Skincare Myths

We’ve all read articles or blogs about how to make our skin look better. Some give great tips and advice and others pass on information that is not quite true. Let’s address three common skincare myths and what you can learn from them.

Skincare Myths #1: Dirt causes acne so  wash your face more often to prevent acne.

Nope, acne is caused by oil and hormones and skin cells clogging your pores. Washing your face too much can strip your skin and cause it to ramp up oil production. This will lead to more oil and skin cells clogging your pores causing irritation and pimples. Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. Skin should not feel tight or squeaky after cleansing because that means it has been stripped of oils and water content, leaving it irritated and dried out.

Skincare Myths #2 Lotion can prevent stretch marks.

We’ve all know someone who swears they don’t have any stretch marks because they faithfully apply lotion daily. Stretch marks are caused by rapid weight gain, especially in one area, like in pregnancy or during puberty, lotion will not prevent them. A better explanation for people who don’t have them is genetics. Some people’s skin is just genetically better disposed to handling the stretching that comes with rapid weight gain. What lotion can do is help with the itchy sensation that accompanies the expansion of skin, so go ahead and pamper yourself but don’t expect any miracles.

Skincare Myths #3: Products can shrink the size of your pores and steam can open them up.

Unfortunately, this is not true. The size of your pores is determined by genetics and cannot be changed. What can you do? Pores that are clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells will be more noticeable than clean pores, so the best way to minimize the appearance of your pores is to keep your skin clean and your pores unclogged. Consider getting a professional facial to help get your pores clear. Another common misconception about pores is that steam will open them up, allowing better cleaning. Pores cannot open or close, despite what fashion and beauty magazines would have you believe. What happens when you use steam is the hardened sebum, or oil, trapped in the pores softens and is easier to remove. Again, because clean pores are less noticeable, this will help them appear smaller but doesn’t actually do anything to change their size.