There are a lot of theories and ideas concerning home skincare. Some of these supposed solutions actually work, while others are total skincare myths. Distinguishing between these two categories of home skincare treatments is important, of course. Here are four home skincare myths you should never believe in.
You Can’t Scrub Too Hard
Vigorously exfoliating your face might make you feel like you are getting a lot done, but that feeling is deceptive. Gentle treatment is what the skin actually needs. Exfoliating too often or too hard will only damage your skin. It will strip the skin of the oil and moisture that provide natural protection, clogging pores and contributing to aging. You should only exfoliate your skin two to three times a week.
Hotter Is Better
Hot water is not good for your skin. While a hot shower might feel amazing, it’s best to at least stay away from scalding hot temperatures. And when it comes to washing your face, using lukewarm, not-even-hot water is the skin-friendly approach. Like with vigorous exfoliation, the issue with applying hot water to your face is that it strips away your skin’s natural protection. Here’s the rule to follow: if your skin looks red after rinsing, you should be using cooler water.
Toothpaste Is an Effective Treatment For Acne
Putting toothpaste on breakouts isn’t wise. While toothpaste can get rid of oil by drying out skin (thanks to ingredients such as baking soda), toothpaste is also filled with ingredients intended to bleach and whiten teeth. These ingredients aren’t supposed to be on skin and will cause irritation and inflammation, while actually contributing to the development of acne. If you want a home skincare treatment for acne that will truly help, just use baking soda on its own.
Rubbing Alcohol Is Good For Fighting Acne
Rubbing alcohol is much too harsh to consider applying it to your skin. Alcohol can indeed remove excess oil from skin, and it is true that alcohol is a common ingredient in skincare products. However, in skincare products, alcohol is present in only small amounts and is combined with other ingredients that help protect the skin. On its own, alcohol will dry the skin out way too much, resulting in irritation and even contributing to breakouts.
Peninsula Dermatology Skin Cancer Surgery Center encourages you to learn about skincare myths. Visit a dermatologist for the best skincare solutions, give us a call or visit us online to schedule an appointment.