When it comes to skincare the questions around
“is it fact or is it fiction”
are never ending especially during the winter months.
“We are bombarded with so much skincare information that we don’t even try and determine if it is in fact true. With the beauty industry continuously growing, there are so many promises, assurances and guarantees being made, while we are forever being told to change or follow a different skincare routine, that it can be confusing,” says Mario Correia, brand manager for sun protection brand Everysun. “Sometimes, the best piece of advice is also the simplest. One element that should always be considered when deciding on your skin routine is the season, as different seasons affect our skin differently and the requirements for our skin change.”
When it comes to skincare during winter, there are many myths that need to be debunked, and facts that need to be implemented. Correia highlights the following myths and answers them with the truth:
MYTH: The sun is not strong enough to harm your skin during winter, therefore you don’t need to use sun protection. TRUTH: You need to use sunscreen during winter to protect your skin from the sun as the radiation of sun’s UV rays, even on a cloudy day, can still pass through and damage your skin cells. Everysun’s range of sunscreen products is perfect for the entire family all year round. Wear nothing less than SPF 30 on your face to ensure that all exposed skin is protected. Skin Cancer Foundation also warns that in winter your sunscreen erodes from your skin faster than in summer due to harsher conditions such as wind, so it is important to reapply during the day.
MYTH: Oily skin doesn't need a moisturiser. FACT: All skin types need a moisturiser, including oily skin. Moisturising helps maintain the skin's barrier function and can help regulate oil production. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers specifically designed for oily skin.
MYTH: Using more products will give better results. FACT: Using multiple skincare products can be beneficial if they target specific skin concerns, but using too many products or layering them incorrectly can overwhelm the skin and lead to irritation. Keep your routine simple and tailored to your skin's needs.
MYTH: Hot water moisturisers the skin. TRUTH: Hot water can do more harm to your skin than good by striping natural oils from the skin leaving it drier. When showering or bathing during winter try not to make these too long and to keep the water temperature warm rather than hot. Don’t forget to moisturise your skin after.
Myth: Vigorous exfoliation of your skin will get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. TRUTH: Scrubbing and exfoliating too harshly will cause damage to the skin’s protective layer. This type of exfoliation can lead to tiny scratches that can become inflamed and make your skin more vulnerable to infections by allowing micro-organisms to enter your skin. Rather exfoliate gently 2-3 times a week.
There are many myths and truths about skincare, and although it is important to do your research and determine the truth, it is also important to make sure that the
“truths”
you discover work for your skin.
“When it comes to skincare, follow the basic steps of keeping your skin clean, toned, moisturised and protected from the sun. Once you have the basics in place, then you can include additional treatments as required,” comments Correia.
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