It seems there’s always something new on the market to help with aging, or there’s new advice on how to care for your skin. What should you be using? What advice should you act on? It can be hard to decide, and since we want our guests to have the best, healthiest skin possible, we explored the myths out there. What’s wrong and what’s right? Let’s find out.
Skincare Myth 1: You can use tanning booths as long as they don’t contain UVB rays.
Tanning booth companies often say that they are filtering out the so-called “sunburn” UVB rays. While UVB rays do cause skin damage and premature aging, UVA rays can do the same. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure to these rays, which are present during tanning, lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling and suppression of the immune system.
Skincare Myth 2: Higher SPF means better protection.
Most sunscreens protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburns. However, like we just stated, UVA rays cause damage, too, on a much deeper level. Sunscreen with a high SPF that only protects against UVB rays isn’t protecting you from all sun damage. Look for broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to protect against both UVB and UVA.
Skincare Myth 3: Pop pimples to remove the pus.
We know how good it feels to pop a pimple…there are even Youtube accounts dedicated to popping zits! However, estheticians and dermatologists agree that the best thing you can do for a zit is let it be. You can use acne medication or topical creams, but don’t pop it. While it feels and looks better immediately, the trauma can lead to scarring and spread the infection under the skin, which is why you get a new pimple nearby a few days later. If you absolutely have to pop it, use a comedone extractor or see a professional for acne and blackhead removal.
Skincare Myth 4: When it comes to face washing, the more the merrier.
Face washing is good, so more face washing must be better. Excessive face washing or using the wrong products can actually cause damage. If your skin feels very taut afterwards, you’re removing important oils. Avoid cleansers that contain harsh surfactants, which rid skin of too much oil and leave it so dry that it feels tight. Also, harsh scrubbing can cause rashes and burns. You want skincare products that remove dirt and makeup but still leave skin feeling supple. Look for products that contain coco betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, and sucrose laurate. We love the Aveda skincare products for their effectiveness and gentleness.
Skincare Myth 5: Your skin can get used to products.
Los Angeles and New York City dermatologist Karyn Grossman says that it depends on the active ingredients. “Your skin does acclimate to vitamin A derivatives, such as retinols, and prescription retinoids, like Retin A, Differin, and Tazorac.” However, this isn’t the case with antioxidants, moisturizers, and peptide products. Sometimes you stop seeing changes because you’ve reach the maximum of what a cream can do. In this case, look for a product with different active ingredients or get prescription products.
Stop into VICI Capilli Salon in Milwaukee and get skincare advice from our estheticians that suits your exact skin type.