top of page

 

Myth: Face wipes are a perfectly fine substitute for facial cleansers.

Reality: No! Face wipes are handy if you’re camping for the weekend or at the Coachella Festival and need a quick fix, however, they should not be your primary method of makeup removal. The chemicals contained in face wipes can strip the skin of natural oils and do not provide a ‘clean’ surface for applying your serums and skincare. Most wipes contain ingredients to keep them moist which also creates a coat on the surface of the skin which can lead to clogged pores. It is imperative that you use a cleanser to remove makeup and double cleanse where required on heavier makeup days and for a deeper clean.

 

Myth: You can’t use Vitamin B and Vitamin C together.

Reality: We see articles and posts about Vitamin B and Vitamin C all the time. The short answer to this question is, yes! If you are using The Daily Brighten & Balance and Super C Brightener together, this is perfectly fine. In fact, our serums have all been designed to work synergistically and can be layered over each other. Our Super C Brightener serum is highly active so you may experience slight tingling. This will subside.

 

Myth: Don’t use moisturiser if you have oily or acne prone skin

Reality: Argh! Reading this makes our eyes hurt! Oil is not moisture. When we refer to moisture in the skin, we are referring to water content in the skin. Oily and acne prone skins still require moisture and can easily become dehydrated (loss or lack of moisture) due to use of harsh, stripping chemicals and ingredients. Such products are often to blame for aggravating oil and acne issues as the natural oils are stripped.

 

Picture this: The oil is removed from the skin; therefore, the skin thinks it is lacking oil. This sends a message to the brain that there is no oil and the brain sends a message to the skin to produce MORE oil. See where we’re going with this?

 

Please be sure to use a moisturiser that is recommended for your specific skin needs.

For Oily and acne prone skins, we recommend the Super Hydrator which adds moisture as well as having a refining, clearing and renewing effect on the skin.

 

Myth: You can mix all of your serums together and apply them for convenience

Reality: This is true for SOME serums but not all! When using serums, be sure to apply them in order of water-based first and oil-based last. If you are unsure, layer your serums in order of your skin concerns (first serum targeting first priority etc) with any oil-based serums or oils applied last.

 

Myth: Age spots are a sign that you’re getting older

Reality: Eeeek! This one hurts to read and hear as well! The name ‘age spot’ is incorrect terminology for what we are referring to. What we are talking about here is pigmentation; a brown, freckle-like skin discolouration. This is not a result of age; this in fact is a result of years of unprotected sun exposure. This could be what we refer to as ‘incidental’ sun exposure’ – walking from the front door to the car, gardening, sun exposure while driving, sitting inside with the sun beaming in on you. The other cause of freckle-like skin pigmentation is hormones. This type of pigmentation is generally caused by a change in hormones through medications, birth control, and pregnancy to name a few.

 

Don’t be fooled by cloudy days and resilient young skin. Generally, we have done the majority of sun damage that we see come up later in life by our mid 20’s. Why don’t we see it appear immediately? The skin has cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes have dendrites – picture an octopus – the melanocyte has a similar structure in terms of a cell body and dendrites (like octopus tentacles). When the skin is exposed to the sun, it is the job of the melanocyte to distribute melanin (like an octopus squirts ink) via its dendrites to surrounding cells. This melanin is the colour that appears as we become more tanned; so essentially, melanin is released into skin cells as a UV protectant. Clever! Over time, the dendrites become damaged from sun exposure and lose the ability to evenly distribute melanin, thus it ‘squirts’ melanin in various areas. This is why and how we end up with splotchy-looking pigmentation.

 

If you are concerned with pigmentations, you can use The Daily Brighten & Balance and Triple C together both AM and PM, and apply The All-Night Stand as a third step in the evenings only. Follow with Super Hydrator as your moisturiser for AM and PM and if you have concerns about aging, add Peptide Punch and Fountain of Youth as your evening moisturiser.

 

Myth: Acne is a teenage thing – you’ll Outgrow it

Reality: Facepalm moment! Yes, we go through hormonal changes at different stages of our lives and one of those periods is during puberty, however, adult acne is a real thing. The causes of acne are vast. Lifestyle, diet, and stress can all have an effect on acne and we urge you to consider the connection of medication, food, stress, and over-cleansing and stripping your skin as contributing factors to acne.

 

Myth: People with dry skin need to drink more water!

Reality: Dry skin and dehydrated skin is very different. Dry skin lacks oil. This is usually the genetic make of your skin and likely have a family history of it. Drinking more water is great for you, however, it will not fix the issue of lacking oil. Dry skin should consider adding oil-based serums, oils, and moisturisers to their skincare regime and potentially consider adding healthy fats such as omega-3, flaxseed oil, and avocado to their diet.

 

Myth: You should always cleanse, tone, and moisturise!

Reality: This myth was created by commercial skincare brands to make the consumer believe that the answer to having great skin is as simple as cleansing, toning, and moisturising. What is important to understand about the skin is this. The skin must be cleansed thoroughly to remove excess pollutants, products, and perspiration on the surface of the skin. From here, the most important consideration is ‘What are my skin concerns and what do I want to improve?’ this will tell you which products to apply next. A toner is not necessarily always required. It is important to remember that serums are usually the lightest in texture and ‘should’ have the smallest molecular structure in order to be absorbed into the skin. Serums are hero products and should NEVER be skipped. Once the serum is applied to the skin and absorbed, you can either apply an oil or moisturiser to lock in those ingredients and lock in moisture.

 

Myth: You should use a ‘Day Cream’ during the day and a ‘Night Cream’ at night

Reality: this is another one of those marketing genius ideas. You do not need to have a Day Cream and Night Cream. What is important is to use the right ingredients for your skin concerns and skin type. You should always apply SPF over your moisturiser in the AM and cleanse to remove the SPF and apply skincare in the evening without SPF. Please do not use any SPF products in the evening as this is when your skin rejuvenates and does not need sun protection at night.

 

Myth: Exfoliating daily is good for your skin.

Reality: Exfoliating promotes the removal of dull, dead skin cells; however, this needs to be limited to no more than 3 times a week. Exfoliating too often will compromise your skin barrier and strip your skin of moisture, and lead to increase sebum production, making oily skin oilier. Enzyme exfoliants have the ability to enzymatically break down excess dead skin cells and the intercellular glue that holds them together. Allow these products to do their job and you’ll be GLOWing. Our Glow Polish is an enzyme peel that allows you to gently buff the skin without over-scrubbing. It also contains enzymes to break down and remove unwanted excess dry skin – whip some serum over the top and you’re truly GLOWing. Our Glow Reveal Enzyme Peel is ideal for any skin that may be looking dull and wants to reveal fresher-looking skin without requiring manual scrubbing.

 

 

Myth: Pores can open and close.

Reality: Pore size never changes. They stay the exact same size rain, hail or shine. What?! Yes girlfriend! You can use products to help with plumping and hydrating the skin as well as refining the skin which makes pores less visible. Clogged pores make pores appear larger as well so be sure to be treating your skin with the right products to prevent clogging and congestion.

 

 

Myth: Face wipes are a perfectly fine substitute for facial cleansers.

Reality: No, no, no! This is the moment that makes us skin therapists virtually facepalm. Face wipes are handy if you’re camping for the weekend or at the Coachella Festival and need a quick fix, however, they should not be your primary method of makeup removal. The chemicals contained in face wipes can strip the skin of natural oils and do not provide a ‘clean’ surface for applying your serums and skincare. Most wipes contain ingredients to keep them moist which also creates a coat on the surface of the skin which can lead to clogged pores. It is imperative that you use a cleanser to remove makeup and double cleanse where required on heavier makeup days and for a deeper clean.

 

Myth:  Hot Water is Good for Your Skin

Reality: Washing or showering in hot water actually removes oils and natural moisturizers from your skin. This can leave skin dry, itchy and sensitised. Your face is particularly sensitive to hot water, so even if you enjoy a hot shower on your body, make sure to only use warm water when washing your face.

 

Myth:  Cucumber Slices Eliminate Bags Under Your Eyes

Reality: Many people use cool cucumbers to reduce puffiness under their eyes. There are definitely some benefits from the moisture in the fresh cucumber, generally speaking, any cool compress will have the same effect. What you should be looking for is cucumber extracts being included in eye products such as eye creams and eye gels with actively working towards reducing puffiness under the eyes. The extracts are the correct component of the cucumber which are more concentrated and therefore deliver more results.

 

Myth:  Eating Carrots Can Make Your Skin Turn Orange

Reality: True - Any foods high in beta-carotene can cause your skin to turn an orange colour. It would take eating about a few dozen carrots a day for several weeks though, so it’s fairly rare. Carrots are high in Vitamin A so keep eating them! In fact, too much of any one food is not good for you, so remember balance and good health are subject to all good things  in moderation!

 

Myth: Tanned Skin is Healthy

Reality: False - Somehow, and at some point, society started to believe that a tan means a healthy glow, but here is the truth! Skin tans in order to protect itself from the sun. Melanocytes are the skin cell responsible for producing melanin which is the brownish pigment in our skin. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, its natural defense mechanism is to create melanin to protect the skin. The more exposure to the sun, the more melanin is produced. This means that tanned skin simply means your skin has been damaged.

 

Myth: Chocolate Causes Acne

Reality: This is not true, though too much sugar in your diet is not good for your skin and can perpetuate conditions such as acne, chocolate itself is not the culprit.

 

Myth: Indoor Tanning is Safer Than Being in the Sun

Reality:  False! Just like outdoor tanning, indoor tanning beds expose your skin to UV rays. The UVA rays in most tanning beds are actually more intense than the sun. UVA ages the skin and UVB tends to burn the skin so in actual fact, using sunbeds is ageing your skin quicker.

 

Myth: Acne is Genetic

Reality: True. There are many ongoing studies to determine the impact of genetics on acne, but there does appear to be a connection. Inherited genes could mean you are likely to develop acne. There is not a single gene that determines this, but it is widely accepted that people with clogged pores and oily skin often pass these conditions on. It is important to remember that diet and lifestyle have a great impact on acne. Genetics are merely a possible contributing factor.

 

Myth:  Applying toothpaste to spots will eliminate breakouts

Reality: False. Although toothpaste does contain some of the same ingredients you’ll see in over-the-counter acne products, it also contains other ingredients that aren’t great for your skin. Some may actually cause unsightly inflammation, and dryness, and in some cases (depending on the ingredients contained in the toothpaste) cause photosensitivity which leads to hyperpigmentation in the skin. It is not advisable to use toothpaste on any breakouts.

 

Myth:  “Dermatologist Tested” Makes a Product Trustworthy 

Reality: “Dermatologist Tested” is not an official certification, it’s just a marketing slogan. Legally, this should mean that at least one dermatologist did test the product, it doesn’t mean the FDA, TGA, or any other organization endorses the product. Be wary of this claim if you can’t identify the source of the endorsement.

 

Myth: SPF Protection is All the Same

Reality: False - Many products (not just sunscreen) have SPF protection. However, not all products protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Many make-up products, for example, offer only protection against UVA. If you’re going to be in the sun, make sure any exposed area is protected from both types of damaging rays. Let's also remember that ingredients are important and some SPF products contain much better ingredients than others. For example, some contain ingredients that may clog and congest the skin.

 

Myth: Makeup Makes You Age Faster

Reality: It really depends on the products you’re using. Some makeup is actually good for your skin. If you wear makeup as recommended, clean it off nightly, and follow a healthy skin care regimen, makeup won’t damage your skin or make you age faster unless it contains ageing ingredients filled with free radicals or if it’s left on the skin overnight for prolonged periods of time.

 

 

Myth:  Eating Junk Food Causes Zits

Reality: True. Cutting out all of the junk food in your diet doesn’t necessarily mean that your acne would go away, however it definitely will improve. A number of factors contribute to your skin’s condition, and any one thing isn’t likely to be a cure. Sugary food and carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation in the body, which helps fuel acne. Whereas fruits and vegetables often contain antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin. If you have acne, improving your diet may help, but it is also important to consider gut health, stress, hormonal contribution, lifestyle, medical conditions etc.

 

Myth:  It is Good for Skin to Feel Tight

Reality: False! Many people think “tight” means no wrinkles. Generally, tight skin means the oily protective layer of the skin has probably diminished along with the moisture in the skin, leaving it dry and dehydrated.

 

Myth: You Only Need to Wear Sunscreen on Sunny Days

Reality: False! As much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays are able to go through clouds. It is important to wear sunscreen whenever you plan on being outside for an extended amount of time.

 

Myth:  Men Don’t Need to Moisturise

Reality: Skin is skin, and moisturizer is just as beneficial to men as to women. Moisturizer helps prevent skin from getting too dry, which can lead to clogged pores and oily skin.

 

Myth:  You Can Sweat Out Toxins

Reality: You can’t really sweat out toxins. The body has other mechanisms for detoxifying, including the kidneys and liver. Sweat overwhelmingly consists of water, and its purpose is to help regulate body temperature. Your skin can, however, eliminate toxins through an excretion process.

 

Myth: You Shouldn’t Exfoliate Sensitive Skin

Reality: Exfoliating clears clogged pores and helps the skin absorb moisture, which is great for sensitive skin. It is important to use a less abrasive product and a gentle technique so the skin doesn’t get irritated or inflamed such as an enzyme peel.

 

Myth: It’s Okay to Pop Pimples

Reality: False! While there are some fairly safe techniques to get rid of breakouts, generally it’s best to not pop pimples. Popping pimples damage the skin and can often leave behind a scar and can lead to an array of other skin issues. Sometimes popping a pimple forces debris deeper into pores and into hair follicles, which can cause other skin problems. It also may be handy to know that underneath your fingernails is dirtier than a toilet seat so keep your paws off your face! Pop a spot treatment on and leave them alone.

 

Myth:  There’s No Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors

Reality: False! UV rays are all around us, even indoors. That’s especially true if you are in a room with lots of windows, or if the windows offer no UV protection. Many experts suggest wearing sunscreen indoors also.

 

Myth:  Moisturizer Removes Wrinkles

Reality: Moisturizer doesn’t remove wrinkles, but it does help prevent future ones. As you get older, your body isn’t as naturally moist, it doesn’t produce as much natural oil to moisturise your skin, and the skin cell renewal process slows down, so existing wrinkles may seem less pronounced if you moisturise regularly. It’s your regular treatment and booster products that will reduce wrinkles.

 

Myth: Stress Causes Acne

Reality: While it’s not the only reason, and certainly not the main reason, stress does create a hormonal imbalance that can cause breakouts.

 

Myth:  You Get Wrinkles Because of Genetics

Reality: While genetics can impact your skin in general, wrinkles are more an effect of your lifestyle. Proper skin care can greatly reduce the risk of wrinkles.

 

Myth: Swimming in Chlorine Improves Acne

Reality: Chlorine can dry out pimples, and in the short-term make it seems as though swimming in chlorine improves acne. Long-term though, the chemicals in swimming pools can irritate skin and cause more breakouts and irritation that could cause additional problems.

 

Myth: No One is Born with Freckles

Reality: True - Genetically predisposed children develop freckles after being exposed to the sun’s UV rays. No one has freckles when they are born. Therefore, it is important to know the freckles are a result of sun exposure and damage.

Myths Vs Reality

bottom of page