Debunking common skincare myths and misconceptions (Part 1)

In this ongoing series, we debunk some of the most widespread falsehoods about skincare.

We’ve all held ideas about skincare that turned out to be untrue. If you have oily skin, you shouldn’t use a moisturizer, right? Wrong. If you’ve been using the same skincare products for more than five years, they cease to be effective—correct? Wrong again!

The people around us—as well as the media and manufacturers—aren’t always very helpful either and may share bits of skincare knowledge that turn out to be false or misleading.

In this ongoing series, Wildleaf will examine the most prevalent skincare myths and reveal the truth behind the muddle of opinions.

Myth #1: Strong scrubs, soaps, and abrasives are good for the skin.

Those who aren’t familiar with skincare science might assume that scrubbing the face vigorously with a harsh cleanser will remove dirt and pimple-causing oils, leading to clean and blemish-free skin.

Such an approach to face cleansing will instead yield the opposite results: Scaly, inflamed, and acne-ridden skin. This is because the basic function of a facial cleanser is to remove pollutants from the skin, such as makeup, dirt, and dead skin cells. It should also unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne. Ideally, facial cleansers should be potent enough to perform these functions, yet gentle enough to avoid disturbing the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

This is one of the reasons why body soaps should not be used to wash the face, as they can strip the face of its natural oils, as well as dry and irritate the skin. It is also advisable to avoid facial cleansers that contain abrasive ingredients (such as microbeads and ground nut shells).

You can avoid these pitfalls by using Wildleaf’s Aloe Herb Face Wash. This gentle yet potent cream-based cleanser is infused with antioxidants and skin nourishing herbs. Aside from being pH balanced, this aloe vera-based cleanser hydrates and nourishes, while removing makeup and other impurities without drying the skin or leaving any residue.

Myth #2: Your skin adapts to the products you use and eventually cease to work.

Many people have heard the claim that skincare products should be swapped regularly, with some doing so in as short as three to six months. Another persistent myth is the belief that skincare products should be changed every five years, as skin becomes immune to formulations after this period and cease to be effective.

Many reputable dermatologists say the exact opposite is true: Great skincare products don’t lose their effectiveness over time since skin does not build up an immunity to them. For those looking for another analogy: Your body does not become immune to a healthy, balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables will continue to provide nutrition for years to come, even if they’re eaten everyday.

The same holds true for your skin: As long as you’re using well-formulated products that are right for your skin type, your skin will stay in optimum condition.

This myth persists because even the best skincare products appear to plateau after a few weeks. After correcting some of your skin’s most persistent issues, you may see fewer dramatic improvements later on than in the first few weeks. In other words, you get used to the “new normal” and incorrectly assume that your new skincare regimen has stopped producing the desired results.

Myth #3: Niacinamide and vitamin C shouldn’t be combined into one product.

Another prevalent skincare myth is the belief that niacinamide and vitamin C should not be combined into one product, as doing so will neutralize the effectiveness of both ingredients. Combining both ingredients might also create a substance known as nicotinic acid, which leads to skin redness.

The notion that niacinamide and vitamin C cannot be combined stems from old research dating back to the 1960s. These studies are flawed because they used non-stabilized forms of both ingredients, whereas niacinamide and vitamin C are typically stabilized in contemporary cosmetic formulas.

In other words, studies that conclude that niacinamide and vitamin C are incompatible were conducted in an environment that does not reflect what modern skincare products experience during development and manufacturing.

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a key ingredient in Wildleaf’s Vitamin C Serum. The benefits of combining both into one product are numerous. On its own, niacinamide is a skin-restoring ingredient that can improve the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and dull skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that defends the skin against environmental aggressors, and works as a brightening agent that visibly alleviates the signs of aging.

Myth #4: You should choose age-appropriate skincare products.

Many products on the market claim to be designed for a specific age group, especially for men and women over 50 who now have “mature” skin. Such marketing is misleading since skin has varying needs based on skin type, not on age. Hence, your skincare regimen should address the unique needs of your skin, whether it’s oiliness, sun damage, or fine lines and wrinkles.

Whatever your age, the basic principles of skincare apply, according to many dermatologists. Your main concern is repairing the skin barrier and building its defences against sun damage, pollution, and other aggressors. By using well-formulated skincare products that are designed for your skin type, you can enjoy radiant, dewy, and blemish-free skin at any age.

Wildleaf’s Brightening Care Set is up to the challenge. Consisting of the Aloe Herb Face Wash, Alcohol-Free Toning Mist, Vitamin C Serum, and Hibiscus Face Cream, this set is ideal for those interested in minimizing the appearance of pores, acne scar marks, and pigmentation, while combating the signs of aging. 

Wildleaf is committed to producing the highest quality skincare products free of harmful chemicals. Discover more products by visiting our online store. To find out what our customers think of our products, click on #wildleafstory.