6 myths about skincare you probably believe, but shouldn’t

Skincare is one of those industries where every brand and company has a different theory about what is best for your skin, and what ingredients will perform the miracle of reversing the signs of ageing. Unfortunately, that means there are many myths and theories floating around about skincare that aren’t necessarily true. We’ve rounded up some of the most common myths and busted them for you.

Myth #1 High end products are always better than drugstore products

This isn’t true. What makes a product effective are the active ingredients, and if the active ingredients you are looking for happen to be in a drugstore product, then it’s going to work just as well as a high-end product for triple the price.

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Myth #2 You can see results from new skincare straight away

This isn’t true because it takes around 21 days for your skin to complete its cell turnover cycle, which means you probably won’t see any true results for 3-4 weeks.

Myth #3 Face rollers are great for facials

Although a facial roller may feel nice and look pretty, anything that pulls at your skin isn’t good for it. The only face rollers you should be using are derma-rollers – and they should only be wielded by a professional facialist!

Myth #4 Essentials oils are good for your skin

Unfortunately, these sweet-smelling concoctions aren’t always suitable for topical use. While a spritz of lavender on your pillow may help with sleep and the scent of peppermint oil can imbue your home with energy, these oils are potent and in their concentrated forms can actually irritate skin.

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Myth #5 ‘Grainy’ or abrasive facial exfoliator are great for revealing fresh skin

An exfoliator shouldn’t be so abrasive that it leaves your skin feeling a little raw, sore or red. Exfoliation should be thought of in terms of cleansing, so exfoliating products should be gentle on your skin like a cleanser.

Myth #6 The signs of ageing you see are due to getting older

While this is sometimes true for some people, it’s more likely the signs of ageing you regularly see, such as wrinkles, pigmentation and other issues, are actually signs of sun and environmental damage. The best thing you can do to prevent signs of ageing is reduce your skincare regime to a simplified 3-step process of a gentle cleanser, antioxidant-rich moisturiser and daily applications of facial sunscreen.

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Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.