Debunking Skincare Myths!

Skincare can be a daunting and frankly overwhelming topic when you first start to look into it.

With so many brands promoting miracle cures and buzz products going viral on social media, it’s sometimes difficult to separate what is true and false but most importantly, what is right for YOUR skin.

So, lets begin by breaking down some common skincare fables!

1. Home DIY treatments using food
   Using foods such as; egg, turmeric, lemon or bananas, whilst high in antioxidants and nutrients, aren't advised to be used directly on the skin. Why? Well firstly, these yummy food benefits will only be effective when ingested not applied topically; so unfortunately smearing a banana on your face, is not going to give you the brightening, potassium boost you’re after! Furthermore, some foods can be irritating to the skin as many have a high acidity level which can throw off the PH balanced within your skin. Any claimed benefit is also severely reduced by the simple fact that; a food item does not have a product to skin delivery system, meaning that the desired ingredient has no way to penetrate the skin barrier effectively. All in all; please keep your 5 a day for eating, not treating!

2. Waterproof sunscreen will last all day:
   FALSE!! We always recommend reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you plan to be outdoors and every time after being in water. Even if a sunscreen is marketed as ‘waterproof’ or ‘water resistant’ the chances of it staying on your body are minimal.
   
   Zinc sticks (often used by surfers or sports players) will offer more longevity on your face, however covering your body head to toe in zinc isn’t exactly the most effective option. Our favourite body range of SPF’s at Skindepth are; We Feel Good inc.

3. All skincare ingredients are made equal:
   Unfortunately, the reality is a lot of products out there can claim to contain certain ingredients that are highly beneficial on the skin, however many are in such a low form and quantity that there is no efficacy when used!
   
   Effective skincare is formulated with a lot of complexities to ensure it provides results. The most effective ranges are classed under the ‘cosmeceutical’ These contain active ingredients; in a high enough potency, to create a change the way your skin functions.
   
   Some of the cosmeceutical brands we choose at Skindepth are; Skin Better Science, Dermaceutic, Aspect Dr, Rationale and Biretix.

4. Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated
   In the most basic of terms – yes drinking water hydrates the body and as the skin is its largest organ, there is percentage of water that will be retained there.
   
   However, if the skins barrier is impaired or is not functioning optimally this leads to an increased level of transepidermal water loss (the amount of water we lose through our skin) which will in turn lead to skin becoming dehydrated even if water uptake levels are high.

5. Daily physical exfoliation is necessary
   FALSE!! Exfoliating is an integral part of a skin care routine as it helps to remove dead skin cells, excess oils and impurities. Over exfoliating however can lead to damaging the skins barrier which in turn may flare up other issues. A physical exfoliant usually comes in the form of a scrub with some type of abrasion eg. Jojoba beads or bio-degradable powder. These should be used 1 – 2 times per week.
   
   Our personal favourite is the Aspect illuminating polish as it has the added benefits of lactic acid and fruit enzymes.

For further information or to receive tailored advice regarding your skincare and treatment options come in for a Cosmetic Consultation with our dermal clinicians. Booking can be done online, by calling (03) 9100 3183 or emailing cosmetic@skindepth.com.au