There are many myths and old wives tales around skincare and beauty products. Here we aim to bust some of these myths and reveal the reality behind certain skincare conditions and beauty products.
1. Dandruff is caused by dry skin
This is in fact not true, dandruff can be caused for a number of reasons and it has nothing to do with how oily or dry your skin is. There are various factors that contribute to dandruff such as diet, medication and even stress. Dandruff is actually the result of a fungus that grows on the scalp, and while dry skin can aggravate the condition, it is not the root cause.
2. Toothpaste is great for acne
While toothpaste may help to dry out pimples, it is not a long-term solution and can actually lead to more irritation and redness. It is best to use acne products designed specifically to deal with acne.
Pimples are caused by a buildup of excess sebum and dead skin cells, not because you don’t wash your face often enough. Regular cleansing will help keep pores clean but it is recommended that you use a cleanser formulated for oily or blemished skin as these tend to be more effective at removing sebum and dead skin cells.
3. You need to use a different skincare product for each part of your face
This is not true, in fact using the same product all over your face can be more effective. It is important to find a skincare product that is suited to your skin type and works for your entire face and not just certain areas. A cleanser would be best suited to remove dirt, oil and impurities from the skin as a whole rather than specific parts of the face such as the cheeks or forehead.
4. You shouldn’t cleanse your skin at night
Many believe that it is important to give your skin a rest at night, but in fact this is not the best idea. It is much more beneficial for skin to wash in the evening as dirt, sebum and dead cells are naturally produced at night while you sleep giving your skin an extra cleanse will help eliminate these elements that can lead to breakouts.
5. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help with wrinkles
This is a myth as silk does not provide the same protection as cotton, and actually has more of a tendency to make hair static and lead to breakage. What’s more, the heat from your head could cause damage to the silk and actually accelerate ageing. Cotton or satin on the other hand will provide a more gentle surface for your skin and hair, and will not cause any damage.
6. You should avoid using moisturiser if you have oily skin
This is not true, in fact using a light moisturiser can help to balance the production of oil and keep your skin looking healthy. If you have very oily skin, it is best to use a gel-based moisturiser. However, if you find that your skin still becomes greasy throughout the day, it is best to avoid heavy creams and opt for light gels or serums instead.
7. Using hot water to wash your face will open up your pores
Hot water can actually damage your skin by causing it to become dry and irritated. It is best to use lukewarm water when washing your face as this will help to remove dirt, oil and makeup without causing any damage.
8. You need to exfoliate your skin every day
This is not necessary, in fact over-exfoliating can actually do more harm than good. Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough to keep your skin healthy. However, if you suffer from excess oil or impurities then exfoliation may need to be increased.
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