As stated in yesterday’s post, today’s is a continuation of the discussion we were having regarding beauty myths and facts, and, more importantly, which is which. The beauty realm is a big one, and it’s easy enough to get confused with products, regiments and knowledge on a general basis, let alone when you throw misconceptions into the mix. Reading up on this helped clarify some things for me, and I hope they can do the same for you.
Again, this information comes from www.paulaschoice-eu.com.
“Myth: Clean beauty guarantees a product is safe and natural.
Fact: Nowhere in the world is there a regulated definition of what ‘clean beauty’ means so anyone can use their own definition. Good skincare is about a smart combination of ingredients that are safe and effective.
The truth is far more nuanced than simply believing everything natural is good and anything chemical is bad. ‘Clean beauty’ should never be about synthetic ingredients versus natural ingredients. Synthetic ingredients can be completely safe, effective, and sustainable, while natural ingredients can be harmful, ineffective, and unsustainable. Whether labelled as ‘clean beauty’ or similar, what matters most is that every skincare product you use contains the most beneficial blend of non-irritating, natural ingredients, along with a smart selection of safe and effective synthetic ingredients.
Myth: Adult acne is different from teen acne.
Fact: What causes acne (and can worsen it or prolong healing) is the same for teens and adults. Also, what helps control and heal acne is the same regardless of your age.
There is no research showing that adult acne is physiologically different from teenage acne. Some of the confusion around this myth stems from the fact that many adults struggling with acne believe products for acne-prone skin are made for teens, so they won’t address the root cause of their ‘adult’ acne, but that isn’t what the research shows to be true.
Myth: Sunscreens with ultra-high SPF ratings provide exponentially better protection.
Fact: Sunscreens with SPF ratings over 50 have their place, but don’t get overconfident. The reality is SPF 100 blocks only about 3% more UVB rays than SPF 30 based on regular testing. And SPF rating only relates to UVB rays; they tell you nothing about UVA rays, which cause skin ageing and play a role in skin cancer.
Here’s how it breaks down:
SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor.‘ This rating is a time-based measure of how much UVB protection a sunscreen provides when liberally applied to skin. SPF 15 shields skin from 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks about 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99% based on regulated testing.
How do you know if a sunscreen protects from UVA rays? That’s where the broad-spectrum claim comes in. In order to earn this claim, a sunscreen formula must pass what’s known as the critical wavelength test.
One very important fact about sunscreen: you need to apply enough of it in order to achieve the protection indicated by its SPF rating. Countless studies done around the world have consistently shown people tend to under-apply sunscreen, often applying less than half of what’s needed to achieve the product’s official SPF rating.
Myth: Wearing sunscreen daily leads to vitamin D deficiency.
Fact: Sunscreen’s effect on vitamin D levels is considered minimal for most people. Ironically, skipping sunscreen and getting a tan can trigger vitamin D deficiency.
The truth is that everyone is at risk for vitamin D deficiency whether they have lighter skin tones or darker skin tones, even among people who live in sunny climates and are outdoors year-around. Skipping sunscreen is a case where the risk significantly outweighs the reward, so it just doesn’t make any sense to do in hopes of increasing your vitamin D levels. Doing so will negatively impact your appearance and potentially your health in the short and long term, which isn’t a good trade-off.
Myth: Chemicals are bad for skin, so look for cosmetics labelled ‘chemical free’.
Fact: All cosmetic ingredients, even the natural ones, are chemicals. Everything from the air we breathe to the oceans, plants, food, clothing, and the human body itself is made of chemicals or relies on chemical reactions to function.
We need to stop thinking of the word ‘chemicals’ negatively because the truth is just like there are good and bad ingredients for skin, there are good and bad chemicals. Without chemicals, we wouldn’t have any skincare ingredients!
It’s also more nuanced than that: good chemicals can do bad things if too much is used, if they’re used incorrectly, or the exposure is too high (for example, drinking too much water can be fatal). Many chemicals claimed to be bad for you are perfectly safe in the amounts typically used, a truth that applies to many cosmetic ingredients such as parabens, acrylates, PEGs, and sunscreen ingredients. The dosage matters a great deal.
Myth: A minimalist skincare routine is best
Fact: A minimalist routine can work for some. However, if you have multiple or stubborn concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, clogged pores, uneven skin tone, acne, rosacea, seborrhea, oily skin, or discolouration, sagging, and so on, minimalist skincare won’t be enough, and your skin concerns will just get worse.
Skincare routines can be a little confusing, especially if you are new to skincare. And while having to do fewer steps morning and night might sound appealing it doesn’t work for everyone. Lots of people need more. As with most things related to skincare, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. While minimalist skincare routines may be on-trend and can work for some, it’s important to think about your personal skincare goals and concerns, then assemble a skincare routine accordingly. Remember to experiment a bit as well to see which combination provides the best results.
Myth: The order you apply your skincare products doesn’t matter.
Fact: Applying skincare products in a certain order matters a lot for key steps at the beginning and end of your routine, and there’s a simple rule for layering the products in between.
The general rule for any skincare routine is that the first step is to cleanse skin, then apply a toner, and then apply a leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliant. After those steps you apply all the other products in your skincare routine in order of their consistency, from thinnest to thickest. The last product you apply during the day is always sunscreen (nothing except makeup should ever be applied over sunscreen).
At night, you can finish with a facial moisturiser and eye cream, if desired, although if you have oily skin, you may find the hydration provided by treatment-oriented products like serum is enough. If you plan to use a facial mask meant to be left on overnight, apply this as the final step in your night-time routine,” the web page states.
I highly encourage you to check out the entirey of the article as it is rather informative.
I hope this helped clear some things up, my friends.
ontheedgeofeverything 
