It’s not easy knowing what skincare you need, how to use it, what is best for you and so many cosmetic brands bombard you with inaccurate and misleading skincare advice just to sell you another product. Let’s get savvy with our skincare, bust some myths and learn what really works!
MYTH: There are skincare products that increase the amount of collagen and elastin in your skin.
Any product claiming to do this is totally misleading you. Once the levels of collagen and elastin have dropped in the skin they will not rise. However, certain cosmetic products can help prevent and slow down the loss of these skin plumping elements which will slow down the signs of ageing.
MYTH: It’s important to consider your age when buying skincare.
There are a lot of products on the market that claim to be designed for a specific age group, especially for more mature skin, say 50+, but why should a woman who is 50 use the same products as a woman who is 80? It makes no sense. Your age is not a skin type and you should be choosing products according to your skin concern rather than your age. If your skin is dry, regardless of age, you should be using a product designed to boost moisture.
MYTH: Everyone gets “age spots” as they get older, it’s a fact of life.
The name “Age spots” is quite misleading as these brown, freckle-like discolourations can pop up at any age and are caused by too much exposure to the sun. They can be difficult to get rid of or reduce the appearance of so the best cure is prevention. Make sure you are using a moisturiser with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even in the winter.
MYTH: Makeup causes acne.
This is a common misconception but makeup cannot cause acne and there is no research to prove otherwise. Increased levels of sebum is the main cause of acne and spots and sleeping with your makeup on can make acne or blemishes worse but it cannot cause a prolonged acne breakout. My acne advice would be to make sure you wear a good primer to protect your skin and cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day, followed by a light or oil-free moisturiser.
MYTH: Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturised.
Many people think that if their skin is oily they don’t need to moisturise. Wrong! Moisturising your skin when it is oily is just as important as when it is dry, you just need to use the right consistency of moisturiser. Oilier skins need lighter, gel-like textures, whereas drier skins should use a richer texture of moisturiser. If you are suffering from acne then use a light, oil-free moisturiser in your daily routine.
MYTH: Expensive cosmetics are better than cheaper ones.
The truth is that there are good and bad products out there, regardless of the price tag or make. It’s about the formulation, ingredients and the strength of the ingredients which make good skincare cosmetics. There are many expensive products out there that are little more than wax and water and there are inexpensive products that are excellently formulated. So spending less won’t necessarily harm your skin and spending more doesn’t necessarily make it better either.