5 Skincare Myths Debunked By A Skincare Therapist

I spend many hours of my day answering these 5 common myths regarding skincare and how to help improve your skin. I thought it might be time to spill the beans on my answers!

Myth #1: The harder you exfoliate, the better.

If you know me (aka SKIN NERD), you know I am a big believer in less is more and that includes exfoliation. An exfoliant is a good and effective product when required because it clears away dysfunctional skin cells that dim your natural radiance and keeps your pores unclogged to prevent acne breakouts, however you can have too much of a good thing.

Physical exfoliators such as grainy scrubs can be harsh on your skin's moisture barrier, raising the risk of micro-tears that can create damage to your precious skin barrier. An acid-based exfoliator on the other hand (such as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids) is a better alternative, but again, do only what's necessary and the follow directions carefully. Typically, it is also a good idea to limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, max.

Many products suggest we use these daily to prevent breakout and buildup but this is way to much for your skin. It doesn't build or retain skin cells at this rapid rate so slow down your usage. To begin with it will feel bumpy as it regulates but over time will settle and achieve its perfect balance. 💡 Other quick note if you are concerned about congestion - it's not the dead cell you should be worried about its the quality of oil/sebum, so work on that!

Myth #2: Anti-Aging Products Don’t Matter When You’re Young

When you're young, it's tempting to think your complexion will always look fresh and radiant. That sounds damn nice doesn't it?! Unfortunately it's yet another skincare myth. Cell turnover and collagen production begin to slow down as we hit our 30's and you will begin to see some small signs of ageing.

With most things regarding your health, it's best to be proactive and prevent problems before they start. Using anti-aging products in your 20's and early 30's can lay the groundwork for younger-looking skin in the years ahead. When I say this, I don't mean peptides, collagen or retinol...Hydration and sunscreen is the key! 🔓

💡 Vitamin C is also a good choice because it helps brighten and fight against free radical damage (these are little molecules that attack our skin as pollutions). 

Myth #3: Only Teenagers Get Acne

Anyone in their 20s through 60s who has ever had a pimple, knows that this is a common skincare myth. Unfortunately, the same issues that cause acne during the teen years — hormones, bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation — can also follow you into adulthood, it's just a different form of inflammation. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ll never get acne again just because you’re past the age of 20. How we care for the skin and how we clean it is super important here as we expose ourselves to more pollution as we age.

The biggest cause of adult acne is hormone change - this can be caused by things like pregnancy, the pill, and peri menopause...they are all skin disrupting evils (too dramatic? 😆) that make it hard to control the condition of your skin. This is often where I recommend you keep it as simple as possible and work with allied health to try and balance some internal contributors if possible.

Myth #4: Washing your face frequently will prevent acne

Fact: Hygiene doesn't play a role in the development of acne. Acne involves oil production and quality, bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation, with hormones and stress playing a significant role and (to a lesser extent) diet, for some people.

Washing your face a million times doesn't help your situation because often it's just stripping the skin's natural oils causing excessive oil product. The key is a good cleanse with the right product and the right removal - hence the development of The Cleansing Cloth; it has a light grippy texture allowing it to glide over the skin to remove all the build up that occurs. 

💡 With Acne, as mentioned above its more about the quality of Oil than it is how much. If its thick and worm like when extracted you are deficient is EFA's (essential fatty acids) and need to add these to your diet to refine the quality of the oil so it prevents blockage

Myth #5: Retinol makes your skin thinner

The development behind cosmetic use of Vitamin A and their derivatives, mean we have so many amazing product types to pick from now. Retinol, Retin A, Retinal - the list goes on, even some plant based alternatives. For many years we have used Vitamin A to treat ageing and acne by softening and thinning the skins surface, this means it reduces the density in the skin. But clinical studies have always shown it produces at a slow rate, thickening the dermal structure, therefore a brilliant age defying option for skin care. 

The problem is that is has always been harsh on the skins surface. Anyone that denies this is missing the clues...it is a product that easily has positives and negatives so be aware. We now have ranges of strength and different ways in which a product will travel through the skin cells, so it's important to pair your skin with a product that will work best to minimise the negative side affects and still achieve all the benefits.

Skincare truth: Cut through the myths

You'll always hear all kinds of myths across the internet regarding skincare, it can be tricky knowing whether or not the information you're consuming is reliable or actually scientifically proven (which is what we aim for in the skincare world!). Take everything with a grain of salt and if something sounds like a myth or has you thinking 'that doesn't sound right' then chances are you need to fact check! 

I preach this a lot, so you might be sick of it, but keep it simple, stick with products that are best suited to your skin type, nail the basics consistently (cleanser, The Cleansing Cloth for correct removal, moisturiser, and SPF) and chose your actives based on your goals and needs - that's why seeing a professional is key 🗝️ to avoid wasting time and your hard earned money.