Three Common Skin Care Misconceptions

It is easy to be taken in by the seductive myths and confusing implications pushed by cosmetics writers and advertisers. Here are three particularly harmful skincare misconceptions, and the truth about them.

Drying Your Skin Helps Clear Up Acne

This is a very convincing myth because skin with acne becomes oily and red; it seems natural to try to dry out the skin to restore its normal balance. This is the opposite of what you should do.

Suddenly drying out the skin will just cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive trying to restore the natural oils that you stripped from your skin, worsening your acne. In order to clear up acne, you need to clear debris from your pores to release black and whiteheads, and use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to restore normal moisture and oil levels to your skin to calm it and stabilize sebum production.

Using More Product Is Better

A pea-sized amount is often enough product for your face or both of your hands. Remember that the skin in these areas is not very thick, and if you apply too much product it won't be absorbed as intended. Excess product can clog pores and cause irritation or breakouts. Also, if you use too much, you'll also waste money because you run out more often.

Packaging Doesn't Matter

You will often find budget beauty products in simpler, less expensive packaging. Even if these skin care products contain the same ingredients as a more expensive brand, if they are not packaged correctly they can pose safety and efficacy problems.

Skin care products should ideally be packaged in opaque, airless containers that don't allow contaminants in. Light and air can cause active ingredients in your products to degrade, which will make the product less effective. Wide-mouthed containers act as traps for contaminants, letting dust, impurities, and microbes into your skin care products. Your products will age prematurely if they are not packaged well, and if they become contaminated with microbes, they can become dangerous vectors for skin infection.

As with all health related undertakings, you should make sure to do your research when you set out on a new skin care regimen. Make sure you know what you're putting on your skin and the chemical makeup of the product before using it.

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