We Asked a Dermatologist To Debunk Skincare Myths

There’s no denying folks need good pores and skin—I imply, the skincare trade was value $130.5 billion in 2021, and there’s no scarcity of skincare content material on each single platform on the market. However with all of this press comes misinformation. From outdated wives tales to simply straight-up BS, there are a variety of skincare myths on the market that dermatologists are simply dying to lastly debunk. 

We requested a dermatologist to, as soon as and for all, give us the solutions: What’s reality and what’s fiction? 

1. Does carrying make-up trigger zits? 

So that you wore a full face of make-up and awakened the subsequent day with a zit. What offers? Make-up alone doesn’t trigger zits, however there may very well be elements in your cosmetics which are clogging your pores that result in breakouts, in response to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some comedogenic elements embody coconut oil, perfume, and typically silicone. 

Based on board-certified dermatologist and founding father of the Dermy Doc Field Dr. Fatima Fahs, should you’re carrying make-up, be certain that to undertake a “pores and skin first mentality,” that means you must by no means skip your skincare routine beforehand (together with sunscreen) and at all times take it off earlier than mattress. 

Additionally, should you’re breaking out after carrying make-up, it won’t be in regards to the elements. Be certain your make-up brushes are clear and that none of your merchandise are expired. 

2. Can doing at-home facial workouts tighten your face? 

For those who’ve watched TikTok within the final 12 months, you’ll know all about gua sha. There are literally thousands of movies on the platform of individuals claiming gua sha and facial massages lowered their wrinkles, gave them a jawline, and general tightened pores and skin. However is it bogus? 

There was little or no analysis executed on the efficacy of facial therapeutic massage and gua sha (we are able to solely count on this to alter within the subsequent decade), so any proof of this variation is anecdotal. 

For those who’re utilizing facial massages to slim down your face, when you may discover an instantaneous distinction as a result of de-puffing nature of therapeutic massage, there’s no option to “spot scale back” fats (identical to the way it’s inconceivable to scale back the scale of your wrists or fingers with out dropping pounds throughout).

So far as wrinkles go, using the muscle is what causes creases and superb traces, not the other. Because of this Botox works: It paralyzes the muscle so that you keep away from making these expressions that result in wrinkles. So doing facial workouts to take away wrinkles is backward; nevertheless, the anecdotal proof that facial therapeutic massage (by your fingers or gua sha) is fairly robust. Can we are saying that facial massages scale back wrinkles? No, nevertheless it doesn’t damage, and it feels good, so we’re for it. 

3. Do at-home chemical peels work?

There’s a cause chemical peels are solely administered by the professionals. “Medical-grade chemical peels are meant for the workplace setting as a result of we’re making use of them in a managed method and searching for particular endpoints to guage how a lot your pores and skin can tolerate,” Dr. Fahs stated. “Experimenting by yourself can lead to vital facial burns and even scarring.” No matter you do, Dr. Fahs stated, don’t attempt to create a DIY at-home chemical peel—it’s a recipe for catastrophe. 

As a substitute, Dr. Fahs beneficial mini peels, like an AHA/BHA serum or masks that exfoliates the highest layer of pores and skin. 

4. Can you employ facial oils you probably have oily pores and skin? 

Simply because you will have oily pores and skin doesn’t imply you shouldn’t be moisturizing. Nonetheless, the extent of moisture your pores and skin wants might be completely different from somebody with a dryer pores and skin kind. However surprisingly, oil can really be a greater choice for shiny pores and skin. Oil attracts oil, so it might probably typically steadiness sebum manufacturing whereas deeply nourishing the pores and skin on the identical time. 

Go for non-comedogenic moisturizers and oils which are made for shiny pores and skin, like Herbivore’s Lapis Blue Tansy Oil. 

5. Is all-natural, non-toxic at all times higher in your pores and skin? 

Skincare is so subjective: What works in your pores and skin won’t work in your finest pal’s pores and skin and even your mother’s pores and skin. Due to this, no merchandise are “higher” than others. It’s all about what works for you. Whereas some folks discover real love with non-toxic, “clear” magnificence, others may require these highly-studied elements like retinol and vitamin C to get their pores and skin to the identical place. 

6. Can your pores get greater and smaller through the use of sure merchandise?

All these merchandise which are focused at making your pores “smaller” are a lie. The scale of your pores, like most elements of your pores and skin, is linked to genetics, not the merchandise you employ. Your pores can’t completely change measurement, however exfoliating and clearing them out (particularly with in-office extractions) could make pores look quickly smaller as a result of they’re not clogged. 

If pores are a giant pores and skin concern for you, there are in-office remedies like lasers and micro-needling that may construct collagen and agency the pores and skin and make pores look smaller. 

7. Do you really want to make use of sunscreen indoors? 

Simply since you’re not basking within the sunshine on a Cabo journey doesn’t imply the solar isn’t impacting your pores and skin proper now. “Dangerous UVA rays are nonetheless making their option to your pores and skin out of your home windows,” Dr. Fahs stated. “As well as, blue mild from our telephones or laptops are being emitted and have been proven to contribute to worsening hyperpigmentation.” Until you’re in a darkish room all day with no pure daylight, begin an on a regular basis sunscreen routine.