As we grow more aware and conscious as consumers, we also consume more knowledge and information. However, due to an overabundance of advice available on the internet, sometimes we tend to fall into the trap of misinformation. Whether we realise it or not, we have all been victims of these false myths that circulate around, and have made decisions without being 100% sure of the facts. These misconceptions can do severe damage to our skin, making it all the more essential to know the truth behind them.

We are here to debunk some of the most common myths in skincare.

1) Clean Beauty products are not as effective as regular skincare product

Unfortunately, people believe products that contain harsh chemicals are more effective and work faster to resolve their skin concerns. This is far from the truth and is a complete myth. Clean Beauty products are simply free of toxins such as Parabens, Sulphates, etc that do more harm than good for your skin, as they can cause allergies, irritations, and lead to a host of skin problems in the long and short term. Therefore, Clean Beauty products are the better choice, as not only are they good for the environment, but for your skin too. They contain active, potent and powerful ingredients that deliver maximum efficacy and results. These high performance skincare products are not just skin loving, but are made without any nasties, which means the right product can go a long way in achieving healthier, glowing skin. Once you find the right clean formulas, there is no looking back! 

2) Higher the SPF, better the sun protection

Believe it or not, this is a myth that most of us have fallen for while shopping for sunscreen. Most people are under the impression that if the SPF is higher, the sunscreen will offer better protection from the sun and prevent them from tanning. However, SPF or the sun protection factor works a little differently - above a certain level, a higher SPF has barely any benefits over a lower SPF. An SPF of 30 blocks out 97% of UVB rays, whereas an SPF 50 blocks 98% UVB rays. An SPF 30 is more than enough for everyday use, and anything higher than that is just a marketing gimmick, and a way to feed unnecessary chemicals into your skin. 

3) Only teenagers can get acne and pimples

As teenagers we are often told that we will eventually outgrow acne as we grow up. While it is true that teenagers get acne as they go through puberty and have fluctuating levels of hormones, they are not the only ones who can get it. Acne can occur at any point in our lives, including adulthood. While pregnancy and menopause are common culprits, poor lifestyle habits, irregular eating habits, inadequate water intake, pollution, etc can cause it too. Unfortunately acne triggers are not age dependent, but can be managed using the right remedies. Basic habits such as cleansing twice a day, always taking off your makeup at night, following a basic skincare routine, eating well can go a long way in achieving clearer and better nourished skin. 

4) You must scrub hard to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads

While we all know that facial scrubs and exfoliants are great to slough away dead skin cells, dirt and grime that clogs your pores, scrubbing too hard can cause great damage to the skin’s protective layer. Not only can it leave behind tiny cuts that lead to inflammation, but also makes the skin more vulnerable to infections and gives microorganisms a way to enter into your skin. This can cause great havoc, and lead to discolouration and scarring. It is best to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, in a kind and gentle manner. 

5) You can skip moisturiser if you have oily skin

A moisturiser is a holy grail skincare item that must be applied every single day of your life! It helps to add moisture to the skin as well as reduces oiliness by slowing down the body's natural oil or sebum protection. Sometimes, people are under the false impression that their moisturiser is making their skin feel greasy, so they avoid using one at all! Skipping out on a moisturiser can make your skin even oilier as it has a tendency to overcompensate for the lack of moisture. More often than not, cleansers strip your skin of its natural oils, making your skin lack sufficient hydration. If you have oily skin, opt for a light, mattifying or gel-based formula to replenish and hydrate your skin, such as the Sukin Oil Balancing Mattifying Facial Moisturiser.

Read more on how to choose a moisturiser for oily and acne-prone skin here.

6) Anti-ageing products will make your wrinkles and fine lines completely disappear overnight.

While most of us wish there was a quick and instant way to reverse the signs of ageing, anti-ageing products cannot do magic and make you look 20 years younger than you actually are! Products that claim to make your wrinkles disappear overnight are nothing more than a marketing gimmick. While anti-ageing products with power packed ingredients such as Retinol, Rosehip Oil, etc definitely help in slowing down the signs of ageing, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting collagen production to make the skin more elastic and firm, unfortunately, they cannot completely erase the signs of ageing, and take a at least a few weeks to work. They cannot dramatically overturn your skin concerns overnight. The best way to avoid ageing is to wear sunscreen everyday, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and follow a diligent skincare routine. 

7) If a product burns, it means that it is working.

While 'no pain, no gain' is a common phrase, this is a mantra best left behind in the gym. In skincare, burning sensations or even a little tingling can be very dangerous. If a product is stinging, it is definitely a cry for help! This either means that your skin is sensitive, or that the ingredients do not suit your skin. Any irritation or pain are a sign of an allergic reaction, and mean that you should discontinue using the product immediately. If the pain does not subside in a while, try applying some ice or Aloe Vera gel, or seek for professional help. In order to avoid this in the first place, always do a patch test before trying on a new product on your skin. 

Learn how to do a patch test the correct way here.

8) My products have become ineffective in the winter even though they worked for me in the summer.

Your skin has different requirements through the year depending on the climate, environment, hormone levels, etc. This means that a product that worked well in the summer when your sweat levels were off the roof will not have the same effect in the winter when your skin is cracking. Based on the weather and climate, your skin routine needs must be modified. Lighter, matte formulas work well in the summer, but may not always provide an adequate amount of hydration in the winter. This does not mean that your products are not effective anymore, it simply means that your skin’s requirements have changed. In the winter, the air becomes cold and dry, and the water in your skin evaporates more quickly, making it feel tight and dry. Which is why, you must switch to thicker, richer formulas that provide higher nourishment for best results. 

Watch our video below to know about these common myths in skincare.

We hope this cleared up some of the major misconceptions that are floating around in the skincare world, and helped you distinguish between what really works and what does not. Always steer clear of any misinformation, and look out for reliable and credible sources for your information. Please feel free to right to us at any time to know more about a product, an ingredient or any other query you may have!

- Krisha Jhaveri.