8 Common Beauty Misconceptions: Debunked

I am so excited to talk about, you guessed it, common beauty misconceptions!

The wonderful world of skin care has grown so much over the years, but with that can come a great deal of confusion and conflicting information.

Beauty brand Boots No. 7 conducted a survey in which 9 in 10 women revealed that they’re baffled by what skincare products to use. It’s no surprise considering the variety of serums, moisturizers, and oils out there!

So, I wanted to pull together some of the common beauty misconceptions, in an effort to help my Beauty Mates (that would be you, beautiful reader) make wiser choices when it comes to their skin.

Are you ready for it? Let's jump right in!

Misconception #1: Cleansing Isn't Important - If you are religious about cleansing your skin, the idea of not doing it probably gives you the shivers.

But the truth is, many people do underestimate just how important cleansing is for skin health and anti-aging.

Washing away the dirty, oil, and makeup on your skin is essential for keeping it healthy and happy, and it will even prepare it to better absorb your serums and moisturizers.

If you follow my blog, you know I recommend cleansing at night (and in the morning if you so choose) for optimal results.

Pro Tip: Take the time to actually cleanse your skin (this can be incorporated into your shower routine to save time). Using makeup removing wipes on a regular basis in place of cleansing will not produce the same level of skin health, though I will approve this for those once in a very blue moon times when you really just can't make it to the sink to cleanse.

Misconception #2: You Only Need a Serum OR a Moisturizer - I have met many clients who have asked me the difference between these two, and whether or not you really need them both.

As someone whose skin varies throughout the year, I can honestly say that this is heavily dependent on skin type and desired outcomes.

However, using both is typically going to be to your advantage.

Many oily skin types can get away with only using one or the other, depending on what your specific skin care concerns may be.

If you do decide to use these two together, it is generally recognized that your serum should be applied first (it is typically thinner in consistency, as it is used to penetrate your skin for deeper results), followed by your moisturizer (to further nourish and lock in your serum).

For the optimal product combination, always consult with your esthetician or dermatologist!

They should be able to help you select products based specifically on your individual needs, which is so important when it comes to skincare.

Misconception #3: Skin Care Products Can Shrink Your Pores - If you are unhappy with your pores, don't get too disappointed.

While it isn't possible to permanently shrink your pores, a good skin care regimen can help you to reduce the appearance of large pores.

These products can range from cleansers, to exfoliants, to serums, and more.

However, the best way to conceal pores in a pinch is to find a good primer that works for your skin!

These are typically formulated with silicone, and essentially work to fill in fine lines and pores for a smoothed and even appearance.

This will wash out when you cleanse at the end of the day, but it is a fabulous option for day-to-day use!

Many primers offer additional benefits, such as anti-aging ingredients and SPF protection.

Misconception #4: More Product + More Often = Better Results - This one is a huge no-no.

I cannot stress this enough: just because a product works beautifully does not mean you should use more of it than instructed, or use it more often than instructed.

A classic example of this is finding a new weekly mask that yields gorgeous results, and deciding to use it every day for even more beautiful results.

While this might be OK with certain products, a majority have indicated weekly use with very good reason, and you might be left with irritated skin rather than radiant skin.

If you love a product and wish to increase usage, always, always, always consult a skin care professional beforehand.

Some ingredients will be gentle enough to increase use over time, but with the number of ingredients that can cause harm in excess, it is so much better to be safe than sorry.

Pro Tip: there is definitely such a thing as too much of a good thing. Even if a product (like your moisturizer, for instance) does not have any harmful ingredients, loading it on can cause a "heavy" feeling, and even clog your pores!

Misconception #5: Skin Care Products Do Not Expire - This is FALSE.

Skin care products absolutely have an expiration date, and it is typically indicated with an open jar symbol and a number on the back or bottom of your product!

For instance, if you see the open jar symbol with the number "12", this is an indicator that you will want to use it up, or toss it by 12 months after opening.

You need to be especially cautious with products where you dip your fingers into the jar, as the dirt, oil, and bacteria from your fingers come in direct contact with the product, effectively speeding up the "expiration" process.

If you want to stretch these products longer, use a clean spatula to apply them, or make sure you are washing your hands well before dipping into the product.

Misconception #6: Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer - If you deal with oily skin on a day-to-day basis, it is important to use a regular moisturizer.

Indeed, your skin needs moisture!

Many people with oily skin actually cause even further oiliness by not applying moisturizer enough, causing the skin to overcompensate and produce more oil.

I have seen so many people benefit from the use of various moisturizers, and even skin oils to combat excess oil production.

Remember: moisturized skin is happy skin, regardless of your skin type.

Misconception #7: All of Your Products Need to Come From the Same Brand - I have had so many people ask me if they need to use products from the same brand.

And while in many cases this can be absolutely beneficial (especially if they were designed to work together), it isn't a total necessity.

The most important thing when considering a skin care routine that mixes brands is checking your ingredients.

You do not want to be over doing it in the AHA department, and certain ingredients, such as Retinol and Glycolic Acid can cause irritation when mixed together.

When mixing brands, or even product lines, it is important to work with an esthetician or dermatologist to ensure optimal results and minimal irritation.

Misconception #8: Applying SPF in the Morning is Enough - If you read my blog, you know that I am a sunscreen devotee.

Not only does it play a major role in preventing common signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles, but it also helps to prevent skin cancer.

I am a firm advocate of applying it each and every day (365 days a year, not only in the summer) and ensuring a few touchups throughout the day.

Most sites recommend reapplying every 2 hours, or more if you are in direct sunlight or exposed to water/sweat.

However, the average person who spends most of their day indoors and out of direct sunlight can get by on 2-3 reapplications.

Remember, being indoors does not immediately mean you are not being exposed to UV rays.

Windows provide an excellent route for UV rays to meet your skin, so stick to the shade and don't be afraid to adjust your blinds.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, beauties!

There's a lot of confusing and misleading info out there, which can be attributed to a lack of skincare education or attributed to people who think they're skincare experts.

Making this simple adjustments in your skicnare routine can yield fabulous results.

Have any questions for me about skincare mistakes you may be making? Let me know in the comments!