Debunking Skincare Myths

What you thought was "common knowledge" in skincare may spell the difference between glowing, healthy skin or a dull, lifeless complexion. It turns out, achieving the former relies more on your ability to distinguish fact from fiction. 

Let's get to the bottom of the most common skincare myths:

1. Chocolate and greasy food causes oily skin and acne

False. An oily substance called sebum that's secreted by the skin causes acne. There is no direct evidence that proves chocolate or oily foods cause breakouts. Of course, a healthy diet helps a lot with great skin, so keep the junk food to a minimum and load up on your fruits and vegetables. 

2. Exfoliating your skin is terrible for you

False. Exfoliating with the right products can benefit your skin—but you have to use a light hand. Like anything else, too much of something isn't advisable, so you have to go easy on the scrubbing. Choose a product that uses gentle and natural exfoliating properties versus known abrasive elements such as microbeads. 

3. Toners are necessary 

Fact—especially if you're acne-prone. Toners are recognized for their ability to cleanse the skin and remove excess oil after washing. However, you must use toners that won't completely strip your skin of natural oils. For a long time, toners were made with alcohol leaving behind a squeaky-clean sting that dried your skin—be sure to avoid these and choose products with gentler formulations. 

4. The order in which you use your products doesn't matter. 

False. Products are meant to prep your skin and help it absorb all the nutrients in the products you're using. Experts recommend cleansing first, followed by a toner, a serum, and finally a cream. When in doubt, always do thinnest to thickest.

5. You don't have to use moisturizer if you have oily skin

False. Oily skin is different from hydrated skin. The latter refers to the skin's moisture content, while the former relates to the skin's sebum content. Oily skin, which is skin that has high sebum content, can be dehydrated, which means moisturizing is still crucial. 

6. You need to use a lot of skincare products to achieve great skin. 

False. You don't need a 12-step regimen to achieve healthy skin. You just need the right products that work for your skin and consistency. Piling on too many products can do more harm than good. 

Let us know if you have any more skincare myths that you'd like us to address. Leave a comment below!