5 Common Beauty Myths, Busted!

The advice you often hear or read about beauty and skincare is often plain wrong. It may be well-meaning, but a lot of it is little more than misinformed fantasy with no relation to physiologic or scientific reality. We’re sure you’ll agree: To get the best skin of your life, it’s better to be armed with facts instead of myths and fiction.

Here are five of the more common beauty myths we run into regularly. Check them out and learn the research-supported information to help you take the best possible care of your skin.

Myth 1: Age Dictates Your Skin Type

Many products on the market claim to be designed for a specific age group, but age is NOT a skin type.

As a matter of fact, someone who’s 50 can have the same skin concerns and skin type as someone in their 30s. Oily skin and clogged pores don’t automatically go away when you turn 50 and dry, dull-looking skin can be a concern even in your 20s.

Regardless of your age, fighting visible signs of aging should start as early as possible.

One important note: The process of menopause, along with certain medical procedures, results in oestrogen-deficient skin. This oestrogen deficiency accelerates many visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven skin tone. Instead of shopping for a skincare product labelled “for mature skin,” it’s better to seek out skincare that contains ingredients called phytoestrogens, which can fight the visible effects of oestrogen deficiency.

Myth 2: Hypoallergenic Products are Better for Sensitive Skin

The term "hypoallergenic" is meant to imply that a product is unlikely or less likely to cause allergic reactions. As such, these skincare products are supposedly better for allergy-prone or sensitive skin types.

However, a simple label on the product doesn’t necessarily qualify it as being truly hypoallergenic. While the HSA does have guidelines on the control of cosmetic products, the responsibility for their safety and quality rests primarily with sellers.

Instead of looking for "hypoallergenic" on a label, look for gentle, fragrance-free products packed with soothing, skin-replenishing ingredients. And avoid the wrong ingredients that can hurt the skin.

Myth 3: "Age Spots” Form When You Get Older

Another skin beauty myth revolves around the term "age spot". In fact, the term isn’t quite that accurate. Uneven skin tone and brown spots come from years of environmental exposure that lead to enzymes in the skin’s surface, causing visible imperfections.

To brighten the skin and achieve a far more even skin tone plus renewed radiance, products that contain niacinamide, vitamin C, and certain plant extracts like arbutin, can have stunning results for ultimate complexion improvement.

Important: For brightening products to work, applying broad-spectrum sun protection 365 days a year is absolutely required. There’s no way around this: If you skip non-comedogenic sunscreen or are inconsistent with this crucial step, the spots and uneven skin tone will not improve.

Myth 4: You'll Eventually Outgrow Acne

We wish that were true! Adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s can have acne just like teenagers, and the products needed to get it under control remain the same at any age. In fact, the notion of adult acne is more myth than fact because what causes acne and helps it resolve aren’t dependent on age.

What’s also true: Having clear skin as a teenager does not mean that you won't get acne later in life.

Paula’s Choice CLEAR skincare line features anti-acne products designed with non-irritating formulas backed by published research. Following a consistent skincare routine with products like this can make a great difference at any age.

Myth 5: Makeup Causes Acne

There’s no research showing makeup causes acne. However, if you’re not removing it correctly and consistently, then you’re going to have to deal with some common skin concerns. When you don’t get all your makeup off at night or even fall asleep in it, it means the ingredients that can lessen your acne will not penetrate into your skin.

Check out our CLEAR products but remember, they won’t be able to work effectively through makeup. For more advice on this subject, see our article on makeup for acne-prone skin.

Learn more about other skincare myths and misconceptions and check out our range of skincare products online.

References for This Information

• Experimental Dermatology, October 2014, Supplement 1, pages 7-12
• Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2008, issue 4, pages 191-202
• Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, May 2004, issue 3, pages 325-327
• American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, issue 11, pages 789-798
• International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, issue 1, pages 21-52
• Cutis, June 1987, issue 6, pages 512-515