5 Most Common Skin Care Myths You Should Not Believe In

With a growing interest in skincare rising on social media over the last few years, many people are claiming to be experts in the world of beauty. A lot of misconceptions can be quickly spread, from harmful DIY products to damaging practices. Your skin needs to be treated gently and with the right products, so it’s important to know which common beliefs are actually myths.

To give your skin the care it deserves, keep reading to know which myths have been debunked and how to overcome them.

# Hot water opens up your pores

Fact: Your pores are not sensitive to different temperatures. When you use hot water, your skin swells a bit, giving the illusion that your pores are opening. In fact, hot water can cause more damage to your skin than any perceived benefits, so keep your water lukewarm.

# You can never wash your face too much

Fact: Actually, you can. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your skin to overcompensate by producing excess sebum. Your skin can end up being sensitized, irritated, and face other consequences if you over-wash. For oily skin, stick to washing your face in the morning and evening. If you have dry skin, you can opt for just a nightly cleanse.

# Makeup with SPF is enough SPF

Fact: Unless you are very liberally applying said makeup products, then it won’t be nearly enough to properly protect your face. In addition to this, you have to reapply your SPF throughout the day to properly protect your skin. Makeup with SPF is better than nothing, but be sure to also apply, and reapply, an actual broad-spectrum SPF with a minimum of SPF 30.

# You’re too young to use anti-aging products

Fact: The key to anti-aging skincare routines is preventative measures. Preventing signs of premature aging is much better than treating them after they appear. Once you enter your twenties, it is perfectly acceptable, and encouraged, to start adding in some anti-aging products. Research which active ingredients are best for your age group, then work your way up from there.

# Toothpaste is a great DIY acne treatment

Fact: Toothpaste contains ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol, essential oils, triclosan that have drying properties. For this reason, many people love using it as a spot treatment, attempting to dry out a pesky pimple. Unfortunately, toothpaste, in many cases, will only further irritate your skin. You might cause a pimple to face burns from the toothpaste or experience more inflammation overall.