Skincare is one of the most heavily marketed industries in the world. The beauty industry is worth billions, and there are brands that understand the mental toll that problem skin can take and genuinely want to help. But, unfortunately, thousands of unscrupulous businesses are also looking to take advantage of consumer insecurities.

Amid the scams, ads and trends, how do you know what to believe? Here are some of the most common skincare myths to ignore, as well as the things that can help your skin feel healthy and youthful.

Does toner dry your skin out?

One of the most common skincare misconceptions is that toner dries out your skin. It’s not entirely wrong – a harsh toner can dry out your skin, particularly if it’s alcohol-based. However, not all toners are created equally. 

Choosing a good quality toner from a reputable brand can help to exfoliate, brighten and even hydrate your skin. Ensure that you read the description before purchasing a toner to ensure that it matches your skin type.

Does not washing your face cause acne?

The idea that not washing your face is the sole cause of acne is a myth that pre-dates the internet. In recent years it has become more widely known that there are many causes of acne, but this is still a myth that repeatedly resurfaces. 

Acne can be caused by poor skincare, but it can also be caused by a poor diet, stress or hormones. A less notable cause of acne is actually using the wrong skincare. For example, using a harsh cleanser or toner strips your skin of natural oils which can cause your skin to promote more oil which blocks your pores. 

Equally, using a product that’s too heavy for your skin, either because it’s poorly formulated or the incorrect product for your skin type, can block your pores and also cause acne. In addition to this, sensitivity to any of the ingredients can cause a breakout. This is why the best way to choose your skincare is to have a consultation at a well-reviewed practice, like Hans Place, to discuss your skin concerns and receive advice from a skincare expert.

Do you really need a serum?

It seems that over the past decade, an increasing number of steps have been added to the ideal skincare regiment. Just 20 years ago, many people hadn’t heard of toning, exfoliating or applying a serum. Is a serum actually necessary, or is it just marketing?

The real answer is that it depends. It’s not strictly necessary to have a serum in your skincare routine, as long as the rest of the skincare routine is high quality. A serum is an added step for those people whose skin type is suited to it and who want to take the extra step. 

The most important thing to focus on with skincare is choosing the right product range for you, rather than the number of products. If you have skin concerns that you’ve struggled to address alone, then consider booking a consultation with Hans Place. There are several ranges of skincare, like Obagi, that can only be obtained by getting a prescription from a licensed aesthetician. 

Obagi is a line of medicated skincare products. They are designed to treat a range of skin concerns, with various combinations being used to treat different issues. To access Obagi skincare, you need to have a consultation to allow an aesthetician to properly examine your skin to determine the best course of action. 

Your consultant will then follow up with you at regular intervals to ensure that the products are working well for you. 

Do young people benefit from retinol?

Retinol has been a hero product for several years. Referred to as “the gold standard of skincare” by many popular publications, it’s a brilliant way to promote the growth of new cells and increase collagen production. 

Some skincare bloggers have suggested that people don’t need to use retinol until they’re more mature. It’s true that retinol is an excellent ingredient to reduce signs of ageing, but it can also work well for younger skin. Retinol promotes the turnover of cells by hastening the life cycle of cells. This makes it great for anyone who suffers from acne, clogged pores, dull skin, and fine lines.

Do you need suncream in winter?

Every summer, as the temperature increases, so do the suncream adverts. We all know that we should wear high-strength suncream when we’re lounging around in the beautiful weather, but do you really need suncream in winter? 

The reason that suncream is always promoted in summer isn’t just because the sun is stronger – it’s because we’re naturally drawn to spending more time outside. The truth is that while the UV rays are stronger in summer and we’re more exposed to them, they’re still there in winter. So it’s possible to get sun damage at any time of year, even if it’s cloudy. 

If you plan on spending any time outdoors, you need to be applying sunscreen regardless of the season or weather.

Do dermal fillers look fake?

For decades, popular culture has made jokes about dermal fillers for looking unnatural or over-exaggerating features. In reality, you probably meet someone with dermal fillers several times a week. The difference is that when they’re done well by an experienced aesthetician like Dr Comins, it’s almost impossible to tell any difference to naturally plump and lifted skin. 

Dermal fillers can be used to treat a variety of issues like sagging skin, lower brows, and wrinkles or even to slightly adjust the face shape, like in a non-surgical nose job. Before getting fillers, the client has to have a consultation with a doctor. They will use this time to examine the patient’s face, listen to their issues and discuss what’s possible. 

The amount of filler used can vary dramatically depending on the patient’s needs, and no good doctor would allow their patient to leave unhappy. With the advances in technology and practice, dermal fillers now look barely perceptible but create a natural-looking glow. 

If you want to sort the fact from fiction with your skincare, Hans Place offers in-depth consultations to help you achieve your skin and body confidence goals. To discuss your skincare, book a consultation with Hans Place today.