Skin care myths you should know

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, so keeping it looking flawless and glowing is essential. With so many skincare products competing for our attention, it can be difficult to know what to apply and what to avoid. Choosing the right skincare routine for your skin type is key. Hoarding products is not the answer. If you’re not sure what to keep or toss, we’re here to clear up the confusion by debunking some widespread skincare myths.

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SKIN CARE MYTHS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

1. Antioxidants reverse wrinkles: They are a great tool to combat the effects of aging. While they help prevent skin damage and reduce inflammation, they do not reverse the signs of aging.

2. People with oily skin do not need to moisturize: People with oily skin often think they don’t need to moisturize, but that’s a mistake. Moisturizing is still essential because it offers numerous benefits. If you don’t use it, your skin can become dry, which triggers an overproduction of oil as a natural response. Opt for a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.

3. Your makeup’s SPF is sufficient: Relying on the SPF in your makeup isn’t enough. While some makeup, serums, or creams contain SPF, they don’t offer complete sun protection. These products usually protect you from UVA rays, but to really protect your skin, you need protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

4. The active ingredients will work the same way regardless of the formulation: This is a myth. Active ingredients rely on several elements within a formula to be effective. The type of ingredients used plays a crucial role in how well they penetrate the skin. The base of the formula, whether it is an emulsion, cream, light serum or essence, also significantly influences absorption.

5. Toothpaste to treat pimples: While toothpaste can have a drying effect and the zinc present in some toothpastes may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, ingredients such as fluoride or menthol can irritate inflamed skin and potentially worsen the condition. It is best to consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

6. Natural or organic products are always better for your skin: People think that natural or chemical-free products are a better option for treating specific skin problems as they do not contain synthetic ingredients. However, choosing skin care products with mild chemical ingredients that possess specific medicinal properties will help alleviate specific skin conditions. Avoid harsh chemicals like PEG, alcohol, sulfates, parabens, or added fragrances as they can irritate your skin.

7. We can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines completely: Many anti-aging products are marketed with claims like “get youthful skin overnight” or “look 25 years younger with this anti-wrinkle treatment.” However, it’s a common misconception that these products can completely erase wrinkles or other signs of aging, and those claims often turn out to be scams or marketing gimmicks.

Many anti-aging products from well-known brands are formulated with powerful ingredients such as rosehip oil, retinol, or glycolic acid. These potent ingredients are effective for aging skin as they can delay the signs of aging, but not magically erase them. They work by improving collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. These products may take a few weeks to improve skin elasticity and firmness, but they cannot erase existing wrinkles.

With these points in mind, choose your skincare products carefully, as every skin type benefits from the right products and a consistent routine. Don’t expect instant results when starting a new skincare regimen. Remember that your lifestyle, diet, and sleep are also crucial to achieving healthier skin.

(Mubarika Noor is pursuing a Masters in Mass Communication from Aligarh Muslim University)