ELLE Canada digs deep for the truth behind great skin care and unlocks some skin care myths about skin treatments.
- Photography
Pagination
- 1
- 2
Can chocolate cause breakouts? Is tanning actually good for my complexion? Here, we ask Holly Sherrard, Education Manager at The International Dermal Institute to dish on the most common skin care myths and the truths behind them.
1. "If I wash my face before I go to bed, I don't have to wash it again in the morning. It's already clean."
TRUTH: Day and night our skin cells shed and the secretions of oil and sweat continue. Oil, sweat, and skin cells along with environmental pollutants collect on our skin leading to a dirty morning face. Cleansing should start with a light-weight plant oil based pre-cleanser to remove surface debris then followed with a soap-free, pH balanced cleanser appropriate for the skin condition. This regimen should be done day and night.
2. "If I have oily skin, then it can't possibly be dehydrated."
TRUTH: The International Dermal Institute has a saying, "If you want good skin you need to pick your parents well." We cannot choose our skin type, we are born with it. Skin conditions such as dehydration fluctuate on a daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal basis depending on the internal and external influences experienced.
Oily skin can experience dehydration or lack of water even though the skin is producing too much oil. It can be caused from harsh soaps, over exfoliation, changes in humidity or incorrect product usage.
3. "Exfoliation is a no-no. It breaks down your skin's natural barriers and makes it more sensitive."
TRUTH: Proper exfoliation is the key to hydration, can reduce pigmentation, breakout activity and signs of premature aging. By using too many exfoliating products or "cherry picking" from many different brands a person may have a sensitized response. When exfoliating, make sure to use a professionally recommended product designed for your skin condition.
