Debunking 5 Popular Skin Care Myths You Probably Believe

It seems like everywhere you look online, there’s conflicting information about what’s good for your skin and what’s not. There’s so many myths circulating in the skin care industry and we’re here to bust them for you!

Myth #1: The higher the SPF, the better the protection 

Truth: While using SPF everyday is crucial, just because you’re using the highest SPF you could find, doesn’t mean that it’s the best way to protect your skin. 

The type of sunscreen you use makes a huge difference! There’s different kinds of UV rays that we need to defend against: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeply, causing a tan. UVB rays often lead to a sunburn and are the source of the majority of damage (skin aging, pigmentation, carcinomas, etc.). UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, so they don’t reach us. This means we need UV protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF value you see on sunscreen refers to the amount of protection from just UVB rays, which is not enough. Look for sunscreens that are broad spectrum, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. 

When looking at the value of your SPF, it should be at least 15. However, anything over 40 won’t add any extra protection to your skin, so stick between the 15-40 SPF range. 

Myth #2: You don’t need to wear sunscreen if it’s overcast or cloudy 

Truth: You need to wear sunscreen everyday, even if it’s cloudy. 

The sun’s rays and UV radiation reach the earth’s surface no matter what the weather is, so it’s critical to wear sunscreen daily. In addition, most of us are not applying sunscreen nearly enough. If we’re out and about, sweating, or swimming, our SPF will not last more than 2 hours. Reapply your sunscreen throughout the day to ensure that your skin stays protected. Getting a travel size to keep in your purse is a great way to make sure you’re all set with SPF. 

Myth #3: You don’t need a moisturizer if your skin is oily 

Truth: Everyone’s skin benefits from moisturizer. 

Despite what you may think, oily skin can actually still be dehydrated! That actually might be what contributes to your oily skin. If your skin feels dehydrated, it’ll produce more oil to try to moisturize your skin. Regularly moisturizing will help balance out your oil production, while leaving your skin more moisturized and soft! 

Myth #4: Your pores can “open” and “close.”

Truth: Your pores can't open or close. 

While this is a popular belief in the skin care industry, your pores actually don’t open or close! That’s right, all those websites telling you that steaming your pores will “open” them and cold water will “close” them is incorrect! Instead, pores dilate and become stretched out due to a variety of factors, such as genetics, aging, changes in temperature, etc. When your pores dilate, they get clogged with oil and debris, making them look larger. If you want your pores to appear “smaller,” you really need to exfoliate regularly to clean them out. This will make them less noticeable. 

Myth #5: Natural or clean beauty products are always better for your skin 

Truth: Just because it’s natural doesn't mean it’s good for your skin 

We often hear about natural, green products and “clean” beauty, but there isn’t any solid proof that these products are better or healthier for your skin. In fact, the FDA has said that just because ingredients are from natural sources, it doesn’t mean that they are healthier, safer, or better for your skin. Furthermore, the FDA doesn’t recognize “natural” or “clean” as defined terms, so there’s no regulations around what qualifies as natural or clean.  

Clean beauty promises a “chemical-free” approach to skincare. However, everything breaks down to chemicals. Water is a chemical. In addition, in order for companies to release any products, they need to extract and process their ingredients in a lab, so they end up with synthetic components in them anyway. 

And, some chemicals can do so much more for our skin than “natural” ingredients can! Or at least enhance them. Many natural products don’t have the right molecular makeup to be absorbed by our skin, but by combining them with the correct chemical combination, it can work wonders for your skin! That’s what we believe here at Intoxicated Cosmetics: be inspired by nature, and use science to perfect it. 

Some dermatologists also oftentimes disagree that products without parabens or sodium lauryl sulphate (which are two main ingredients that the clean beauty community avoids) are any better for you than products that do contain them. Might clean beauty products work better for you? Sure. But, there’s no proof that it will or any reasoning behind it. Whereas our products, while not being “clean beauty,” are scientifically backed and proven to improve the quality and appearance of your skin! But don’t take our work for it, check out our reviews and before and after photos to see for yourself! 

Now you’re armed and ready with the knowledge you need to make the most out of your skincare! Remember, if you ever have any questions, we’re here to help! Email us at info@intoxicatedcosmetics.com and we’ll get back to you :)