We’ve always encouraged our Radiant Rebels to do their own research and learning. That being said, quite often we see that research come with a lot of misinformation. Today we thought it would be helpful to tackle some of the more common tidbits that come across our desks in hopes that it may clear up some confusion. Let’s dive in!
1. Vaseline is the number one cure for wrinkles, cracked dry heels, and age spots
Reality: It clogs pores, disrupts the bodies process of elimination of toxins through the pores, and is a no-no if you’re looking for eco-friendly beauty products)
2. Toothpaste on blemishes cures them overnight
Reality: Most kinds of toothpaste actually irritate the skin, unless you’re using a natural toothpaste in which cause it’s still made for teeth, not skin! The reason people believe toothpaste works on blemishes is because it appears to dry them out, when in fact it irritates, causes redness and peeling. Besides, “drying out” zits isn’t a solution.
3. You can shrink your pores
Reality: While you can make your pores less noticeable (particularly when they are free of blackheads) the size of your pores cannot be made smaller. Pores don’t have muscles so they can’t open and close either.
4. Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker and faster
Reality: Short hairs that are just growing back may feel sharper and more noticeable, but the hair itself isn’t growing back thicker or faster
5. Hemorrhoid cream helps eye puffiness vanish
Reality: Although it might help reduce swelling from puffy eyes, the chemicals in hemorrhoid cream could be harmful to your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes. It’s definitely not worth the risk!
6. Products labelled as hypoallergenic are safe for sensitive skin
Reality: There are absolutely no accepted testing methods, ingredient restrictions, regulations, guidelines, rules, or procedures of any kind, anywhere in the world, for determining whether or not a product qualifies as being hypoallergenic. So “hypoallergenic” boils down to being a “buzz word” or an advertising gimmick. Products labelled “hypoallergenic” can be just as problematic as products without this label.
7. You can scrub your blackheads away
Reality: Using a topical scrub removes the top portion of the blackhead, but does nothing to address the underlying cause, and can’t get the potion of the blackhead that’s inside the pore. That’s where natural clays come in because they can draw impurities to the surface of the skin so they can be scrubbed away! So, this myth is true IF you’re using a clay mask first, although even that can’t remove all blackheads in one go – that’s where a good continuous low dose of clay is a good idea like in my primer moisturizer so you’ve got clay continuously working to pull up blackheads. It’s also a good idea to hunt down the root cause of your blackheads such as hormone imbalances that cause too much oil to be produced, pore-clogging ingredients, and makeup.
8. Your skin adapts to products you use and eventually, the products stop being effective
Reality: Your skin doesn’t adapt to products. Ingredients that are good for your skin will always be good for your skin and bad ones will always be bad! I think part of why this myth continues to circulate is because people fail to adjust their products and routines as their skin care needs change. For example, skin care routines should be different in the winter than they are in the summer. Additionally, once one problem is under control, it’s time to start targeting another. Our skin care needs change as often as our nutritional needs change. Balance is always the goal and small adjustments as needs arise makes a big difference!
9. When a product makes your skin tingle, it means it’s working
Reality: Tingling is often the skin responding to irritation, resulting in inflammation. It’s best to avoid products produce this sensation because it can actually damage your skin. Inflammation and irritation are always bad for your skin and you can’t solve skin care problems by damaging the skin. Instead focus on soothing, mild skin care that nurtures your skin.
10. Rosacea is “adult acne”
Reality: Acne and rosacea are two different conditions. Bacteria often plays a role in acne, where it doesn’t with rosacea. Rosacea is more of an inflammatory process that causes the skin’s blood vessels to over-dilate.
Until next time, stay radiant!
Pin this article for later:
