Skincare Myths to Dismiss

We’ve gone over the doom scroll DIY hacks to avoid, but it’s time to talk about myths. More pervasive and convincing than online trends, skincare myths tend to stand the test of time (and short attention spans), making their way into routines and sticking around like last night’s eye makeup. 

Beyond being just plain incorrect, many of these skincare myths can cause long-term damage to your skin. Yikes!

Don’t believe the hype! Read on as we bust 3 of the most common skincare myths.

Don’t Be Fooled by These 3 Skincare Myths

More persistent than 90s body glitter, these skincare myths are as damaging as they are stubborn. 

Myth 1: “Tingling Means It’s Working”

You’ve probably heard this one before. That’s because it’s ancient! A holdout from the days of harsh scrubs and even harsher ingredients, “tingling means it’s working” is a persistent skincare myth that doesn’t hold up. “No pain, no gain” doesn’t apply to your face!

Fact: If it hurts, it’s likely causing inflammation

Here’s the fact: if your product is tingling, stinging, burning, or otherwise causing discomfort, that’s probably because it’s causing a reaction. Think inflammation, micro-tears, and even barrier breakdown. Skincare shouldn’t be painful! 

But how bad is bad? Experts say that some sensation is okay. Stronger actives like Vitamin C can cause tingling if your skin barrier is compromised. But stinging that lasts over a minute, pain, rashes… these are all signs that a product isn’t right for your skin.

What To Do Instead

When introducing any new product, start slowly so that you can gauge your skin’s reaction.

If a product you’re using starts causes burning, redness, or irritation, stop using it immediately. Wash it off, and follow with a gentle moisturizer that includes soothing ingredients like ceramides and aloe (no actives!). Simplify your routine to a mild face wash and moisturizer until your skin calms down. If the reaction is serious or persistent, seek medical attention. 

Active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and some retinols can cause mild tingling. The key with these is starting low and slow and working up from there. 

Tip: If you’ve got sensitive skin but want the benefits of active ingredients, try the “sandwich” method! Cleanse, apply moisturizer, follow with your active, and finish with another light layer of moisturizer. This helps cushion the active ingredient and protect your skin. 

Myth 2: “Only Moisturize When Your Skin Feels Dry”

If you only drink water when you feel thirsty, you’re probably dehydrated. Similarly, if you only moisturize your skin when it “feels dry”, the damage is already happening! 

Skipping moisturizer can cause more than just dry, flaky skin. It makes your skin more susceptible to environmental stressors, stresses your skin barrier, and can cause you to look older. This myth isn’t doing anyone any favours!

Fact: Moisturizing is crucial!

While moisturizing helps with dryness, it does much more than that. 

Moisturizing is essential for skin health and skin barrier function. It keeps skin plump and elastic while helping prevent fine lines and reduce sensitivity. Moisturizing has also been shown to improve your appearance!

What To Do Instead

Make moisturizing part of your regular skincare routine. Start with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, then apply your moisturizer on damp skin to help seal in moisture.

Tip: Does winter have your complexion looking extra dry? Double up on moisturizer to keep it hydrated! Want more? Check out our blog on winter skincare tips to keep your glow going all season long.

Myth 3: “You Only Need Sun Protection in the Summertime”

Sunscreen isn’t just for the summertime. UV rays don’t take a winter vacation! 

It’s well established that UV radiation causes skin cancer. However, while damaging UV rays are still present in the winter, it’s been shown that people are less likely to use sun protection.

Fact: SPF is important all year ‘round

Making SPF part of your daily skincare routine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevent signs of premature aging.

What To Do Instead

Apply SPF daily, no matter the season or weather. And yes, even on overcast days, or if you’re inside. Clouds and glass don’t stop harmful UV rays!

Takeaway

While we sincerely hope you haven’t fallen victim to any of these myths, you wouldn’t be the first. From DIY disasters to misguided myths, there’s a TON of skincare misinformation out there! All you can do is listen to your skin, do your research, and consult the experts when something goes awry.

The takeaway? Dismiss the myths and treat your skin kindly.

Looking for a proven method to improve skin health? Facial acupuncture has been shown to support healthy circulation, boost collagen, and rejuvenate your skin naturally. It goes beyond the surface to address the root causes of skin issues and signs of aging. 

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Eileen Fauster of Essential Balance is a Registered Acupuncturist and Registered Holistic Nutritionist who specializes in skin care. Eileen helps clients by using the Vienna Mei Ren non-surgical acupuncture facelift, which combines the best acupuncture needles and techniques with a beautifying skin rejuvenation regime.

* Resources:

Andersen, P. A., Buller, D. B., Walkosz, B. J., Scott, M. D., Maloy, J. A., Cutter, G. R., & Dignan, M. D. (2010). Environmental cues to UV radiation and personal sun protection in Outdoor Winter Recreation. Archives of Dermatology, 146(11), 1241–1247. https://doi.org/10.1001/archdermatol.2010.327 

Glaser, D. A., & Mattox, A. R. (2013). Cutaneous barrier function, moisturizer effects and formulation. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice, 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118384824.ch6 

Jiang, Z. ‐X., & DeLaCruz, J. (2010). Appearance benefits of skin moisturization. Skin Research and Technology, 17(1), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0846.2010.00462.x 

Narayanan, D. L., Saladi, R. N., & Fox, J. L. (2010). Review: Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. International Journal of Dermatology, 49(9), 978–986. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04474.x