Skincare Myths: Fact vs. Fiction

When it comes to caring for your skin, you can’t believe everything you hear. Incorrect info is easy to find, and unreliable fads can leave your skin worse off. 

Whenever you hear or read something unfamiliar to you, it’s always a good idea to fact check it. Ask reliable sources and be sure you are getting the full truth before you believe all the buzz. 

We live in a world of information. Some of it’s correct, and some isn’t. For example, here are a few myths you might have run across at some point in your life. So which is it for these skincare myths? Fact or fiction?

Myth #1: You Can Shrink Your Pores

False.  

You may have heard people recommend certain treatments to shrink your pores. Such as using steam to open your pores and clean them out, followed by an ice roller to close them, thus making them appear smaller. But pores don’t actually “open and close” the way we think they do, and hot steam can make skin conditions like eczema or rosacea act up. 

Some products like face masks can remove dirt and oil that make pores less noticeable, but they can’t change the size of the pores themselves. Things like genetics, skin type, and age can affect the appearance of pores. A regular skincare routine can minimize the possibility of pores retaining debris that can draw your eye to them, but you can’t really make them smaller. 

Myth #2: Skin Gets Used to Products

False.  

Another common skincare myth is that your skin will build up a tolerance to a certain product and then won’t respond favorably to it anymore. Some people believe you have to keep finding new products to “trick” your skin into behaving. But the truth is that skin replenishes itself about every 27 days. So it doesn’t really have time to “get used” to anything.

Checking your skin for allergic reactions or intolerances is a smart thing to do, and switch it if you think you need a different product. But if you find something that works well for you, like our body washes and lotions, by all means, keep using them! 

Myth #3:  Wearing Sunglasses Protects Against Crows Feet

True.  

Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is one skincare myth you should pay attention to! Even on cloudy days, as much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still get through, and your skin can definitely suffer. Tender areas around your eyes can develop tiny wrinkles known as “crows feet” from continual squinting, even when the sun doesn’t seem to be that bright. Wearing sunglasses is one helpful tip that can protect you from the effects of UV rays. 

In fact, protecting your skin with sunscreen year round, indoors and out is a good idea. Some people may not realize that you can still be affected by UV rays even if you’re indoors most of the time. 

And don’t forget about your lips! Using a lip balm that contains SPF protection is a good idea, because lips can get sunburned too!

Myth #4: Toothpaste Can Heal Zits

Might work, but may cause damage. 

Have you ever had someone tell you to put toothpaste on a zit and it will go away more quickly? Well, it may be true that toothpaste has some similar ingredients to some acne products, but toothpaste also has other ingredients you might not want to be putting on your skin. 

This common skincare myth might cause more dryness than you had hoped for, as well as redness and inflammation. Especially if you have sensitive skin. In this case, leave the toothpaste for your teeth, and find a more suitable treatment for troublesome outbreaks on your skin. 

Myth #5: Cucumbers Reduce Puffiness Under Eyes

True-ish.   

While this may be a relatively true skincare myth, you may not be getting the whole picture. Cold cucumber slices are a common skincare treatment that’s often added along with a soothing face mask while enjoying a home spa day. It feels good and does help reduce some degree of puffiness under your eyes.

But the truth is, it’s not the cucumbers themselves. It’s the cool moisture, and pretty much any cool compress will do the same thing. So, shhhhhh, don’t tell the cucumber lovers. It’s okay to let them enjoy their familiar spa day routine. And cool cucumbers covering your eyes isn’t likely to cause any harm, so keep calm and cucumber on! 

Debunking skincare myths can be overwhelming, but just remember to look for reliable sources for skincare information. We go to great lengths to fact check everything we post. 

Whether you have average, oily, sensitive or dry skin, there’s a skincare routine that will work for you. When you invest in the best treatment for your skin, based on true and fact based information, you can be an expert on what’s best for you and your skin.