If done correctly, a pimp can indeed be popped. Photo: Handout
For years, many of us have lived by skincare “rules” passed down from friends, family and even popular culture – often believing them to be the gospel truth.
Whether it’s avoiding chocolate to prevent breakouts or thinking you can shrink your pores with cold water, these myths have shaped how we care for our skin.
Thanks to advances in dermatological research, scientists and skincare experts have debunked many of these misconceptions.
Here’s a look at some popular myths and explanations.
Don’t ever pop a pimple
The standard advice about never popping a pimple is wrong, according to the booklet 40 Beauty Myths Busted by Paula’s Choice research and education team.
“Not only can it be done safely without wounding skin and causing a scab, but releasing the pressure inside a filled pimple frees the skin-damaging substance sitting inside,” notes the book.
Over-squeezing and picking at your pimples can, of course, cause damage to your skin, but popping it the right way will help it go away faster.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot become addicted to lip balm, no matter how often you use it. Photo: Kylie CosmeticsHow do you know it’s ready to be popped? You’ll see a “whitehead” on the surface, when the zit begins to look and feel slightly swollen.
Read more: Two-in-one solution: Makeup-skincare hybrid products are more popular than ever
Niacinamide can darken skin
Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin with many skincare benefits.
Working with the natural substances in your skin, it can help minimise enlarged pores, even out skintone, soften fine lines and more.
According to an article on Sunday Edit by Sunday Riley, studies have shown that niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation, like dark spots and discoloration.
“Data suggests niacinamide is an effective skin-lightening compound,” noted the article.
The vitamin actually protects against oxidative stress from pollution, toxins and sun damage as well as treats hyperpigmentation, which means it is actually beneficial at lightening dark spots.
Chemical sunscreens are bad
Many people believe that chemical sunscreen ingredients are harmful, but this is a myth, as both mineral and non-mineral sunscreens are effective and safe when used as directed.
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while non-mineral sunscreens (often called “chemical” sunscreens) contain synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Despite concerns, research has shown that these ingredients protect the skin from UV damage without causing harm, according to 40 Beauty Myths Busted.
While some studies have raised issues about synthetic sunscreens affecting hormones, these studies typically involved unrealistic conditions, such as ingesting large amounts of sunscreen or applying excessive quantities for long periods.
In real-world scenarios, topical use of synthetic sunscreen ingredients has not been linked to any significant health risks.
Lip balms are addictive
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot become addicted to lip balm, no matter how often you use it.
However, if you feel you are constantly reapplying lip balm without seeing results, the issue may lie in the product’s formulation.
Many products contain irritants like menthol, camphor, fragrance or essential oils that actually make your lips feel drier, making you apply them more frequently without any improvement.
Many believe that chemical sunscreen ingredients are harmful, but this is a myth. Photo: SupergoopA well-formulated lip balm contains soothing ingredients like hydrating oils, emollients and moisturisers that nourish and protect your lips for longer periods without the need for constant reapplication.
Vogue advises those who use lip balm to avoid flavoured versions as they can lead to “frequent, unconscious” lip-licking.
Thanks to its enzymes that help to break down food, the saliva that reaches the lips can attack the surface of the lips over time and create a desire for even more care, which can create a vicious circle that leads to a feeling of dependency, noted the article.
Facial massages with creams help “lift” skin
While facial exercises and vigorously massaging skincare products do improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, if done too roughly they can actually cause lasting damage.
One belief is that massages combat wrinkles and sagging skin, but an article on The Guardian notes that in terms of studies, “there are not many randomised control trials, which are the gold standard in scientific research.”
Each time you pull or stretch your skin, especially during facial exercises, you put stress on its elastin and collagen fibers, which eventually leads to sagging.
To maintain your skin’s elasticity and prevent early signs of ageing, it’s essential to be gentle when applying skincare products.
Even when cleansing, be mindful of how you handle your skin as water reduces surface tension. Softly glide your hands across your face without causing unnecessary tugging.
Although some studies suggest that facial exercises may improve certain signs of ageing, they fail to consider the long-term effects.
The key takeaway: be kind to your skin. Gentle application of products and minimising movement will help preserve its firmness and youthful appearance in the long run.
Read more: When it comes to skincare, applying sun protection is simply non-negotiable
The order of your skincare products doesn’t matter
This isn’t true, as the order of your products plays an important role in how effective they are, particularly at the start and end of your routine.
Libertylondon.com notes that only a small percentage of products can penetrate your skin to do their thing, therefore applying skincare products in the right order ensures the maximum amount of product can be absorbed.
From there, the rule of thumb is to apply products based on their texture, starting with the lightest and working up to the heaviest.
Lightweight formulas like serums or essences should be applied first, while richer creams or oils come afterward.
For daytime, always finish with sunscreen to protect your skin, and this should be the last step before makeup, as nothing should go on top of it.
In the evening, you can end with a facial moisturiser or eye cream, although if you have oily skin, the moisture from your treatment products might be enough.
If you’re using an overnight mask, it should be applied last to lock in hydration while you sleep.
