The world of skincare and grooming is full of funky fiction. Including the biggest myth of all—that good skincare, heck, any and all skincare is just for women. So, it makes sense that it can be challenging to understand your skin’s needs, while simultaneously receiving the sometimes weird and wacky information that is readily available online, in TikTok videos, and dispersed through locker room talk can be confusing.
That’s where the pros at Dermalogica come in handy with their educated and professional Skin Therapists. We recently connected with them to provide you with thoroughly researched facts to resolve four common skincare questions once and for all.
Myth #1: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, because that will make it more oily.
Umm no. False. “The key is to find the right balance for your skin,” say Dermalogica’s Skin Therapists. Options like oil-free, gel and water-based facial moisturisers abound, as do non-comedogenic ones, so shop around to find the one that’s right for you.
Myth #2: Oily skin needs an aggressive cleanser to make sure it gets thoroughly cleaned.
Yes, many men have oily skin, but no, it doesn’t require an aggressive or even an abrasive cleanser to eliminate the excess sebum from your face. “Aggressive cleansers may over-dry your skin, which can cause a cycle of dehydration and instead cause further oiliness,” affirm Dermalogica’s Skin Therapists. Try incorporating a clay-based or active charcoal-based cleanser instead to removes excess oil while maintaining the skin’s barrier.
Myth #3: You don’t need SPF during the fall or winter.
Oh, this couldn’t be more wrong. Wearing an SPF is a 365-day ritual to avoid damage and aging from the sun’s harsh UVA (think: aging) and UVB (think burning) rays. According to the Skin Therapists at Dermalogica, snow can (insert surprise here) reflect around 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays, so, just because its wintertime doesn’t mean you’re safe from the risk of skin damage.
Myth #4: If I hydrate my skin, I will fix my skin barrier.
Mmmm no. First, know that the skin barrier is your skin’s outermost layer and protects the deeper layers of your skin. When it is healthy it glows. When it’s not (from overuse of hot water, exfoliating products or even a lack of sleep and poor die), it shows with acne spots, irritation and dry flakes, to name a few. And no amount of hydration is the instant quick fix. “Your skin will need at least a few weeks to repair the barrier using products that contain ingredients such as squalane, cica, and resurrection plant,” explain Dermalogica’s Skin Therapists. Why? Because these ingredients help to increase the skin’s resilience, boost antioxidant protection and prevent dehydration and water loss.
