Skincare Myths

Raise your hand if you’ve fallen victim to a skincare myth? The truth is, we’ve all fallen for at least a few skincare tall tales. So, we’re sitting down with our expert aestheticians to separate fact from fiction, and empower your skincare decisions. Ready to learn the truth once and for all? Let’s get into skincare’s most common myths!

Myth #1: "Using toothpaste treats pimples."

Let’s officially end this myth once and for all! Using toothpaste to treat pimples is a bad idea! Toothpaste has drying agents and irritants like menthol and sodium lauryl sulfate that can hurt your sensitive facial skin and make acne worse. It's better to use acne treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—they fight acne bacteria and reduce redness without harming your skin.

Myth #2: "You don't need sunscreen on cloudy days or indoors."

UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning you should wear SPF daily, even if you plan to be indoors. These rays cause wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation year-round. Good news, this is all easily preventable by using sunscreen on your face, neck, and chest daily! We recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Our favorite sunscreen is the Defense Sheer Tint SPF 46. It offers a natural sheer tint that gives your skin a radiant glow, while also providing powerful SPF protection. Just be sure to re-apply every 90 minutes for maximum sun protection!

Myth #3: "Exfoliating every day keeps your skin smooth."

It’s a fact that exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and make your skin look bright and fresh - but doing it too much (like every day) can harm your skin's delicate protective barrier. Instead, try exfoliating at home 2-3 times a week at night. This helps your skin get rid of dead cells and debris from the day, so your nighttime skincare products can work better. Our Polished Pads are a fan favorite for easy exfoliation with big results! 

Myth #4: "I have oily skin, I don’t need to moisturize."

Moisturizing is important for ALL skin types, even if your skin is oily. When oily skin isn't moisturized, it triggers your body to make even more oil, causing more breakouts and making your skin look shiny or greasy. For those with oily skin types, we recommend a sheer light moisturizer that doesn't block your pores, protects your skin barrier, and hydrates your skin all day.

Myth #5: "A spray tan protects your skin from sunburn.”

Spray tans only temporarily change your skin color - they don't protect from UV rays! 

Myth #6: "Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated.”

While drinking water is very important for your overall health, drinking more or less water doesn't directly affect your skin's hydration. The water you drink doesn't go straight to your skin. It hydrates your body overall by being absorbed into your bloodstream and filtered by your kidneys. To keep your skin hydrated, we recommend using a humidifier to combat dry air, using a gentle cleanser, (we love this cleanser because it contains anti-aging nutrients and peptides, along with soothing aloe extract) and moisturize daily with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

Myth #7: "Facial exercises can reduce wrinkles.”

While doing facial exercises may temporarily make your muscles feel tighter, they can also stretch your skin and create new wrinkles. To effectively improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, we recommend using proven skincare products and treatments that boost collagen and help your skin stay firm and smooth.

Myth #8: "If you can’t pronounce it, don’t use it!”

There are many amazing skincare ingredients with tricky names, but don't let that stop you from loving them! Here are a few worth knowing: Acetyl octapeptide-3 (similar in function to Botox but applied topically rather than injected), phytosphingosine (helps replenish and repair the skin's natural barrier), and beta-glucan (a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and helps maintain hydration levels).

Myth #9: "You’ll see results right away from your new skincare routine.” 

When it comes to your skin, patience is key! Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks to see noticeable results from a new skincare product because that's roughly how long it takes for your skin cells to complete a full turnover cycle. During this time, the product's active ingredients work to address specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation. Consistent use allows the ingredients to penetrate the skin layers, stimulate cell renewal, and make noticeable improvements in texture and appearance. Consistency is key to seeing visible results with any new skincare regimen!

Myth #10: "Popping a pimple gets rid of it faster.”

Actually, it may make the situation worse! When you pop a pimple, you're pushing bacteria, oil, and debris deeper into the skin, which can lead to more inflammation, redness, and even scarring. It can also prolong the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Instead of popping, it's best to treat breakouts with proven skincare products like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to dry out the pimple and reduce inflammation without causing further damage to the skin.

Myth #11: “If your skincare products sting, they’re working.”

If your skincare products cause an uncomfortable 'stinging' sensation, it's likely they're too harsh for your skin. Your skincare products should be gentle yet targeted to address specific skin concerns, whether it's acne, dryness, or aging. Opt for medical-grade products formulated with ingredients suitable for your skin's needs, such as hydrating components for dry skin or non-comedogenic options for oily or acne-prone skin.

Myth #12: “Hot water opens up your pores for a better clean.”

There are actually 2 myths in this one! First, pores do not have muscles to “open or close” like a door; they are always open to some extent. Secondly, hot water can actually strip away important natural oils from the skin, leading to dry and irritated skin. Instead, gently cleanse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a fresh, clean towel!

We believe that separating skincare facts from myths is important for making informed decisions about your skincare regimen. At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, our goal is to empower clients with facts and personalized recommendations. Understanding the science behind skincare can help you achieve the best skin of your life!

Whether you're interested in a relaxing custom facial, our Monthly Facial Membership, or want to learn more about our collagen-boosting skincare treatments, we’d love to see you in our downtown Bethesda office soon!