5 Common Skincare Myths Demystified by Experts

May 17, 2023 by Dr. Taruna Yadav

Table of Contents

Picture this: You’re standing in front of the mirror, desperately dabbing toothpaste onto a pesky zit, hoping for a miracle overnight. Sound familiar? Well, that is one skincare myth we have all fallen prey to. In a world full of Instagram and TikTok influencers touting the next “miracle” product, to unsolicited beauty advice pouring in from all quarters, it is easy to get lost in the whirlwind of misinformation. Lucky for you, our team of dedicated experts at Forest Essentials is here to dispel 5 common skincare myths and help you separate fact from fiction. Read on as we demystify the world of skincare, one myth at a time.

5 Common Skincare Myths & Facts

Skincare Myth: SPF is only necessary during summers.

Skincare Fact: SPF is a must-have for all seasons, even when the sun isn’t shining.

Contrary to popular belief, the significance of sunscreen extends far beyond the scorching summer months. Many people mistakenly assume that the need for sunscreen diminishes when winter sets in or the days turn gloomy. However, the truth is that the harmful UVA rays, which cause skin damage and premature ageing, persist relentlessly throughout the year, even on seemingly overcast or cloudy days. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine ensures skin that is healthy, glowing and protected all year round. It is also important to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours to ensure that your skin is protected throughout the day as the effectiveness of the initial application wears off in a couple of hours.

Our Sun Fluid SPF 50|PA++ is a delightfully lightweight formulation made with cooling and hydrating natural ingredients including fresh Coconut Water, that leaves no trace of a white cast and lets your skin thrive in all seasons.

Skincare Myth: You can skip the moisturizer if you have Oily skin.

Skincare Fact: Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, even Oily skin.

Repeat after us: Oily skin NEEDS moisturization too!

Neglecting to moisturize oily skin can lead to dehydration, which triggers the overproduction of sebum and results in excessive oil and clogged pores. The right way to go about it is to use a light, hydrating moisturizer instead of a heavy, greasy one. The Light Day Lotion Lavender & Neroli is specially crafted to meet the hydration needs of oily skin as it keeps the skin plumped & protected all day, without clogging your pores.

Skincare Myth: Burning or sensitivity means your skincare is working.

Skincare Fact: If your skin feels sensitive or irritated, it may not be suitable for your skin.

Skin concern

While it is true that some skincare products may cause a mild tingling or a sense of tightness in the skin, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is working. In fact, these sensations may indicate irritation or damage to the skin’s barrier function. The skin’s barrier is responsible for maintaining hydration levels and protecting against external aggressors. Any damage to this delicate balance can result in dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity.

Skincare Myth: The more you wash your face, the better.

Skincare Fact: Washing your face twice a day is more than enough.

Excessive washing of the face often does more harm than good, as it wreaks havoc on the skin’s natural moisture balance. By overwashing, you strip the skin of the precious oils that act as a protective barrier, leaving your skin prone to dryness, irritation, and redness. Instead, choose from our range of expertly formulated Facial Cleansers that gently yet effectively cleanse your skin while controlling excess oil & clarifying acne, so you don’t feel the need to wash your face as often anymore.

Skincare Myth: More is always better when it comes to skincare.

Skincare Fact: Less is more.

While it may be tempting to build a 10-step beauty routine after watching your favourite celebrity’s latest regime update, the truth is that using too many products can be counterproductive. The secret to healthy skin lies in keeping your routine fuss-free by finding the right products that address your specific skin concerns and using them consistently. Consistency is? That’s right- key! Quality over quantity is the mantra for a skincare routine that delivers.

To help you further in your “less is more” journey, here is a basic 3-step CTM (Cleansing-Toning-Moisturizing) routine for you-

Start the routine with a gentle cleanser that deeply cleanses your skin without stripping away the essential oils. We recommend the Facial Cleanser Honey, Lemon & Rosewater for normal & dry skin, and the Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem for oily & acne-prone skin.
Follow it up with any one of our Facial Tonic Mists to hydrate and tone the skin.
End the routine with a good ol’ moisturizer. Our personal favourite is the Soundarya Day & Night duo which leaves your skin radiant by day and transformed every night!

FAQs

Can drinking water improve skin health?

Drinking water is beneficial to your overall health. Although, there are no scientific studies that show a direct relationship between an increase in water intake and improved skin health. Nonetheless, it is important to consume at least 8 glasses of water daily to aid proper flushing of toxins, internal hydration and proper physiological functioning, which further improves skin health.

Is it important to apply sunscreen indoors?

Yes, it is important to apply sunscreen even when indoors. While indoor environments do provide some level of protection from direct sunlight, harmful UVA rays can still penetrate windows and cause skin damage. Additionally, exposure to artificial light sources such as electronic devices and certain light bulbs may also contribute to premature ageing and skin damage.

Should you exfoliate your skin every day?

No, you should not exfoliate every day. Exfoliation is an essential part of skincare, but overdoing it can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin’s protective barrier. The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and sensitivity. For most people, exfoliating 1-2 times a week is sufficient to remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy complexion & texture.

Can sleeping on your face cause wrinkles?

Sleeping on your face can potentially contribute to the formation of wrinkles. When you sleep with your face pressed against a pillow, it can create friction and constant pressure on the skin. Over time, this repetitive pressure can lead to the development of some sleep lines and wrinkles.

Do pore strips effectively remove blackheads?

Pore strips can be effective in removing some blackheads, but they may not eliminate all of them completely. Pore strips work by sticking to the skin and pulling out the contents that have clogged the pores, including dirt, oil and some blackheads. However, they are not able to remove deep-rooted or stubborn blackheads. It is also important to note that pore strips should be used in moderation as excessive use can lead to irritation or damage.

References:

https://www.grazia.co.in/beauty/5-skincare-myths-you-should-stop-believing-according-to-skin-experts-9525.html

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/bad-skincare-advice-habits

https://www.health.com/beauty/skincare/skincare-myths-to-stop-believing

https://www.byrdie.com/skincare-myths-debunked-347064

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a570937/skin-care-facts/

https://www.allure.com/story/do-pore-strips-work

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Taruna Yadav Senior Ayurveda Doctor

Dr. Taruna Yadav is a Senior Ayurveda Doctor, Author, Speaker, and Certified Stress and Lifestyle Management Consultant who has been working in the area Preventive and Holistic Health for more than a decade.She started her career as an Ayurvedic Doctor in 2007 and took up Nutrition and Wellness along the way to help people achieve Optimum Physical Health. She also has a specialization in Mental Health Specialisation and is a Member of the International Stress Management Association, UK. She strongly believes that proper nutrition, natural remedies and Ayurvedic therapies can help ensure a healthy mind and body. At Forest Essentials, Dr. Taruna represents the expertise on Ayurveda, Nutrition, and Stress Management.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.