With social media being abundant with ill-advised, ‘quick fix’ recommendations on how to improve skin care concerns, most of us are left trying these ideas hoping to see some sort of improvement on the skin. These suggestions often are untested and can cause the skin to become inflamed and, more often than not, have zero result.
Here are a few common skin care myths and mistakes to look out for:
1. Exfoliating too often with abrasive exfoliators – Mistake
Too much of a good thing can have undesirable results on the skin. This is especially true when it comes to exfoliation of the skin when using granular scrubs and abrasives. Exfoliating the skin daily with the use of harsh granular exfoliators can lead to a damaged protective layer, meaning that the skin can start forming dry and flaking patches, and in turn can becomes dehydrated and sensitized. When choosing an exfoliator, opt for a milder enzymatic exfoliator, such as the DermaFix DermaPolish or DermaFix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal, as this can be used daily and is gentle on the skin when removing redundant skin cell build-up.
2. Congestion is a sign of dirty skin – Myth
This is quite far from the truth, as the main causes of congestion within the skin relate more to pathogenic factors including inflammation, increased sebum production, redundant skin cell build-up and an overgrowth of Proprionibacterium (p.acnes bacteria responsible for infection alongside acne breakouts). Whilst not the initial cause of congestion, using the incorrect skin care products and incorrect cleansing habits can contribute to this concern. Many clients are under the impression that harsh cleansers and exfoliators will improve on a congested skin, however stripping the skin of its natural oil can often contribute to an exacerbated breakout concern as the skin responds to an impaired and dehydrated barrier by increasing oil production. Rather look out for products that balance the oil production and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. MD Prescriptives Mandelic Cleanser and Mandelic Toner provide skin clarifying benefits, helping to fight inflammation whilst adequately cleaning the skin. DermaFix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal provides gentle exfoliation helping to rid the skin of surface build-up and impurities, with additional skin purifying benefits.
3. You do not need to moisturise an oily/acne prone skin – Myth
Even though this skin type is prone to the over-production of sebum, a light weight moisturiser is still needed to keep the skin hydrated and to protect the barrier from being stripped away. DermaFix Vitamin B Cream is a complex of natural botanical extracts, vitamins, and amino acids, helping to moisturise and balance the skin, whilst regulating oil gland secretion to reduce the possibility of clogged pores. For more severe breakout concerns, MD Prescriptives Acne Solutions offers anti-bacterial and skin healing benefits.
4. Using products in the incorrect order – Mistake
At-home skin care products will always be applied in order of consistency of the product. When it comes to products that stay on the skin, light water-based correctives will always be applied first to the skin, followed by oil-rich and heavier products, with the application of sunscreen being the last thing that goes onto the face before your make-up application.
5. If it burns, it means it is working – Myth
“Beauty is pain” or “No pain, no gain” is a very dangerous belief. To feel a tingle or a slight itching sensation is expected with certain advanced cosmeceutical skin care products containing a high amount of active ingredients, or with use of products that contain alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. These products should, however, not have a prolonged burning sensation on the skin. In cases where you have not used a specific active ingredient, or in instances where you have introduced a new skin care brand into your routine, always ensure to start slow and steady by incorporating these products every second day until the skin tolerance is achieved. Once achieved you can then make use of them daily.
6. Your skin only needs anti-ageing products after 30 – Myth
It is never too early to start protecting and repairing the skin. Living in a sunny country like South Africa, we are exposed daily to damaging free radicals and UV rays. These are two main reasons for the skin to prematurely age and as such age prevention products can be used from early to mid-twenties. Prevention is always better than a cure! Incorporating DermaFix Ferulic + C + E into your daily routine provides the skin with up to 72 hours of antioxidant protection, boosting your skins defense against free-radical damage that comes with UV and HEV exposure. Incorporating anti-ageing formulations like the DermaFix PowerDerm and DermaFix Ceramide Complex helps to maintain cellular longevity in the fight against ageing, keeping the health of the skin intact.
7. No need to use a sunblock everyday – Mistake
The daily application of sunscreen is vital on all areas of exposed skin. UV rays can filter though clouds on an overcast day and penetrate through the glass of your windscreen. It can take up to 5 minutes for a UV ray to filter into your skin and damage your stem cells. HEV Light, from the screen of your electronic devices, has also been noted as a contributor to cellular ageing, causing free-radical damage and inflammation that leads to ageing and hyperpigmentation. Make use of DermaFix DermaShield SPF40/50 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB HEV Light protection sunscreen daily for the prevention of photo-ageing.
Always seek advice from a trusted skin care professional, and rather stay clear of incorrect recommendations given on social media platforms. For more information contact DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care on 0861 28 23 23 or visit our website www.dermafix.co.za.