5 common skincare myths, busted

All skincare products claim to have transformative effects, but with the internet abound with misinformation, it can be difficult to ascertain what is true, and what is not.

It seems that in order to make an informed purchase decision, consumers must read through many different sources of information, before they can know if the sweeping-statements made by skincare companies are correct.

To help provide you with some clarity when it comes to skincare products, we’re busting a set of common myths:

  1. Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer

Many often conflate oily skin with moisturized skin. However, even if you suffer from an abundance of natural oils, it’s still important to moisturize. Many products used to treat oily skin - and conditions such as acne that this skin type is prone to – actually dry out the skin. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate. Therefore, it’s vital to mitigate this by using a light-weight, hydrating moisturizer.

  1. You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny

It’s important to wear a skincare product that includes an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis. Even if the sun isn’t visible, UV rays will still reach your skin. The damage caused by sun is one of the leading causes of premature aging, hence it’s important to protect our skin with SPF, no matter what the weather forecast is predicting.

  1. Toothpaste is good for drying out pimples

Toothpaste does contain ingredients such as baking soda, alcohol, and menthol, which all have drying properties. This makes it a popular choice for those who are looking to combat outbreaks. However, it will only further upset your skin, and can lead to more inflammation. Instead, use a skincare product that’s specifically formulated to target those pesky pimples.

  1. You can shrink the size of your pores

When it comes to pore size, you can thank your gene. Those who have inherited naturally oily skin tend to have larger pores, as their skin is releasing more oils through the larger openings.

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of your pores, it’s important to avoid any products that will clog pores, as this will lead to acne. Instead, look for products that contain retinol, as this ingredient will help to firm the skin.

  1. Vitamin D only comes from the sun

Vitamin D plays a key role in the protection and rejuvenation of the skin. However, it’s possible to get vitamin D from sources aside from the sun, such as through foods rich in the nutrient, like salmon. Alternatively, it’s available as a supplement.

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