A SKINCARE company founder has debunked several beauty myths that may be harming your skin.
Although many are marketed as anti-aging methods, there are several that have the opposite effect, and she said her "personal favorite" needs to be stopped.
Masktini founder Olga Parno said that "there's no shortage of skincare myths, especially with the rise of social media."
Previously, she shared an ice trick for a glowy face and her favorite drugstore beauty buys with The U.S. Sun.
Now, she has shared some of the common "dos or don'ts" that she sees "every day" and said "needs to be addressed."
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COMMON SKINCARE MYTHS
SAVOR THE SPF
"'You don’t need SPF if it’s cloudy or raining outside' - this is my personal favorite myth that needs to be busted as soon as possible," Parno said.
She added that SPF isn’t just for when it’s sunny.
Even when hidden by the clouds, the sun still emits harmful UVA and UVB radiation which can cause damage to your skin, if it’s not protected.
"Ideally, wear SPF all over every day but at a minimum, make sure you’re applying a decent amount to your face, neck, decolletage, and hands every day," she suggested.
RETINOL NO-NO
Another big one Parno sees often is not using retinol products until you're in your 30s and beyond.
"All too often, we see individuals neglect preventative skincare to slow premature aging," she said.
"As soon as they see the effects of aging, they go straight in with an incredibly strong retinol to try and reverse the effects and wind up damaging their skin barrier in the process."
She warned against another related myth that teens should start using retinol and similar preventative skin measures early.
Parno said there's no need for teens or even those in their early twenties to consider incorporating retinol or other strong ingredients into their nighttime rituals.
"Everyone is different so it’s always best to check with your dermatologist before trying new products," she advised.
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There’s a lot to be said for incorporating low-strength retinol into your routine from your late twenties.
Using retinol later in life helps your skin adjust to the effects of retinol, reduces purging, and helps slow the effects of premature aging.
Parno said doing it this way "won’t cause excessive damage to your skin barrier."
DON'T SKIP
Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, the entrepreneur still said you need to apply moisturizer.
"It’s common to think that using a moisturizer will accentuate oiliness or cause more acne but this couldn’t be more wrong," she said.
"Oily and acne-prone skin needs moisture too, and depriving your skin of moisture causes it to produce more oil to replenish lost moisture, making the problem worse!"
She added that many products targeted to address acne-prone and oily skin usually contain highly stripping and drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.
It strips the skin and "increases the need for a good moisturizer."
AT-HOME ANTICS
"There are many benefits to exfoliation, however, it absolutely does not need to be done every day," she said.
Daily at-home exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion and cleansing brushes can do more harm than good.
"Frequent use leads to over-exfoliating the skin, which can result in dry, red, and sensitive skin due to a damaged skin barrier," she explained.
Parno recommended leaving these treatments to your dermatologist or esthetician because they will "properly advise on the correct treatments and frequencies for your skin."
