These skincare myths will change the way you care for your skin

Published on March 3, 2020 at 10:00 PM by Johanna Garner

In recent years, skincare has been emerging as a more and more important beauty trend. Many people even categorise self-care as those nights where you can get into a robe and don a face-mask while you watch a movie. However, there have been many misconceptions around the subject which, for sure, will influence what products and behaviours you use.

Some common skincare beliefs could not be further from the truth

You cannot shrink your pores.

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That's right, no matter what astringent toner or drying face wash you use, the size of your pores will not shrink. Some products may reduce their appearance but pore size is actually largely determined by genetics and environment. A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology reveals that there is actually a larger correlation between ethnicity and pore size. Those who live in more humid climates often have larger pores while those who live in drier climates have smaller pores.

thumbnail — Your pore size is largely determined by your environment Getty Images

If you have oily skin your pores may also be on the larger side as over time the pores will have had to grow to account for increased oil production. However, you can make your pores appear smaller through the proper use of retinoids and chemical exfoliants.

Also, having a hot shower or a steam bath will not open up your pores as many believe, but it will help to loosen the oil inside them.

Drinking water will not necessarily make your skin better.

It's not uncommon to hear the claim that if you drink more water your skin will become clearer. Some may think that dehydration and 'toxins' sometimes cause acne that drinking water will eliminate. While it is true that being constantly dehydrated is not good for the skin, there has been very little evidence to say the opposite.

One study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Scienceshows that excessive hydration does not really have any solid evidence of benefits. Your skin will probably look the same when you're normally hydrated as to overly hydrated and the latter just results in some frequent ducking off to the bathroom.

You should be wearing sunscreen more often than you think.

Actually, you should wear sunscreen on your face and neck every single day, even if it's raining outside, and even if you aim at staying indoors.

This is because UVA and UVB rays are penetrable even on a rainy or cloudy day and can even be absorbed through windows. Any kind of natural light has the potential to be damaging to the skin. Way back in 2007, SÖFW-Journal published an article explaining that when the suns rays penetrate the skin they can cause free radicals, one of the leading causes of photo-ageing in the skin and hair.

While our body is lucky enough to often be covered by clothing, our face and neck are constantly exposed to the elements. It would be wise to incorporate an SPF 50/+ into your skincare routine and work it in just before you apply makeup.