When it comes to skincare advice on the internet, there is a lot of conflicting information. Whether you’re looking to discover the must-have ingredients for any basic skincare routine or want to know exactly how to go about using said ingredients, trying to get one straight answer can be tricky. In fact, there are five particular skin myths that prove particularly troublesome in the quest for clear, glowing skin, and we think it’s about time they were put to rest.
In a bid to settle these common skincare debates for good, we have enlisted the help of Neutrogena skincare expert Rebecca Bennett, because here at GLAMOUR, we like to get our skincare advice from qualified experts who know skin inside out. And few people understand the importance of expert-led skincare advice better than the clever folk at Neutrogena – a brand developed with dermatologists to create everyday products suitable for your specific skin needs.
So, without a further ado, these are the five myths that could be getting in the way of your clear complexion dreams and what you should really do about the issues at hand…
Salicylic acid is aggressive: FALSE
You’d be forgiven for being sucked into this myth for a couple of reasons. First of all, the word acid can seem pretty scary, but actually salicylic acid can work well for most skin types. “Salicylic acid is a well-established treatment for the management of breakout-prone skin. It is usually found in concentrations between 0.5%-2% in skincare products, including cleansers, moisturisers and serums and is generally well tolerated,” says Rebecca.
The second reason it’s easy to fall for this myth is that SA is ‘drying’ by nature, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rebecca explains: “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and loves oil! It helps dissolve excess oil down into the pores. In the right formulations, salicylic acid is suitable for most skin types and can really help manage blocked pores and breakouts.” Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Wash is gentle enough to be used morning and night, it contains salicylic acid and helps keep blemishes at bay. For stubborn blackheads, Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Facial Scrub contains both salicylic acid and physical exfoliants to unclog congestion.
You can’t change the size of pores: TRUE
As with a lot of skincare myths floating around, this one has stemmed from decades of archaic beauty marketing. For years, some brands have told us that their products have the power to actually shrink pores, but this isn’t actually possible. “Pore size is usually determined by our skin types and genetics. They do not open and close like windows. They can, however, be made to appear smaller by keeping them clear of blockages,” reveals Rebecca. To visibly reduce the appearance of pores, Neutrogena Oil Balancing In-Shower Mask uses lime and glycolic acid. It mattifies the skin and makes pores look more refined.
You shouldn’t exfoliate daily: FALSE
If you have dry skin that is particularly sensitive, daily exfoliation might not be for you. However, those with oily skin that is prone to blemishes will likely see benefits from daily exfoliation, providing the products are gentle. “The emphasis is on ‘gentle’ because care needs to be taken to respect the skin barrier. Use products which have rounded beads for physical exfoliation and/or gentle acids for chemical exfoliation. I look for products that say they can be used daily, as these are usually the gentlest,” says Rebecca.
While exfoliating acids and coarser scrubs should be used two to three times a week, Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Daily Exfoliator and Neutrogena Oil Balancing Daily Exfoliator contain gentle natural exfoliators and have been formulated with dermatologists specifically for daily use.
Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser: FALSE
Applying moisturiser to oily skin that is prone to congestion might seem counterintuitive, but it’s important to remember that all skin types require hydration. In fact, giving oily skin some needed nourishment could help tackle excess oil production. “Oil is not the same as moisture and it is possible to have oily skin that is dehydrated. If your skin is oily, look for moisturisers that are specifically designed for oily skin, as these will be non-comedogenic, are usually oil-free and may contain ingredients to help tackle oiliness,” says Rebecca.
If you struggle with excess oil and congestion, look for moisturisers that deliver that all-important hydration without containing potentially pore-clogging ingredients. Neutrogena Clear & Defend Moisturiser provides 24-hour hydration and defends against future breakouts while it’s at it. To keep oiliness at bay every day, Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser delivers the ultimate lightweight hydration to keep skin glowy and radiant.
You should avoid aggressive exfoliants if you have sensitive skin: TRUE
While daily exfoliation shouldn’t be written off, it’s worth noting that if you have sensitive skin or your skin is feeling particularly irritated, laying off aggressive exfoliants until the skin is more resilient is wise. “Sensitive skin types often have a compromised skin barrier which can allow allergens to penetrate and cause or worsen sensitivity. Exfoliation, especially when using aggressive exfoliants, can thin the skin barrier further and may make skin more sensitive,” warns Rebecca. Instead, keep your routine simple with ingredients that help stressed-out skin recover. Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Mousse Cleanser contains turmeric and helps soothe sensitive skin while balancing and purifying at the same time. Follow up with Neutrogena Clear & Soothe Moisturiser to help keep skin hydrated, clear and happy.
Shop the Neutrogena range for your skin solution at Boots.co.uk