We separate fact from fiction when it comes to looking after your skin.
There’s a lot of bad info flying around about how we should be taking care of our skin. It’s time to separate fact from fiction.
With a cornucopia of information and products out there, misinformation around skincare and how to use it can quickly be amplified. We look at some common misconceptions and counter them with expert advice from skincare creators and skin specialists.
MYTH Breakouts after initial use mean that a product is not right for you.
TRUTH “Certain ingredients that increase cellular production and exfoliate the skin surface such as retinoids, AHAs and BHAs can cause the skin to flare up when initially introduced into a regime. What is happening is that your skin is turning over at a faster rate and any existing underlying inflammation is being pushed out. Keep in mind that purging heals quicker than a breakout and usually occurs in areas where you would normally experience breakouts. If you are experiencing irritation in different areas it may not be purging; it may simply be irritation.
“When introducing these new ingredients into your regime it’s best to ease your product in slowly. Applying your products once or twice a week is a good start.”
Nina Gajic, Founder, Skin Virtue
MYTH Sunscreen in makeup is enough protection.
TRUTH “Using a sunscreen in its optimum state when not within a makeup is best protection. Double protection by using both would be ideal. The key is to reapply the SPF every 2-3 hours.”
Kole Scheib, Technical Skin & Retail Trainer, Lovely by skin institute
MYTH The higher the percentage of active ingredients in a product, the better.
TRUTH “Higher is not always better – a small percentage in clinically proven formulas can have incredible effects on the skin. For instance, retinaldehyde is one of the most powerful actives in skincare, but it is effective at tiny concentrations such as 0.05 per cent. Also be aware that the percentage is not always the most important aspect, but pH and delivery system, alongside stability, are all factors to consider when finding the right product for your skin’s needs.”
Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8
MYTH Oily skin types don’t need moisturiser.
TRUTH “Whether a skin is oily or not, all skin needs moisture.
“We still see oily skin with dehydration – and what people are not aware of is that the lack of moisture could be contributing to the production of more oil as the skin is
overcompensating. A moisturiser with the correct formulation can support oiler skin.”
Vanessa Feehan-Meldrum, National Technical Trainer, Sothys NZ
MYTH You can mix products together before using them.
TRUTH “The formulation of a product is a complete formula and is not intended to be mixed with another product. It is better to apply one after the other once the product has absorbed; ensuring that you start applying the product with higher penetration and finish with those products with a more superficial action. We do not recommend mixing a photoprotector with a moisturiser for instance, because by mixing them you will apply less sunscreen and therefore reduce the protective efficacy. Always follow the recommendation of a skin expert that will prescribe which products can be combined and are suitable for your skin type and concerns.”
Arantza Azparren, International Trainer, Mesoestetic Pharma Group
MYTH Prescription retinol is better than over-the-counter skincare with retinol.
TRUTH “We cannot say one is better than the other, as they are different. Prescription retinol is stronger than over-the-counter skincare with retinol, which are more general. However, prescription retinol can also be more of an irritant but more effective. With over-the-counter retinol it would take a longer time to see results.
“Our recommendation is to visit an aesthetic professional that will prescribe retinol after performing a complete diagnosis of the skin.” Arantza Azparren, International Trainer, Mesoestetic Pharma Group
MYTH Sugar or a bad diet doesn’t influence breakouts.
TRUTH “A diet high in sugar and processed foods can influence two major causes of acne and breakouts: inflammation and hormones. Blood sugar levels increase and your pancreas responds by releasing insulin. However, by reducing sugar, you may be able to decrease the amount of insulin and as a result, reduce the oil and acne production your body makes.”
Kole Scheib, Technical Skin and Retail Trainer, Lovely by skin institute
MYTH Fragrances in skincare products aren’t good for skin.
TRUTH “Fragrances have a bad reputation, which is why some products are marketed as ‘fragrance free’. Fragrances are considered the most common irritant in cosmetic products and can be allergenic regardless of whether they are naturally or synthetically derived. They are mixtures of various scent substances and anyone can react to the molecules composing the fragrance.
“In saying that, there are many scent substances that are not deemed fragrances and do not need to be labeled as fragrances, therefore a lot of seemingly fragrance-free skincare products actually have a fragrance added to mask the smell of the ingredients that don’t smell very good.
“If you are not allergic to perfume and use it regularly, or if you use foundation (which in most cases contain fragrances), then you are probably not allergic to fragrance and you don’t need to worry about them. If however you have sensitive skin, the best way to be safe when choosing skincare is to look for products formulated with allergen-free fragrances, as these formulations are least likely to trigger reactions.
“Allergen-free fragrances are fragrances that don’t contain any of the substances recognised as allergens by the current regulations.”
Nina Gajic, Founder, Skin Virtue
MYTH Acids like glycolic and lactic acid thin the skin.
TRUTH “On the contrary, AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid help skin get plumper and thicker as they stimulate skin renewal and hyaluronan deposition in skin. During a clinical trial quoted in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 12 per cent lactic acid treatment has shown an increase of epidermal thickness from 5.6 to 12 per cent after 4-16 weeks of treatment.”
Regis Haberkorn, President and Co-Founder, PRIORI Skincare
MYTH You can shrink open pores.
TRUTH “Unfortunately, pores are not muscles, therefore they do not open and close. Keeping pores clean will always help to keep your pores from distending. Maintaining a good collagen and elastin structure will produce stronger pore walls. Preventing sun damage and free
“PORES ARE NOT MUSCLES – THEY DO NOT OPEN AND CLOSE.” VANESSA FEEHANMELDRUM
radicals such as smoking will assist in slowing down enlargement of pores that some clients will develop.” Vanessa Feehan-Meldrum, National Technical Trainer, Sothys NZ
MYTH Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated.
TRUTH “Drinking water and staying hydrated are important for the overall health of the body and therefore important to help proper blood flow and nutrient flow to our skin. At the cellular level, drinking water and eating water-rich foods help to hydrate cells and filter toxins through the kidneys and out of the body, which again provide benefits to the skin. However, drinking water does not go directly into hydrating the skin. There is no data supporting the notion that drinking extra glasses of water will create a more dewy, hydrated appearance.
“While research has shown severe dehydration can negatively impact the skin, it is negatively impacting the entire body and your overall health will suffer. So definitely keep your body hydrated to help your skin! But to keep skin hydrated, it takes more than just drinking extra water to boost your complexion.”
Dr Neal Kitchen, Chief Geneticist from HydroPeptide
MYTH Toners are outdated and a waste of time.
TRUTH “Many people’s skins are lacking in a healthy acid mantle and barrier function. Toners today are much more sophisticated and packed with treatment ingredients that contribute to your skin’s health. A simple way to remember it is that a wet sponge will absorb more product than a dry sponge; a well-hydrated skin will absorb more than a dry skin.” Vanessa Feehan-Meldrum, National Technical Trainer, Sothys NZ