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Myths & Misconceptions of Everyday Skin Care

Posted on June 04, 2020

Written by: Sharon Panella, Licensed Aesthetician

Misconception: Vitamin A thins the skin. Actually the reverse is true.

Vitamin A (tretinoin & retinoids) help create new, healthier skin by kicking in cell turnover leaving the skin with a fresher look and improving texture. In effect Vitamin A will in time prevent fine lines by thickening the dermal layer of skin, stimulating collagen production resulting in plumper healthier skin.
Vitamin A is the most important ingredient in skin care. Backed by science and many years of research.
Consider: Skinceuticals Refining Night Cream with Retinol

Misconception. Aggressive scrubbing & using abrasive cleansers is good for your skin.

Using scrubs and abrasive cleansers too often can remove the oils that protect our natural skin barrier, some products will tear the skin and all this can contribute to aging and irritate skin. Think “less is more” and find a suitable cleanser and moisturizer that benefits your skin type. Safely use your scrub once a week as a general rule.

Consider: Skinceuticals Micro-exfoliating Scrub, Skin Authority Exfoliating Cleanser

Misconception: Skin repair only occurs at night while we are asleep.

While an adequate night’s sleep is certainly pleasing and helpful to skin repair, the skin’s renewal process is constantly taking place. However, not enough sleep can cause stress, sluggish and puffy skin and reduce the natural development of collagen and elastin fibers.
Consider: Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Dry, Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter

Misconception: Topical cosmetic collagen creams can replace collagen.

There is a lack of existing evidence the topical application of collagen can penetrate the epidermal layer of skin. Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin. These creams are ineffective in improving the skin’s underlying structure, as opposed to collagen injections. Topical application of collagen creams can however treat dry skin and provide hydration and moisture to the skin.
Consider: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Repair

Myth: Natural ingredients are better for your skin than synthetic ones

There are merits to natural products, but they are not always the most effective. Some natural ingredients can cause problems for the skin. At the same time, synthetic doesn’t equal bad. Active ingredients that need to be synthesized can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more efficacious.
Consider: Skinceuticals C&E Ferulic or Phloretin CF Serums

Myth: Indoor Tanning is Safe

Without question, there is no such thing as a safe tan from the sun or tanning beds. A tan is a wound. ALL tanning other than from a self-tanner or a spray tan is a problem. Actually UVA rays that are found in tanning beds lead to more harmful skin damage, as UVA rays radiate the most damaging effects and are a surefire way to fast track your skin to wrinkles, discoloration and even skin cancers.
Consider: Jane Iredale Tantasia Self-Tanning Bronzer

Misconception: The newest greatest & latest advertised anti-aging skin care products will work quickly to repair all your skin care concerns.

If a product sounds too good to be true, it most likely is all hype and marketing tactics.
The damage we incur to our skin over our life time did not happen overnight and it will not be magically repaired.
In most cases when you begin a new skin care regimen it will take at least three skin cycles depending on your age to begin to see visible results.