The quest for the perfect skin is neither straightforward nor clear. Google or YouTube a skincare routine and you are bombarded with conflicting advice which means there’s an endless amount of skincare myths floating around. This month the Front Row team have come together to share our thoughts on beauty fables.

MYTH 1: Using hot water opens up your pores

Firstly, pores are not temperature sensitive. Hot water swells the outer layers of the skin which can make the pores ‘look’ open. Our shared advice for washing or prepping your skin is to always use lukewarm water, so that you don’t throw off your body’s natural temperature.

MYTH 2: There’s no such thing as washing your face ‘too much’

While over-washing can lead to dryness and sensitivity, washing your face often has been known to promote ‘dewy’ looking skin. But with all good things, everything in moderation! Be sensible not to overdo it with your cleanser as this will strip the skin of its natural oils. We recommend a sulphate free cleanser that is gentle on the skin.

MYTH 3: Your skin can become immune to skincare ingredients if you always use the same products

It’s very unusual for your skin to “get used to” the beneficial effects of skin-care products. When active ingredients in your products are giving you the desired results and improvement, there’s no reason for them to stop giving you the same result unless the condition you’re treating changes. While your skin won’t “get used to” certain products necessarily, it can get accustomed to and eventually accommodate some of the potentially irritating ingredients, like glycolic acid.  Chat to a skin specialist at a local counter.  The girls at Boots in Marshes are a font of knowledge and remember they’re not just there to sell, they train in this stuff and hear stories every day from people just like you with all sorts of skin issues so avail of the advice they can give you.

MYTH 4: Applying a thin layer of foundation with an SPF means you’re protected from the sun all day

Yes, an SPF increases the amount of time you can stay in the sun and be protected. For example, SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than you would when not wearing a sunscreen without getting sunburnt. But we tend not to put on lashings of foundation or tinted moisturiser in the same way we would with a sunscreen. And the advice stands that you still need to reapply regularly, with foundation this is rarely the case.  We tend to put it on once in the morning.  Add to that the fact foundations can wear off quicker in heat we may not have enough protection to be in the sun for prolonged periods. SPF is only one feature of a sunscreen and there are other important factors to be taken into account; predominantly the level of UVA protection, which can differ. This will also depend on factors such as your skin type and whether you’ve been in the water.

As one of the highest SPF Foundation’s to the market we recommend Estee Lauder’s new Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Make-up with SPF45 and available in most shades that Double Wear comes in.  Also, Clarins have a great Super Restorative Tint with SPF 30, check out the options in-store in Boots at Marshes.

MYTH 5: You should use the same skincare products for day and night

During the day, your skin is in ‘protect’ mode, and you should help it on its way with products that offer defence from free radical damage and sunlight. Always wear sunscreen or skincare products that provide SPF protection. At night, your skin is no longer defending itself from pollution or light, and so night-time products tend to be more regenerative and contain restorative ingredients such as peptides and vitamins. There are some elements of skincare which should only be applied at night, such as retinol, as it encourages skin cell turnover and makes the skin delicate, meaning it should not be exposed to the sun.’  So, don’t believe they’re all the same and try and buy a one fits all solution.  You should invest in separate day and night creams.  No7 do this brilliantly and are regularly on offer with 3 for 2 so keep an eye out at Marshes.

So, debunked, a bit?  Remember also, you’re unique so not every treatment will work but be kind to yourself.  It is universally agreed our skin is better than we give it credit for.

Have a myth that you want debunked? Leave it in the comments below!

Take Care

Front Row x