When it comes to beauty and skincare you get opinions from everyone; grandparents, siblings, friends, influencers, and the internet. People may tell you some ‘tips’ that sound absolutely ridiculous, while others may tell you ones that sound actually decent. However, it can be hard to differentiate between the two when you have no idea.
That is why we have accumulated a list of all the most random myths and facts we have heard throughout the years about skincare.
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Hot water is good for you...
- FALSE! Hot water can actually remove oils and natural moisturisers from your skin while you are washing or showering – removing these can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy! You may find your face is particularly sensitive to hot water, so it is ok if you enjoy a hot shower on your body but be sure to only use warm water when washing your face
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Cucumber does help your eye bags...
- KIND OF!
The short answer yes, the other answer, anything cold can. Cold cucumbers can help provide instant relief to dry, tired-looking eyes. Due to their high-water content, they can also help to hydrate and moisturise the eye area when it’s puffy. However, generally speaking, any cool compress will have the same effect.
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Toothpaste helps your acne...
- MOSTLY FALSE!
This is one I remember from the school days! It is true that toothpaste does contain some of the same ingredients that over-the-counter acne medicines contain. However, toothpaste usually contain a little ingredient you may know called alcohol, which is widely know to dry out the skin - so why it may be ok for a quick spritz in a toner, it's not in as an acne cream! It could also make your acne even more red, irritated, and noticeable
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Sleeping in your makeup is ok...
- ABSOLUTELY FALSE!
Now, they may have done this is in swinging 60s, but it doesn’t mean we should 60 years later! Makeup can trap dirt inside the skin, and this type of stress on the skin can result in acne. It is vital that no matter how late it is, or how much you can’t be bothered, that you should always wash your makeup off!
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Your skin remains the same throughout your life..
- TRUE!
Your skin type stays the same throughout your life, however the condition of your skin may change over the time, so it’s important to care for is appropriately as it goes through different phases. When choosing different cosmetics, you need to be sure you are choosing the right ones for your skin type.
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If you have oily skin you shouldn't moisturise...
- FALSE
A common myth with moisturising is that you shouldn’t do it if you have oily skin, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Moisturisers that are a lotion or gel tend to be water-based, so these are less likely to aggravate your skin – also if your skin is acne-prone. Using a light and fast-absorbing product won’t leave your skin feeling slick or looking shiny.
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Lack of sleep can affect your skin...
- TRUE!
This is one you either know, or don’t. Lack of sleep is considered to be one of the three main acne triggers, along with stress and sweating. When you don’t get enough sleep, some of your hormone levels increase, including Cortisol (the stress hormone)
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If it starts to burn, it's working...
- ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
There is a difference between burning and tingling. Some face masks for example may have a tingling/tightening effect that you can feel on your skin. This is usually completely normal.
However, If you feel a burning sensation from a product it means that it is irritating your skin and you need to remove it as quickly as possible, or else your skin may react badly, such as coming out in blotchiness and rashes. Your skincare routine and products should not be an uncomfortable experience at all
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Your eyes show the first signs of ageing...
- TRUE!
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and thinnest, so this area shows the first signs of aging. As we age, our skin also loses elasticity and this can make it appear saggy and can cause it to become thinner. The earlier you start using eye cream, the healthier they will look in years to come
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You should use separate day and night creams...
- You’ll usually find that day creams are more lightweight, allowing you to easily wear it under makeup. Day creams are also usually formulated with SPF in them to help protect your skin from the sun – here’s your daily reminder that you should still wear sunscreen daily! Whereas night creams are typically heavier due to containing richer ingredients such as retinol, that helps your skin reset throughout the night
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Pores open and close...
- Steaming your face doesn’t actually open and close your pores, what it does, is loosen the oil in your skin, allowing it to slide out of your pores easily when you wash your face.