Here are 7 skincare myths you need to stop believing right now.
Taking care of your skin is important. It’s your largest organ, is essential for your general health and confidence. With the increase of global skincare trends on social media, it is getting harder to know what is actually beneficial for you and what is a marketing gimmick. Fret not as we debunk 7 of the most common skincare myths you need to stop believing right away.
1. Male Skin and Female Skin are the same so I can use the same products
While many would assume a one size fits all approach, it is important to remember that the skin found on men and women have differences which may lead to the preference towards certain products.
Firstly, male skin on average is 20% thicker than female skin and contains more collagen resulting in a firmer appearance. Secondly, men have more sebaceous glands which results in double the sebum production. This results in male skin being oilier, more prone to impurities and have a lower pH than women. Thirdly, regular shaving can cause their skin to be more sensitive as the skin becomes more and more sensitive after each shave.
2. Since Men have Oilier skin, We don’t need to Moisturise
If your skin is considered oily, you may think that skipping the moisturiser is okay. But don’t do that!
There is a difference between oily skin and hydrated skin. Having oily skin does not mean you don’t need to moisturise. It just means you need to know which type of moisturiser to use. For those with oily skin, you can opt for moisturisers rich in Vitamin E and aloe vera which naturally hydrates the skin without causing it to be extra oily.
3. Body Soap is Okay for the Face
Using a bar soap for both your body and your face is not the best idea. While it may sound convenient, the skin on your face and your body require different ingredients. Facial skin is more sensitive than the skin on your body. Using harsh and concentrated soaps and products on your face can lead to redness, breakouts, drying and more.
4. Coldwater Closes your Pores while Hot Water Opens them
It’s important to realise that your pores are not doors that you can open and close. While using cold water assists in tightening your skin, it does not completely shut your pores. Vice versa, using warm water loosens your pores and does not completely opens them. However, experts do advise to wash your face with cold water as it helps keeps your pores tighten, reducing access oil.
5. Shaving Cream with More Foam is Better
You may think that the more foam your shaving cream produces the better. Although shaving creams that form a nice lather is easier to work with, pay attention to the ingredients in your products. Avoid heavily chemically based products and go for items which have ingredients suitable for your skin, to give you a smoother shave and leave your skin feeling refreshed.
6. Oiling your Hair Prevents Baldness
While oiling your hair from time to time can reduce hair loss and promote strong growth, it is important to note that excessive oiling on your head may lead to breakage and fizziness.
Having too much oil on your scalp can accumulate impurities like dust and dead skin cells on your roots which can cause your scalp to be itchy and your hair to fall. It is recommended that massaging your head with a few drops of oil once or twice a week is more than enough.
7. Men Don’t Need Sunblock When Indoors
Even when you are indoors there are UVB and UVA rays which are touching your skin and may cause long-term damage. Wear at least one layer of sunblock when indoors and outdoors.
With all that being said, it is without a doubt that the area of male skincare is unchartered territory. It is often believed that men should wash their face at least three to four times a day. However, remember that there is such a thing as over-washing your face. The more you wash your face, the dryer your skin becomes, signalling the oil glans to produce even more oil. At the end of the day, we all know our skin the best.
