Skincare is integral to maintaining healthy and clear skin and should be incorporated into your daily routine. However, with several skincare myths, it's often challenging for people to pamper their skin the right way. As a result, the skin is more prone to damage and the effects of aging.

With so much conflicting information about skincare out there, it can be tough to decide what to believe.

So here we are!

Let’s debunk some of the most common skincare myths so you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine and maintain healthy skin that looks and feels great.

Myth # 1: You Only Need a Sunscreen on Sunny Days

Almost everyone knows that a basic facial skincare routine is all about cleansing your face, applying toner, and moisturizing it.

However, let's not forget that applying sunscreen is also an integral aspect of a daily facial skincare regime.

But one of the common skincare myths revolving around sunscreens is that you only need them when you’re heading outdoors on sunny days.

Let’s debunk this myth today because you must apply sunscreen every day and reapply every two hours, regardless of the weather conditions. It's because the ultraviolet rays travel from the sun no matter what the weather or time of the year is and penetrate through the clouds to affect your skin 365 days a year. Moreover, if you're near snow, sand, or water, freshen up your layer of sunscreen every two hours, as these surfaces can reflect sunlight and result in sunburn.

Furthermore, while applying sunscreen when heading outdoors is critical, it's equally important to use it indoors to keep your skin protected.

Myth # 2: Sunscreens With Higher SPF Are Always Better

Sun Protection Factor, SPF measures the sunscreen's protection against UVB rays. These are the sun rays that cause sunburn. However, there's more to sunlight that can damage your skin

, including UVA rays.

A sunscreen with a higher SPF is believed to be better at protecting your skin against sun damage.

However, that's not always true.

The specific value of SPF doesn't explain how well the product will protect your skin against sunlight. It only shows protection against UVB rays. For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays, whereas one with SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

But what about UVA rays which damage skin elasticity, generate free radicals, and cause wrinkles?

That’s where you need a broad-spectrum formula.

So, the next time you buy sunscreen, instead of looking at the SPF alone, go for a broad-spectrum formula, with at least an SPF of 30, that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Myth # 3: You Don’t Need a Moisturizer if You Have Oily Skin

Applying a moisturizer after cleansing is part of the most basic skincare regime. However, when your skin is already oily, it only seems natural to skip moisturizer.

And why not? People with oily skin enjoy better skin preservation and have fewer wrinkles, so why moisturize?

But that’s just another one of the common skincare myths.

Oily skin produces excess oil. However, it can still be dehydrated. And when your skin is dehydrated, it naturally produces more oil to compensate for the dehydration.

So even if you have oily skin, you still need a good-quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. By choosing a moisturizer that’s designed for oily skin, you can actually leave your skin less oily as the application of a

Myth # 4: The Price of Skincare Products Reflect Their Effectiveness

If you’re genuinely concerned about skincare, then you need to opt for the most expensive skincare brands available on the market.

After all, a higher price tag reflects all the costs of research, development and marketing of an amazing skincare product.

Well, that’s not always true!

The price of skincare products doesn't always reflect their effectiveness or quality. You can find highly-priced skincare products that may not be effective for your skin concern. On the other hand, you may opt for an affordable skincare option that’s far more effective than its pricier alternatives.

It's therefore important to focus on your skincare needs and then decide on the best product for your concern based on its formulation and ingredients and not solely on price.

Myth # 5: Stop Using Retinol if It Irritates Your Skin

Retinol is one of the best skincare ingredients to look for when choosing skincare products for mature skin. It enhances collagen production, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and gives your skin a fresh look.

However, it comes with a few undesirable effects like dryness, redness, and flaking.

So how to deal with these side effects?

One of the skincare myths revolving around the use of retinol is to stop its usage in case of side effects.

But like all other myths, it’s not true. A better way to deal with the undesirable effects of retinol while enjoying its benefits is to change the way you use it.

Make sure you give a slow start and apply retinol-based skincare products once every third night or alternative night and gradually increase the application frequency once your skin tolerates it well.

It’s best to see a dermatologist before you start using retinol-based skincare products. Moreover, if side effects, such as chronic skin dryness and flaking, appear and persist, it's best to discuss them with a healthcare practitioner.

Key Takeaways

These are some of the common skincare myths that you need to debunk so you can pamper your skin better. And while doing so, always remember that everyone's skin is unique. Hence, everyone's skincare needs are different, and there's no one-size-fits-all skincare solution. What works for you may not work for another. Therefore, it's best to always discuss your skin type and concerns with a dermatologist or skincare expert and get personalized skincare advice.