When it comes to anti-aging information on the internet, there are a lot of false claims. So surely, if you’ve searched to find the best tips and tricks to keep your skin looking young, you’ve met with some bogus methods and outlandish claims. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to decipher what’s true and what’s not.
Luckily, we’re here to expose five different anti-aging myths, so that knowing the truth can help you adjust your skincare routine for the better.
Myth #1
You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
You may have heard that you don’t need to put on sunscreen if it’s cloudy outside or if you’re not planning to leave your home for the day. However, this couldn’t be more untrue. Although this idea seems to make sense, the sun can still damage your skin on the cloudiest of days. In fact, the sun’s rays are so powerful that they can still reach you inside your home or car.
The sun produces two different kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both of these are likely to cause skin damage, but UVA rays are more known to produce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots. UVB rays are what cause sunburn and are linked to skin cancers.
Whether you are spending a day outside, taking a quick walk to grab the mail or staying indoors all day long, you should apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Myth #2
Luxury Brands Work Better
Luxury brands do not always mean better products, so don’t be too quick to judge by the price tag. You can have a great skincare routine with drugstore products. Having a larger budget for your skincare may give you access to quality products that celebrities recommend, but you can find products that are equally great at your local drugstore.
Brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil and Neutrogena develop affordable products with simple ingredients comparable to those that are higher-end. When deciding on a brand of skincare products, look at the active ingredient list and make sure there are no harmful or harsh chemicals added. It’s best to choose products made with simple and pure ingredients to keep your skin from having a poor reaction.
Just because you see advertisements for luxury skincare brands on the internet doesn’t mean that they will work well with your skin. Talk with your dermatologist to find trusted products for your skin type.
Myth #3
Smiling Less Will Stop Wrinkles
Although lines form from repetitive facial expressions such as smiling, it’s virtually impossible to prevent this from happening. Some have said that keeping a relaxed and expressionless face will prevent wrinkles, but that’s no fun! Living a life without smiling is not only boring, but it’s very impractical as well.
It’s extremely normal for people to get smile lines around their mouths and crow’s feet near their eyes as they age. Everyone shows signs of aging at different times and in different forms since there are so many determining factors.
Instead of smiling less to prevent wrinkles, seek out other anti-aging methods. Smiling helps you feel more comfortable, confident and happy — and who doesn’t want that?
Myth #4
Aging Is Determined by Your Genes
You may look at your parents’ aging process and think yours will be similar, but don’t read too far into it. DNA does play a role in your aging process, but so does your environment. Factors like pollution and UV exposure can have adverse effects on your skin. Be mindful of your unprotected sun exposure, stress levels and other skin-damaging activities, like smoking.
To combat stress-related signs of aging, make sure to practice regular exercise and wellness activities such as yoga and meditation. And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen!
Myth #5
Retinol Should Be Used Daily
It’s true that retinol works well as an acne treatment and can help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, but it should be used in moderation. This ingredient is pretty harsh and can be damaging to your skin if it’s used too frequently
This popular skincare product works to reduce lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. It’s also known to soften rough patches of skin and fade age spots.
You should use retinol in small amounts only a few times a week. Overuse of this chemical can increase skin irritation, as well as the likeliness of future sun damage.
Hopefully, you’ve learned that some of the most common anti-aging tips are complete myths! So, before you spend your whole paycheck on the latest luxury skincare brand or maintain an expressionless face for days on end, keep in mind that these methods may not be working like you think.
Make sure to do your research and find out what will work best for your skin type. You want to use safe and reliable methods to keep your skin looking youthful, healthy and glowing at the end of the day.
