busted skin care myths

Skin Care Myths – Busted!

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You may think you’re helping your skin by following these popular rules, but you may be surprised~ you’re actually hurting it. Here are a few examples of famous skin care myths and how to avoid further damage to your skin:

Myth No. 1: Wash Your Face Twice A Day

It sounds so simple and healthy: Wash your face twice a day — once in the morning, and once at night. But dousing your face with water can actually damage your skin. Washing your face too often (and/or with a harsh cleanser) can strip your skin of its natural, hydrating oils. That means your skin dries out and it’s more open to bacteria and other harmful gunk.

So how often should you wash your face? If you skip the makeup and aren’t around a ton of pollution, you can get away with washing your face once a day, or even every other day. Just don’t give up on hygiene all together.

No one likes the smelly kid.

Myth No. 2: You Must Exfoliate Often

If you’re exfoliating every time you wash your face, you need to cut it down … pronto. Instead of a daily scrub, you should be exfoliating once every two weeks. This is because the dead skin cells that don’t get sloughed off when washed actually protect your skin from pollution and harmful bacteria.

Of course, you should also make sure you’re using the right product when you do exfoliate. The sharp edges of the particles in some scrubs made from apricot pits and walnut shells can injure the skin.

So what should you use? Gentle exfoliators made with rice or scrub beads. You can also use chemical exfoliants, like salicylic or glycolic acid. When you use these products, your skin should feel a little tingly but never red or irritated. If your skin seems irritated, ditch the scrub and look for a gentler option.

Myth No. 3: Only Old People Need Retin-a or Retinol

Many people think of anti-aging products when they hear the words Retinol and Retin-a, but these chemicals do so much more than just help with wrinkles. These ingredients also help with acne, pore size, skin tone, and overall skin health. And since Retinol has been on the market for about 50 years, it’s got a lot of research to back up the safeness factor.

These ingredients are the way to go when it comes to skin issues, instead of bouncing from fad product to fad product.

Myth No. 4: Always Use Oil-Free Products

If you have oily skin, the last thing you probably want to lather on is more oil … but you probably should. Even the oiliest skin needs moisture. Since some many acne products strip the skin of oil, causing it to dry out, your skin will produce more oil to replace it.

Even if you have healthy skin, you should consider using an oil-based moisturizer. Everyone needs oil — as long as it’s the right kind. There are some, like argan and coconut oil, that are skin compatible, absorb well, and even work to prevent acne. These oils have antibacterial properties and can help balance the skin.

Myth No. 5: Dry Out Your Zits with Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid

Got a zit? Chances are you use some kind of acne spot medication that has Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid in it. And most times they work to zap that zit to oblivion. BUT, those treatments can sometimes do more harm than good. For example, you may ditch the zit, but get red, flaky skin that can’t hide under any concealer. Not cool.

It’s because Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid are harsh and drying to the skin. Instead, look for a milder product that will still get rid of the zit, but not inflame the skin. Products with willow bark and clay will calm inflammation and draw out impurities. And just because they are considered gentler, don’t think they won’t solve your acne problem. They can still fight those pimples; they just do so without drying out your skin and making it look worse during the process.

Myth No. 6: “Natural” Products Are Always Gentle

When you see the word “natural” stamped on a product, don’t assume that it’s gentle on your skin. While many dermatologists praise all natural products, they need to be used in moderation just like any other product. For example, tea tree oil can take care of those zits, but you only need a small amount to get great results. If you use too much, your skin can become red and flaky. Imagine dousing your skin repeatedly with benzoyl peroxide. Yeah, that’s how bad.

Instead, the experts say to always read the labels and apply properly, no matter if it’s natural or not.

How to find the perfect facial

Facials 411: How to Choose the Right Type of Facial for Your Skin

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From extreme weather to nerve-racking elections and everything in between, there have been far too many contributors to our skin freak-outs of late. Our usual prescription for out-of-control skin is to head to a pro, pronto. But, if you’ve visited a spa lately, you already know that the facials menu couldn’t be any harder to read if it were in Greek. The differences among skin types are common knowledge — but what do all those different luxurious facial treatments actually do? And who are they for?
Here’s the lowdown on the five most popular facials to ensure that no matter how bumpy life gets, your face won’t show it. Go ahead, read up, and then take your pick.

Anti-Acne

You would think that this treatment would be best for those who have oily skin or are prone to pimples, but there are more benefits to this facial than meet the eye. In addition to treating breakouts, it’s also super-soothing and calms irritated skin. Clarifying facials use a combination of extractions and product application to bust blemishes; and some salons will tack on light therapy, which zaps zit-causing bacteria at the source.

Anti-Aging

Even if you aren’t starting to sag or worrying about wrinkles, you might still want to consider trying out one of these rejuvenating treatments. These facials are also perfect for anyone heading to a fancy event: You’re going to see some very dramatic results, and you’ll see the difference in your skin immediately. A key component of an anti-aging facial is deep massage, which stimulates collagen production, resulting in a lifted, fresh face. These facials usually incorporate three sets of face, neck, and décolleté massage with application of intensive masks and a concentrated anti-aging serum. The best thing about anti-aging facials? Consistent treatments will lead to legit results.

Brightening

Redness and irritation are common around this time of year, especially for us city dwellers. If your complexion needs a tone reboot, a combination of microdermabrasion and serums will get your glow back ASAP. And if you think that super-scrubbing your skin will only irritate you further, think twice. Microdermabrasion intensifies treatment results, as it helps active ingredients to easily absorb into your skin. I recommend that those with hyperpigmentation give brightening facials a try, as well.

Detox

If you’re getting your drink on more often than you should, your liver isn’t the only thing that needs a break. Detox facials are like a breath of fresh air for your face — literally. These treatments use hardcore amounts of oxygen to help tired, congested skin get the rehab it needs. Not unlike a juice cleanse, these facials get rid of the grit and gunk with three different forms of O2, in addition to extractions, cleansing, and masks.

Hydrating

We’re getting into the thick of the holiday season and while it might be exciting to get our red Starbucks cups back, that change in eating and drinking (not to mention the crunch at work) is less than thrilling, especially for our skin. Heating systems can also wreak havoc on our hydration levels. But dehydrated skin is not dry skin. Dehydrated skin results from a lack of moisture content in the skin, and anyone suffering from this, regardless of skin type, would benefit from the intensive hydrating ingredients in the moisturizers, masks, and serums that are applied during this type of treatment. But, you’re not done yet! The moisture level needs to be maintained through proper care at home. Think of it as homework. There’s nothing better than that glow skin has when it’s balanced and healthy!