The internet has given people access to a whole host of skincare information, enabling them to learn more about how to give their skin all that it needs. However, nestled within the good advice out there is plenty of misinformation. While you may want to do right by your skin, it’s all too easy to start believing some of the commonly perpetuated skincare myths that abound, which could lead to you doing more harm than good for your complexion.
So, to make sure that you’re on the right track when it comes to your skincare efforts, keep reading as Introstem debunks some of the biggest skincare myths around!
Retinoids Can’t Be Used on Sensitive Skin
There’s definitely no shortage of misconceptions when it comes to retinoids. In some ways, this is strange because retinoids are some of the most-studied skincare ingredients out there!
With that said, the fact that there are several different types of retinoids available adds to the confusion. Retinoids have a reputation for potency, and there’s no denying that many of the retinoids out there would be far too powerful for sensitive skin. However, this doesn’t apply to all of them…
Retinyl palmitate is one that can often be used on sensitive skin without any issues. It’s a much milder vitamin A derivative than, say, retinol. However, when used regularly, it will still provide comparable results – it will just take a little longer for you to see them. Just like retinol and other retinoids, retinyl palmitate is also a superstar at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, brightening the look of the skin, and giving the skin a smoother and firmer finish.
This is why we’ve turned to retinyl palmitate for a number of Introstem formulations. The VitisCell Brightening Vita-C Serum is one. This vitamin C serum combines retinyl palmitate with two gentle forms of vitamin C, once again keeping sensitive skin in mind. It also boasts a number of hydrating plant oils that are known for soothing the feeling of inflammation, ensuring that sensitive skin happily tolerates this serum.
Sunscreen Only Needs to Be Used When it’s Sunny
It’s no secret that sun protection is essential if you want to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible. After all, the sun is responsible for up to 80% of the wrinkles that develop on the face. It causes inflammation, dark spots, dehydration, and other issues too. Putting some effort into sun protection now will prevent the appearance of creases and other problems further down the line.
However, what if you can’t see the sun in the sky? Does this mean that your skin is safe from sun damage and sunscreen isn’t needed?
Definitely not. It’s the UV rays emitted by the sun that are the problem, and these are always around, even on dull winter days. UV rays can penetrate through both clouds and glass, which is why your skin should always be protected during the day.
One easy way to do this is to incorporate an SPF moisturizer into your morning skincare routine, just like the VitisCell Facial Shield Cream SPF 30. This exquisite moisturizer is brimming with hydrating ingredients and antioxidant-rich botanicals. In addition to protecting your skin from the sun, it will also leave your face looking bright and radiant.
Toners Should Only Be Used on Oily Skin
It’s easy to understand why many believe that toners should only be used on oily skin. Back in the day, when toners first started hitting the shelves, they were designed with oily skin types in mind. Those early formulas were highly astringent. Their aim was to dry up greasy skin as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this only served to dehydrate the skin in the long run, triggering the skin into further increasing oil production. As a result, toners soon fell out of popularity.
Today, however, things are different. Toners are once again gaining attention but for different reasons. This time, toners are utilized as an opportunity to saturate the skin with some extra hydration and nutrients while ensuring that the skin feels pH-balanced and receptive to the rest of a skincare routine.
Many of the toners out there now can safely be used on all skin types, with the Introstem VitisCell Hydra Fresh Toner being one example. This toner, which features the likes of cucumber, aloe vera, grape stem cells, and chamomile, would be a fantastic addition to any skincare routine. It will balance, hydrate, and soothe your complexion, ensuring that your skin feels ready for the rest of your skincare products.
There’s Nothing Wrong With Exfoliating Every Day
This myth is a tricky one, purely because there are so many exfoliating products out there that state their suitability for daily use. Give them a try and you’ll likely notice that your skin looks bright and glowy each and every day after using them.
However, as time goes on, there’s a good chance that you’ll start to see some problems with your skin. From redness, sensitivities, and dryness to excessive grease and an increase in acne breakouts, the symptoms of over-exfoliation are varied. This can make it difficult to identify excessive exfoliation as the issue.
You may think that daily exfoliants prevent that. However, when it comes down to it, each time you exfoliate, you’re removing the outer layer of skin. Do this too often and your skin’s natural barrier won’t have time to replenish itself, which is when the problems begin.
Exfoliation can be very beneficial…but only if you don’t overdo it. If you have oily skin, don’t exfoliate more than three times a week. Meanwhile, those with dry skin should cut down to just a couple of times a week.
It’s also important to ensure that you’re using an exfoliator that won’t damage your skin. The Introstem VitisCell Fresh Revive Peeling, for example, exfoliates gently yet efficiently with a blend of mandelic acid and bamboo powder. It’s also loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to ensure that your skin feels strengthened and supported after each use. Use this exfoliator in accordance with your skin type and you’ll be able to maintain a beautiful glow.
Drinking More Water Will Treat Dry Skin
Again, this is another myth that’s easy to understand on a basic level. If something is dry, then giving it more water will help, right? While that may work with plants, dry skin is a little different. This skin type earns its name not from a lack of moisture but from a lack of oil. Dry skin is dry because it doesn’t produce enough sebum.
A lack of water would mean that the skin is dehydrated rather than dry. Sure, the dryness can sometimes lead to dehydration due to the fact that there isn’t enough sebum on the skin’s surface to keep moisture locked in. However, the two are still very different skin conditions.
So, if drinking more water isn’t going to help with dry skin, what will?
It all comes down to using skincare to replicate the role that your natural sebum plays. A rich moisturizer will do this well. Look for one that contains fatty acids, which are a key component in sebum. The Introstem VitisCell Day Repair Facial Cream would be a great choice. Shea butter provides essential fatty acids and other key nutrients while being a highly moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is known for its conditioning effects too. Meanwhile, the antioxidant-laden plant extracts will help to leave your skin feeling smoother and softer.
The Aqua Face and Neck Cream from Introstem is also a superstar at reducing the feeling of dryness. This one boasts a blend of plant oils, including sweet almond and jojoba. It contains shea butter too, along with vitamins, peptides, and amino acids. It’s a luscious moisturizer that’s suitable for both day and night use.
Face Wipes Are a Suitable Alternative to Daily Cleansing
It’s easy to see why face wipes can initially seem appealing. They’re quick and convenient to use, often more so than a regular face cleanser.
However, cleansing isn’t an area in which you should be taking shortcuts. This is one of the most important steps of your skincare routine and you need to get it right. Make mistakes with cleansing your skin and not only will the rest of your skincare products fail to penetrate your skin properly but the impurities left behind on your skin will contribute to free radical damage.
So, what’s wrong with using face wipes to cleanse? Simply put – they don’t do the job very well. Yes, they remove some of the dirt from the surface of your skin. However, anything that sits a little deeper than this doesn’t end up removed. Sure, your face wipe may push those deeper impurities around a bit but it won’t lift them away in the way that a proper face cleanser would. Of course, let’s not forget that face wipes aren’t very good for the environment either!
The best way forward would be to ditch the face wipes, saving them for emergencies. Then, add an extra minute to your skincare routine with a dedicated face cleanser, like the Introstem VitisCell Fresh Cleansing Mousse. Suitable for all skin types, this gentle cleanser creates a mousse-like lather that’s far more effective than a face wipe! Plus, it’s loaded with several other skin-loving ingredients too. Between grape stem cells, green tea, chamomile, and moringa seed oil, your skin will look and feel rejuvenated post-cleanse.
Summary
Some of the skincare myths out there are easy to believe because, theoretically, they may make sense. This is why it’s so important to do your research when it comes to your skin. Make sure that you have the correct information and are following advice from reliable sources so that you can give your skin all that it really needs. If you’ve been caught out by any of the skincare myths we’ve discussed above, make the necessary adjustments to your routine and your skin will thank you!
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