6 Skincare Myths You Need to Stop Believing
The bad skincare advice we got from the popular girls in the bathroom in high school can often stay with us for life. Luckily, our highly skilled skincare professionals are here to set the story straight and tell you the facts. At Beauty Lounge Medical Spa, we’re dedicated to results-driven skincare; this means, during your appointment, we target problem areas, create personalized regimen plans and offer a full menu of aesthetic services designed to purify, restore, and invigorate tired or troubled skin.
Take a look at the skincare myths our aesthetic pros have debunked below – you may be surprised!
Myth #1: Skincare products are only for the face.
Negative. Did you know the neck, eyes, and hands are the areas that reveal aging the fastest? If you’re ending your skincare routine at your jawline, you’re doing your skin a disservice! At the very least, spend a little time at night washing your neck before bed, and massage eye cream and hand cream into the skin once you’re done. You’ll feel extra clean, deeply moisturized and ready for a good night’s rest.
Myth #2: It’s safe to go without sunscreen on overcast days.
No way. It’s still possible to get sunburned even on a cloudy, snowy or cold day. No matter the weather or season, it’s important to wear sunscreen. In fact, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.” Sunburn isn’t caused by visible light; UVA and UVB rays are what really cause major damage to your skin. Even when you aren’t in direct contact with the sun, these harmful rays still penetrate through clouds, smog, and even glass. UV rays can bounce back twice as much through windows, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen even when working in the office.
Myth #3. I have oily skin, so I don’t need to apply moisturizer.
False. Often, oily skin can mean your skin is so dry that it is trying to produce more sebum (oil) to counteract the dryness. This is the skin’s natural defense and regulation mechanism to dry air. The sebum that our skin produces, however, is not the same as the hydration it needs and receives from using a high quality, daily moisturizer. For oily skin, we recommend adding a hydrating serum or lotion to your routine instead of a heavy cream because creams are typically used for dry skin. The pore clogging sebum that oily skin naturally produces attracts acne-causing bacteria – commonly, acne-fighting ingredients that acne-prone individuals apply can cause dryness. Moisturizers help seal moisture, reduce irritation and soothe redness caused by these products.
Myth #4: Acne is caused by poor hygiene or from not washing your face enough.
Not true. We’ve all heard it before. “Having acne problems? Maybe you should wash your face more.” If you’re washing your face when you wake up, before bed and after you exercise, you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. Acne can be caused by SO many things. Stress, hormones, environmental triggers (like wind, pollution and dry air), and even genetics, can cause annoying blemishes and breakouts that excessive washing just won’t cure. In fact, excessive washing and scrubbing may irritate the skin and actually make your acne worse. Plus, when you’re overwashing your face, you’re really drying it out and causing it to produce more sebum to fight the dryness (see above). If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, try using spot treatments with salicylic acid, adding a toner to your routine to remove dead skin cells, and hydrate with hyaluronic acid. For a more in-depth step-by-step routine, check out our recent blog on how to proper layer your skincare products!
Myth #5: Higher SPFs means better protection.
Nope. After SPF 50, popular sunscreens with higher SPFs just have really great marketing. According to both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation, SPF 50 blocks about 98%, and SPF 100 blocks about 99%. This proves the high number in SPF only marginally increases your protection. The type of sunscreen, the amount you’re applying and the frequency you apply it are what will protect you the most. Doctors at Harvard recommend using a two-finger approach: cover your face with enough sunscreen to span the length of your pointer and middle fingers. We believe them, and you should, too!
Myth #6: There are skincare products that work like BOTOX or dermal fillers.
Incorrect. We hate to say it, but if a skincare product is advertising similar results to Botox, they are lying to you. The skincare experts at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa are skilled professionals; the Botox and dermal injections we administer can instantaneously make wrinkles vanish, eyebrows lift, smooth the corners of the mouth, and more. Topical products that may suggest to have the same effects as injections simply can’t target beneath the surface to produce those dramatic results. After just one treatment, our clients see clear improvements to their skin that skincare products just can’t achieve.
We hope this clears things up for you! Are you interested in learning more about how our treatments can transform, renew and rejuvenate your skin? Give us a ring – we’re happy to help!