It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed in the constant changing world of skincare, with new ranges hitting the market every day, telling us what is good and not good for our skin.

Skin science has moved in leaps and bounds as new delivery systems and ways to modify ingredients can make it seem more like a Star Wars battle than the exciting world it really is.  It’s like most things; sometimes a lot of choice is just too much!

So we are here to bust just a few of the common myths of this mystifying topic!

MYTH #1 – TREAT YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE

For years we’ve been conditioned to believe that skin is oily, dry or combination and most of us have used skin care products accordingly.  However, your skin type is just a grain of sand on a beach when it comes to getting the most out of your skin care.

It’s very important to address the health of the skin and not just the external factors such as “not enough moisture”.  Sure we can the moisture however it’s going to be a short-term fix if we are not addressing the cause; i.e. dehydration of the body and compromised skin function.  Maintaining a good diet, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and looking after your health is an obvious fix, and when it comes to skin care, look for products that stimulate the bodies own healing processes i.e. stimulate collagen formation, sedate oil glands, repair cell mitochondria etc.  Ingredients such as AHA’s, Retinol, Anti-Oxidants, Hyaluronic and Sunscreens should be on the top of your list.

We recommend:  Vie Collection – Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid, it stimulates collagen and elastin and helps rejuvenate skin cells.

MYTH #2 – I’LL USE ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE WHEN I’M OLDER

Unfortunately there is no wonder ingredient that completely repairs the passage of time; prevention is No.1 when it comes to youthful skin.

Every day we are exposed to factors that damage our skin and cause skin ageing; the sun’s rays, pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyles all work together like a super-villain team and attack our skin at a deep and cellular level.  It may not show immediately but it’s happening.

Keeping the skin deeply hydrated is important in our early years and ingredients such as Hyaluronic help our fibroblast cells (the ones that make collagen and elastin) to work more effectively and more collagen and elastin means less wrinkles and sagging.

Also make sunscreen application part of your daily routine, everyday! Not only to reduce your chances of skin cancer but to reduce about 90% of visible skin ageing.

We recommend: ELES – Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50, its super light and gives the skin a lovely pearlescent glow!

MYTH #3 – THE ONLY WAY TO LOOK YOUTHFUL IS WITH BOTOX

Not true! There are so many effective products and treatments that will help to plump and firm the skin without a needle. As we age the lower layers of our skin lose volume.  By reducing cell build-up on the outer skin (this acts like a wall to great ingredients getting in where they are needed) and increasing the volume of the deeper layers of the skin on a daily basis with ingredients such as retinol, peptides and essential fatty acids you can enjoy bouncy, firm and radiant skin.  You’ll also find many skin care products contain neuropeptides (Botox substitutes) that do a wonderful job relaxing and softening wrinkles.

We recommend: Phytomer – Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth Cream, a firm favourite this exceptional cream adds density to the skin giving it volume and bounce.

MYTH #4 – WE ALL NEED TO PEEL AND EXFOLIATE DAILY

This will look amazing for the first week or even month, however you’ll soon discover the damaging effects of over-exfoliating as you remove your protective acid mantle.  This barrier protects the skin from moisture loss, from bacterial invasion and when it’s gone you’ll be left with dry, sensitive skin with breakouts.

Exfoliation is an important part of any good skin care routine, however moderation and gentle when it comes to peels and scrubs is always best.

We recommend: Phytomer – Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes a gentle but effective exfoliant that leaves skin fresh and refined.

MYTH #5 – DRY SKIN NEEDS RICHER MOISTURISERS

Quite often a super-rich moisturiser can exacerbate the problem.  The oils in rich creams can act like a glue to dead skin cells that prevent hydrating ingredients from penetrating the skin, so while it might feel soft and supple on the surface, deep down it’s drying out!

Layering is your best defence against dry skin.  Apply a hydrating serum that will sink into the lower layers and then seal it with a protective cream, something that contains shea butter or light oils is ideal.

We recommend: Phytomer – Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum, it drenches the skin with pure moisture leaving it dewy and supple.