6 Skincare myths debunked
Founder of the skincare brand, Biomedical Emporium, Dr Judey Pretorius comes with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She also has extensive experience as a research and development formulation scientist. In fact, she has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. Therefore, she is probably one of the best experts to consult when it comes to skincare.
Dr Judey Pretorius debunks six of the most common skincare myths which, even amidst so much information out there, continue to do the rounds:
Myth 1: There is no need for sunscreen during autumn and winter
Many people think SPF is only meant for warmer months and that it’s only necessary to apply it when you spend prolonged time outdoors. Dr Pretorius says: “The truth is that you should apply SPF every day, regardless of the season. UVA rays (the rays that cause the skin to burn) may not be that strong during the colder months, but UVB rays (the rays that cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines) are present all year round and pose risks to your skin at any given time. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is at risk even on an overcast day.”
Myth 2: Retinol is not required until your later years
According to Dr Pretorius, Retinol (Vitamin A) is the holy grail of skincare ingredients. In fact, “this powerful ingredient has the ability to increase the skin’s collagen production, increase the rate at which the skin’s cells turn over, treat and prevent acne, blackheads and breakouts and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.” Truly, prevention is better than cure. Delaying the onset of wrinkles and other signs of aging is much easier than minimising existing ones. “It is ideal to introduce Retinol to your regime in your mid-20s,” says Dr Pretorius. Try Biomedical Emporium’s Retinol Serum.
Myth 3: Makeup makes skin age faster
Makeup itself does not cause the skin to age faster. In fact, many modern foundation formulas now contain anti-aging ingredients to complement your skincare routine. Dr Pretorius says: “The only time that makeup may contribute to the aging process is if you do not remove it properly, or go to bed wearing it.” She explains that when you do that, it’s not only makeup that stays on your skin, but also dirt, impurities and bacteria picked up during the day. “These have the ability to accelerate the aging process.” She suggests a ‘double cleanse’ at night. Start by removing your makeup with a good-quality makeup remover. Then, cleanse your skin with a deep cleansing cleanser that removes impurities without disturbing the barrier integrity of your skin.
Myth 4: The harder you scrub, the better your exfoliation
Gentleness is key when it comes to exfoliation. Dr Pretorius says if you are exfoliating with a physical scrub, you need to massage the product into your skin gently, in circular motions. “Rubbing or scrubbing too hard will actually damage the skin. Plus, if you exfoliate too often you could strip the skin of its natural moisture. Less is more!”
Myth 5: Wash your face with hot water to open your pores
While hot water might help to open your skin’s pores, Dr Pretorius says you should never wash your face with hot water. “Hot water might feel good, but it can damage skin by stripping it of its natural oils, drying it out and damaging its protective barrier. Lukewarm water is ideal.” She adds that if your skin is red or flushed after rinsing, the water is too hot.
Myth 6: Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturised
An oily skin might tempt you to avoid moisturiser, but Dr Pretorius says even oily skin needs moisturisation. “Select a non-comedogenic moisturiser with a light texture that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. A hyaluronic acid moisturiser is a great option for all skin types as it is naturally found in the body and helps the skin retain water, keeping it hydrated.”
Which of these myths did you believe to be true? We’d love to hear from you.
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