Google is a wonderful thing. It brings a wealth of information to the fingertips of each and every one of us – so it’s quick and easy to find the ideal answer to any question, or discover the perfect solution to any problem. The difficulty with the sheer amount of data on the internet is that it is largely unregulated or unchecked. This can sometimes have more negative consequences than positive outcomes – especially when it comes to those who engage in online research to find out how to properly care for their skin. For this article we’ve delved deep into the dark corners of the web and picked out five common skincare myths that crop up time and again in internet searches – with little substance to back them up.
Skincare products should be age-specific
We tend to think that we should alter our skincare routine as we get older – switching from ‘light’, oil-controlling formulations designed for ‘young skin’ to heavier, moisturising crèmes packed with active ingredients as we age. But in actual fact your decisions and product choices should be guided by your unique situation and skin type, that can change and adapt with time or as a result of external influences such as environment, hormones and health. This is demonstrated by differing needs of women of the same age. Dry skin can affect younger and older women – so an ‘oil-free’ light moisturiser wouldn’t be effective for a 20-year-old with eczema. Similarly a 55-year-old with oily skin wouldn’t necessarily be best placed with a heavy crème designed for ‘mature skin types’. It’s all about what works for you and your skin right now – regardless of your age. Nefera has been formulated for all ages to support skin’s natural processes – harnessing an anti-ageing and youth-preserving affect as a result.
Acne is caused by make-up
This myth appears to be perpetuated by the belief that acne is caused by ‘clogged pores’. Yes, clogged pores and congestion caused by poor cleansing can produce pimples on the skin – but acne is a condition caused by a number of triggers – some genetic, some hormonal, some environmental. Therefore whilst it’s of course good practice to ensure that you cleanse thoroughly with appropriate products, it’s important to bear in mind that daily use of make-up is not the sole cause of acne – and therefore treatments should extend past simply cleansing the skin or stopping wearing make-up altogether.
Hypoallergenic products are better for sensitive skin
Literally speaking, ‘hypoallergenic’ simply means that a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction on application. Yet as the industry remains largely unregulated there are actually no guidelines stipulating exactly what ingredients should be used or excluded in ‘hypoallergenic’ products. Therefore it’s best to opt for gentle, fragrance-free formulations if sensitive skin is a concern.
‘All natural’ is always best
We recently shared a blog about the popularity of natural home remedies – and the caution that should be exercised when using so-called ‘gentle’ natural ingredients. Whilst the wave of preference towards botanical extracts and natural products is a positive development for the industry, it can sometimes result in some confusion and therefore less than effective skincare practices from consumers who take an ‘all or nothing’ approach. Although it is better to choose products formulated with natural extracts, there are bound to be some synthetic or carefully modified ingredients that won’t be harmful for skin and will instead boost the efficiency of your cream or serum.
Tingles and stings are a sign that it’s working
Many people believe that when cleansers, toners and at-home treatments result in physical sensations on the skin such as tingling or stinging, that’s a sure sign they’re working. However this is one myth to be particularly cautious of. Certain products (usually professional or designed for use under the supervision of a medical practitioner) can work by causing inflammation in one area in order to reduce it in another. However more often than not over the counter masks and peels can be causing minor damage to the skin, which over time can build up and becoming a contributing factor in accelerating the ageing process. It’s better to be safe not sorry – opting for professional chemical peels and regular facials, sticking to your regular skincare regime in between.
Take a look at our related blogs here to learn more about Nefera products and discover our sophisticated formulations.
