7 beauty myths debunked

Do you know your beauty fact from fiction? I’ll take you on a journey through 7 common beauty myths to reveal whether they are worth holding sacred in your bible of beauty secrets; or if you’re better off banishing them to the beauty bin for good!

1. Toner is like paint stripper for the skin

Well, there is some truth to this. The purpose of toner is to remove product residue build up, clarify the skin and tighten pores after cleansing. For some skin types, such as thin, hypersensitive or rosaceous, this will be too much taken away in one go; while on the other hand oily skin types can really benefit from using toner all year round to help control over-productive oil glands. Some toners contain alcohol or alcohol-based products which is why they have been given a bad rap, but if you enjoy toning as part of your beauty regimen you can seek out gentle, alcohol-free toners that lavish your complexion with skin-loving ingredients

2. Chocolate causes breakouts

Nope, not if consumed in moderation. On the flipside, it’s now coming to light that the high antioxidant content in dark chocolate means chocolate can actually be good for us and its flavonol properties may protect against sun-induced skin damage while improving blood flow and increasing skin density and hydration. Dark chocolate is also said to release feel-good endorphins, so when eaten right (ie. in moderation), chocolate can be great for both our body and mind! How’s that for good news today?

3. Department store skin care is bad for your skin

‘Bad’ is a strong word, but as a skin care professional I can tell you that department store-bought products aren’t as effective as what you can be treated with through a professional skin therapist. Professional skin care brands for salons use a higher concentration of skin-corrective ingredients that require a prescription by a skin therapist. Store-bought products don’t require a consultation or prescription so it’s a bit of a gamble to know if the ingredients are strong enough, or even appropriate for use on your unique skin type.  I strongly believe that everyone should seek out a proper skin analysis and diagnosis to ensure your skin receives the right nourishment to optimise its health, vitality and youthfulness for the long run

4. Harsh exfoliation will remove breakouts

No way. Scrubbing away at acne lesions and inflamed skin is only going to make matters worse. Acne is a complex skin condition that requires a professional approach. A qualified skin therapist can advise on whether the acne is active or passive and start with other forms of skin treatment (like liquid exfoliation) to get the problem under control. Abrasive exfoliation may follow later when breakouts have ceased and it’s time to smooth and even out skin tone. The bottom line is, if you are suffering from acne or breakouts, don’t risk making things worse by playing russian roulette with different products – seek professional advice quick smart.

5. Sunblock is only necessary when it’s sunny

You will quickly change your tune on this when you come to learn that harmful UV rays can be just as high on overcast days! UV radiation is a major cause of premature ageing, so if you’re determined to keep fine lines, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and pigmentation at bay, be sure to slip slop slap each time you leave the house

6. When our skin changes, we should change our skincare

This is actually true. Our skin not only changes with the seasons – factors such as stress, diet, medications and lifestyle can play a role in determining what our skin needs. This is why it pays to develop a relationship with a good skin therapist who can monitor and advise you what to do when your skin is undergoing changes. What may have worked a dream for you in summer may be a disaster in winter – so be sure to check in with your skin professional at least twice a year so they can tell you if your skin care regimen is on the right track.

7. Oily skin types shouldn’t use oil-based products

This is also true. Many oil-based skin products contain ingredients that are too rich for oily skin. This can make already out-of-wack complexions have to further cope with excessive oiliness. The idea should be to work hand-in-hand with your over-productive oil glands through strategic cleansing and exfoliating to reduce oiliness (not eradicate it – some oil is required for balanced, healthy skin). Oily skin types should steer clear of skin care ingredients containing avocado and nut oils and focus on water-based products that aim to hydrate instead of lubricate. Again, seeking advice from a qualified skin specialist will give you the best chance of getting your skin on the right track as they can use special skin diagnostic tools to determine what your skin is lacking and also find out what it needs to achieve a healthy balance.

Find a skin specialist in your area by calling The Global Beauty Group on 1300 006 607.

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