate deeper.
- It boosts lymphatic drainage by stimulating blood circulation to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface.
Exfoliation should be done daily along with your regular cleanser to reap the many benefits. And everyone should be doing it. You shouldn't be afraid to exfoliate if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. It's just finding the right product for your skin type! For more information on determining the right products for your skin, check out our article, Finding the Right Skincare Products for Different Skin Types, and take our Skin Code Quiz!
Myth #2: Sunlight Is The Only Light That is Damaging To Your Skin
The Truth: While we'll give you a big pat on the back for wearing your SPF and avoiding damaging UVA and UVB rays, sun and tanning beds aren't the only lights you should be dialing back on.
Blue light emits HEV rays that can significantly damage the skin by speeding up aging. While the sun emits blue light, screen time is the most significant HEV exposure source because of our devices' proximity. Americans have a whopping average of ten hours daily in front of a screen.
So, how can you avoid photoaging (aging caused by overexposure to light) without sacrificing screen time? Here are a few simple tips:
- Limit your exposure if possible. Nowadays, many jobs require you to sit in front of the computer all day, so this may not work for you. If this is the case, invest in a pair of blue-blocker glasses.
- Use a blue light screen on your devices. These screen protectors can be installed on tablets and phones to protect you from the harmful effects of HEV.
- Switch your phone to night mode. Night mode often switches your device's light emission from blue to yellow, which is better for your skin and eyes!
- Use sunscreen! Our Complete Defense SPF 40 is a hydrating tinted sunscreen for broad-spectrum defense against UVA/UVB rays. For a chemical-free option, try our Defend Chemical-Free SPF 30.
Myth #3: Your Skincare Products Will Work As Long As You Use Them- The Order Doesn't Matter
The Truth: How you apply your skincare products DOES matter. Of course, you want your skincare regimen to yield the best results possible, but that will only happen if your products are being layered correctly.
A good rule of thumb is to layer your products in the order of their density, from lightest to heaviest. So here's the scoop on proper layering.
- Step 1: Cleanse. You'll want to remove any impurities on the skin's surface day or night. Our Clear and Bright Face & Body Wash will cleanse and exfoliate so your products can penetrate deeply and get to work!
- Step 2: Tone. Our Recharge Vita-C & Peptide Toning Mist is alcohol-free, so it won't dry your skin out and will deliver Vitamin C and potent peptides to prevent aging!
- Step 3: Treat. Using serums after your toner will allow maximum absorption to nourish your skin and keep it glowing. The Revitalize 7-in-1 Power Serum is formulated to deliver nutrients and treat several skin concerns simultaneously.
- Step 4: Restore. Serums will work to target specific skin conditions, so you don't have to limit yourself to just one during your routine. The Restore & Glow Vita-skin Serum provides instant glow and plumping with its antioxidants and Vitamins E and F.
- Step 5: Hydrate. If you want your products to work, you must ensure you don't skip the moisturizer. The right moisturizer will lock in your skincare products' benefits, so all your hard work doesn't go to waste!
Myth #4: You Should Always Wash Your Face With Warm Water
The Truth: If you want to shrink your pores and reduce tired-looking eyes, wash your face with cold water in the morning. This will give you brightening benefits as you start your day. Washing with cold water will soothe skin irritations, promote blood circulation, and brighten skin for a radiant glow.
If you choose to wash with warmer water, avoid going too hot. Doing so will break down blood vessels in the face, resulting in dry skin.
Myth #5: Clean Products Aren't As Effective As Products With Chemicals
The Truth: The clean beauty movement has increased speed over the past few years. Sanitary products are just as effective, if not more, than products that contain toxic and unnatural ingredients. Products developed without unnecessary chemicals may work to improve skin conditions, but they also come with a list of health risks.
Clean products are formulated to target skin conditions while keeping the rest of your body and the environment happy and healthy. We offer an entire clean product line that promotes healthy, glowing skin. And as a bonus, we never test our products on animals!
________________________________________________________________
Do any of these skincare myths shock you?! Tell us in the comments!