Many skin care tips and beauty “secrets” are passed down from generation to generation. So, it may be hard to differentiate between what’s fact and what’s fiction. Every individual’s skin is unique and so are its needs. What worked wonders for your cousin or friend might not be the best option for you. Therefore, it’s important to give your skin what it needs.
We reached out to Dr. Noopur Jain, MD Dermatology and Founder & Consultant Dermatologist at Skinzest, and asked her to bust some common skincare myths that float around. Read on to know all that she shared.
Myth 1: Oily skin doesn’t require moisturising
You might think oily skin and moisturiser don’t go together. But just like any other skin type, oily skin also requires hydration. Oily skin can also get dehydrated. Most people confuse oily skin with skin hydration. Excessive sebum produced in the skin can lead to oily skin and acne whereas hydrating the skin helps to absorb water into the layers of the skin. Oil and water are two different things and our skin requires both, hence moisturising is important for all skin types.
Myth 2: Natural is the best
“Natural” and organic are words used a lot nowadays. But is all-natural the best? Many believe that anything natural is the best for skin, but there is actually no legitimate scientific evidence to back that up. You can’t make the best skincare product from your kitchen, there are limitations to it. Natural is not necessarily the best always, there are skin types that are allergic to aloe vera and tea tree oil, for example. What is really natural can also be debatable. If you buy a product from the store reading all-natural and organic ingredients, even then it will have preservatives to extend the expiry dates. Chemicals are not necessarily bad for your skin. When used in the right concentration and quantity, they can in fact be your skin’s best friend. Acids can help in fighting wrinkles, acne, age spots and pigmentation. Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid are some good examples.
Myth 3: Acne is a teenage problem
While acne might first start showing up during your teenage years, it doesn’t really end there. Acne can be triggered by several factors like stress, oily products, fluctuation in androgen levels, hence it’s not exclusive to teenage years only. What triggers acne has nothing to do with age, you can experience acne at any point in life.
Myth 4: Skin treatments are only for celebrities
People tend to associate skin treatments with celebrities. There are several highly advanced cost-effective skincare treatments available right now like chemical peels, facials, botox, etc. that are accessible to everyone. If only celebrities cared about skin treatments, then the cosmetic and skincare industry wouldn’t be booming like it is now. An average person can also avail cosmetic treatments to restore confidence. The way we look is a major factor that contributes to our confidence, so modern skincare treatments are not just restricted to celebrities anymore.
Myth 5: Sunscreen is only required outdoors
If you’re sitting in a windowless room with absolutely no light coming in, this could be true. But otherwise, SPF is very important whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Sunscreens with enough protection can protect the skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays of the sun. Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and premature aging. So make sure to grab sun protection wherever you are.
What’s the one beauty myth you’ve believed in the past, and what changed your mind? Please share it with us in the comments below!
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