9 Skincare Myths: Facts vs. Fiction

With so much conflicting information out there about skincare, it can be hard to get the facts! From toothpaste on blemishes to sunscreen on a rainy day, we're setting the record straight on these common skincare myths.

1. MYTH: Apply toothpaste to your breakouts to dry them out.
   • While toothpaste does contain ingredients that can dry out acne, it can also overdry and irritate your skin, causing redness and inflammation. It's best to use real acne-fighting ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and clears dead skin cells from follicles. As new breakouts pop up, apply Clear Anti-Blemish Treatment daily as a spot treatment until the breakout heals.
2. MYTH: You don't need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day.
   • Sunscreen should be worn year-round to protect against UV radiation, regardless of the weather. Many people think they only need to wear sunscreen on a sunny day, but up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds. Even during winter the sun can harm your skin. To stay protected The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or greater every day.
3. MYTH: Always pop your pimples.
   • An inflamed breakout can be hard to resist, but don’t give into temptation! Picking or popping can lead to the spread of bacteria, creating new blemishes. It can also lead to scarring and can delay your skin’s natural healing process. Leave extractions up to the professionals. At the first sign of a breakout, spot treat with a medicated formula and use a full coverage, mineral concealer to cover up any blemish or skin imperfection.
4. MYTH: Products with a higher percentage of Benzoyl Peroxide are best for treating acne.
   • More is better, right? Wrong! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, studies show higher concentrations of Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) don't necessarily yield better results. The reason why BPO is so effective is because it targets and reduces acne-causing bacteria, causing the skin to dry, peel and heal. It can be so effective in drying that overuse can lead to overdrying and peeling, potentially irritating the skin. Limit use and frequency of BPO and apply with care directly on an inflamed lesion, avoiding surrounding skin areas, to target where it is most needed. Wash your hands thoroughly after application. BPO can bleach colored towels and linens, so be careful.
5. MYTH: Alcohol is bad for your skin.
   • While many claim alcohol is bad for the skin, the truth is some alcohols can be drying, but in a properly-formulated product, alcohol helps increase penetration of key ingredients. Fatty alcohols are non-irritating and very beneficial for the skin.
6. MYTH: Rosacea is contagious.
   • The misconceptions that rosacea is caused by poor hygiene and that it is contagious are false. Even though there are no scientifically proven causes of rosacea, we do know that there are certain conditions or factors that can trigger rosacea flare ups, like eating spicy food, drinking certain types of alcohol, intense exercise, dramatic changes in weather or extended exposure to wind or sunlight. While rosacea can affect anyone, it is most common in fair skinned individuals and most symptoms begin to develop after the age of 30. If you think you might have rosacea, find a doctor or dermatologist for treatment of this chronic skin disorder.
7. MYTH: Dimethicone clogs your pores.
   • It’s often said that dimethicone, often found in makeup primers and skincare products, suffocates your skin, causing breakouts and preventing other skincare ingredients from absorbing. Dimethicone’s semi-permeable natural is often misunderstood! Contrary to popular belief, the barrier provided is breathable while preventing water loss. Dimethicone also has an incredibly low allergic reaction rate of 1 in 100,000, the same odds as a child becoming an NFL quarterback.
8. MYTH: If you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it.
   • There are so many incredible ingredients that are a little hard to pronounce, so don’t hold it against them! A few hard-to-pronounce ingredients that are hard not to love: Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (from the fatty acids of coconut oil, gently cleanses), Methylsulfonylmethane (a natural compound used to ease arthritis pain), Glycyrrhetinic Acid (an organic compound derived from shredded licorice roots, great for dry, damaged skin), Isodecyl Neopoentonate (an emollient with high spreadability that softens the skin).
9. MYTH: At home facials are just as effective as professional facials.
   • While at-home skincare is a vital part to maintaining beautiful skin, professional estheticians use products only available to licensed and trained professionals that are more active than a retail homecare product. Learn more about how often you should get a facial.