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