Is it Part IV already? Wow! OK, well here we talk about some of the myths about what you should and shouldn’t use on your skin. We will tackle some popular myths surrounding hypoallergenic products, night creams, and natural ingredients. Let’s just dive right in.
- If it costs more, it’s definitely better.
If I had a nickel… Most similar products tend to have the same ingredients. The reason for the large cost differential is likely that you’re paying for the brand, the packaging and possibly the expensive smells or perfumes they are using that make their products seem different. But if you compare labels, the majority of active ingredients should be the same.
- You should only use products labeled “night creams” or “nighttime moisturizers” at night.
The reality is that the difference between daytime and nighttime products boils down to sun protection. Obviously daytime products should contain some fort of SPF25 or higher in order to protect your skin from the sun, but evening products don’t require the same protective ingredients. And the claims that your skin repairs itself more overnight is actually inaccurate as there is no shred of evidence that this is true. In fact, your skin is in a constant state of repair morning, noon and night, equally.
- If you have sensitive skin, only buy/use hypoallergenic products.
The term “hypoallergenic” is a misleading one. The bottom line is everyone reacts to products differently, and there isn’t just one ingredient that will set your skin off with a reaction. Some might react to the perfumes, while others react to the oils, or something else. The fact that a product is labeled as “hypoallergenic” does not clearly tell you what is or isn’t in the product, which means you should still definitely read the ingredients list to make sure whatever irritates your skin is not included. And it’s always a good idea to speak with your dermatologist to learn more about products or ingredients to avoid so you won’t have a negative reaction in the future.
- The skin will get used to the products you use so you should change your products.
Another myth. The truth is that you see the most notable changes in your skin once you start to use a new product. Over time, the reason you don’t see as much effect is because your skin’s condition has improved thanks to using better products. For example, if you go from eating cheese burgers and french fries every day to having a well-balanced diet your body will initially show great change immediately, however over time the results of this well-balanced diet won’t be so dramatic. But it doesn’t mean you can go back to cheese burgers and it doesn’t mean this new healthy lifestyle is no longer effective. It simply means you are in a maintenance mode. And that’s not a bad thing.
- Use whatever you want, it doesn’t matter.
Well, yes and no. Obviously it’s important to find and use a product and skin care regimen you like and that works for you, however you should be weary of what is actually in your products to begin with. There are many great products out there, but there are also some not-so-great products. For instance, your favourite daytime moisturizer might not contain SPF which will leave you vulnerable to the effects of sun damage to your skin. So yes, it matters.
- It’s best to use products with natural ingredients.
Sure ingredients that are naturally found in the earth are good, but there are plenty of things that Mother Nature creates that can be harmful to the skin as well. Similarly there are plenty of man-made or synthetic products that can be found in skin care that are just as good or just as harmful. So do your research first before bringing down the hammer on all synthetic ingredients.