A few weeks ago I asked for the most repeated myths around skincare and beauty that you wanted debunked or clarified. There were many! Here they are in no particular order:
Retinoids and breastfeeding : You can use retinoids while breastfeeding.
Acids and breastfeeding : You can use all types of acids while breastfeeding.
Retinoids and pregnancy : It is generally recommended to avoid retinoids during pregnancy, but note that there are no legal regulations requiring brands to disclose the vitamin A content in their products.
Retinoids under 25 : Retinoids can be used even under 25, especially if you have acne or scars. It won’t harm your skin if you start early.
Retinoids/Vitamin A : Retinoids and vitamin A do not thin your skin.
Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Retinoids : These can be used in the same routine. It is not necessary, but possible.
Daily exfoliation : You can exfoliate daily, but it is not always necessary.
Micellar water : Can be used as a cleanser.
Tretinoin (Tret) : Can be used to treat acne, but hormonal acne, especially on the chin, may still occur.
Sun protection for black skin : Black skin also needs sun protection.
Reapply sunscreen : Must be reapplied regularly.
Foaming cleansers : Especially good for oily skin. Avoid SLS if you have perioral dermatitis or small skin-colored bumps on your forehead.
Fungal Acne : Not a medically recognized term. It is yeast-related, not acne.
Toothpaste on pimples : Do not use toothpaste on pimples.
Self-tanners and retinol/acids : Can be used, but retinoids accelerate cell turnover and affect the durability of the tan.
Spot stickers : They are great especially for underground, hormonal pimples.
Plucking hair : When you pluck one hair, three don’t come back. It’s just one hair follicle.
Active ingredients and rosacea : You can still use active ingredients if you have rosacea. Try azelaic acid and avoid inflamed areas.
Vitamin C : Can be used in the morning or evening. Morning is often recommended because of its antioxidant properties.
Double Cleanse : You can use the same cleanser twice for a double cleanse, or two different ones.
Gap between products : Allow 20 minutes or more between retinoids and other serums/moisturizers.
Retinoids on moist skin : Work faster and are absorbed faster.
Sensitive skin and fragrances : Fragrance-free products may be better, but you don’t have to avoid all scented products.
Essential oils : Cause more allergies than synthetic fragrances.
Amount of eye cream : More eye cream (or any cream/serum/treatment) is not more effective. Your skin can only absorb so much.
Eye Creams : All eye creams are not the same. Different eye creams target different problems.
Double Cleansing : You don’t have to double cleanse, but it’s a good practice.
SPF and Acne : You must use SPF if you have acne.
Drinking water : Does not cure acne.
Oily skin and oils : Oily skin can still use oils or cleansing oils. There is no one size fits all rule.
SPF over oil : If you apply SPF directly over an oil, it may be less effective. The oil can degrade the SPF.
Glycolic acid and retinol : Can be used together.
Retinoids and daily routine : Retinoids are traditionally used in the evening, but there are no hard and fast rules. Some brands also market vitamin A for daytime use.
Separate SPF : You need a separate SPF, not in a moisturizer, to ensure proper application and complete protection.
Foundation and SPF : If your foundation contains SPF, you should still use a separate SPF because you won’t be applying enough foundation for full protection.
Mineral makeup : Does not provide SPF protection. Mineral SPF powders do.
Branded products : You don’t have to use products from a brand to be more effective. That’s marketing.
SPF and cancer : SPF does not cause cancer. Those who spread this misinformation are either ill-informed or fear-mongering.
Toners and pores : Toners don’t close your pores. Pores aren’t swinging doors; they don’t open and close.
Tanning beds and acne : Tanning beds do not cure acne. Tanning beds cause cancer.
Banana peels and pimples : Rubbing banana peels on your face will not clear pimples.
Moisturizer for oily skin : You need to moisturize even if you have oily skin.
Cleanser with active ingredients : You don’t need a cleanser with active ingredients, but it might be beneficial depending on your skin type.
Skin changes during pregnancy : During pregnancy, your skin can change. Hormones. This is normal and no reason for intervention.
Makeup and pores : Makeup won’t clog your pores if you cleanse effectively.
Hyaluronic acid : Is not the only way to hydrate dry/dehydrated skin. It is possible to be intolerant to hyaluronic acid.
Skin care and breast milk : Your skin care does not pass into your breast milk.
SPF 30 vs. SPF 50 : Factor 30 is not as good as factor 50 SPF.
Vitamin C and Pigmentation : Vitamin C can improve the appearance of pigmentation, but it will not permanently reduce or correct it.
Be Natural, Be Beautiful, Be You – Emma x
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