Although there are lots of expensive, fancy cleansers on the market that include antiaging ingredients said to help your skin look better and younger, I always chose simple, basic and cheap cleansers without them. Why? Because, when used in a cleanser, they get washed off and end up down the drain and so, how effective can they be?

Retinoids, Vitamins C & E and other antioxidants need to stay on the skin to work, and so they’re useless in a cleanser. So, save your money and opt for a cheaper option instead. Some of the ingredients that could provide some benefits in a cleanser are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (such as Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid). These ingredients have exfoliating properties and, if you massage the cleanser on your skin for a few minutes, they will remove some of the dead skin cells left on the skin’s surface and enhance the penetration of whatever product you’re gonna apply next.

However, and this is especially true for people with oily or acne prone skin who use Salicylic Acid to prevent and treat breakouts, you would still get much better results if you use a leave-in product with these ingredients. The longer they stay on the skin, the better they will perform. So, that’s my advice for you. Instead than spending lots of money on a fancy cleanser that only provides limited benefits at best, or doesn’t work at all, opt for a simple cleanser that cleanses your skin without irritating it and invest money in a good anti-aging serum or moisturizer. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you!

Do you use anti-aging cleansers?

We all know how important it is to take good care of our skin, but there is such an overwhelming amount of products on the market that just makes it harder to choose the best ones to suit our needs. So, we read the labels, hoping that they’d help us to make the right choice, but can we really trust all the claims they make? And what about the common beliefs that we should choose expensive and natural products because they supposedly work better? Is that true? Read on to find out:

1. Hypoallergenic products are safer and better for sensitive skin

Hypoallergenic is a word that implies that a product is gentler and less likely to cause irritations and allergic reactions and so it is better for those with sensitive skin. But as I’ve already discussed in a previous post, hypoallergenic is just a marketing tool. The term is not regulated in any way, there aren’t restrictions on what ingredients can and cannot be used in products labelled this way and companies don’t have to prove that these products don’t contain allergens. This means that cosmetic companies can just put the word hypoallergenic on every product they want, even those that contain irritating ingredients. But by reading the ingredient lists, you can easily avoid products with ingredients that you know will cause irritations, allergic and even breakouts to your skin.

2. “Dermatologically tested” products are safer and more reliable

The term “dermatologically tested” is another marketing tool. It means that the product has been tested on skin and nothing more. They don’t tell you on whose skin and on how many people the product has been tested, how the testes were performed, by what dermatologist they were performed, or what the results were. And although we like to think that when a doctor endorses a product they have people’s best interests at heart, some dermatologists may recommend a particular product simply because he/she was paid to do so (obviously not all dermatologist do this, but sometimes it can happen).

3. You should use skincare products targeted to your age group

We are often told that we need to use skincare products targeted to our age group, ie teenagers should buy products targeted to teens, women over 50s those for mature skin etc, but that’s just nonsense. While it is true, for instance, that mature skin can be dryer and develop skin conditions associated with age, that doesn’t mean that all women over 50 will experience that. There are lots of mature women who have oily skin prone to breakouts for instance and the richer moisturizers targeted to this age group certainly wouldn’t help them. More simply, everyone’s skin, no matter how old you are, is different and has different needs. You should use products that are designed to treat any skin concern YOU may have, regardless of the age group they are targeted to.

4. Natural ingredients are better and safer than synthetic ones

There seems to be a general belief that anything that’s found in nature is automatically good while ingredients made in a lab must necessarily be bad for the skin. That is not true! There is absolutely no factual evidence nor scientific proof to support the claim that natural ingredients are safer and more effective. In fact, often the opposite is true. There are lots of natural substances that are bad for you such as poison ivy for instance. In addition, natural ingredients may be harder to preserve and so more prone to bacteria contamination. The truth is that cosmetic companies can’t put toxic ingredients in their products. That’s illegal. As for their effectiveness, there are simply some natural ingredients that work well and others that don’t, just like there are some synthetic ingredients that work well and others that don’t. You should use products that contain ingredients that work well for your skin and its concerns, regardless of their origin.

5. Expensive skincare products work better than inexpensive ones

The effectiveness of a product depends on its formula, not its price. There are expensive products that are well-formulated, just like there are others who promise to treat wrinkles or other concerns but simply have a very basic formula that doesn’t do much apart from hydrating skin, and even those that contain irritating or comedogenic ingredients. And the same can be said for drugstore skincare products. In addition, sometimes high-end and drugstore brands are owned by the same company. So when new ingredients are discovered, the expensive brand will release products with it first and then usually, months later, a drugstore version will follow suit so you can have the same benefits at a more affordable price. By learning to read ingredient lists you will be able to tell what products, regardless of the brand, are better-formulated and so avoid spending money on those that just don’t work.

I hope this helped to set the record straight on some myths surrounding skincare products. Do you know any others that need to be busted?

Even though acne is, unfortunately, a very common skin condition, there are so many myths about it circulating around that it can be hard to know what to believe and that may prevent you from treating this condition properly. So, today, I’d thought we could set the record straight on a few acne myths:

1. Washing your face often prevents breakouts.

Washing your face several times a day won’t help you get rid of acne or keep the breakouts at bay. That’s because acne isn’t caused by dirt. But using a cleanser too often, especially if contains harsh detergents, will dry out your skin and irritate it, thus exacerbating your condition. Instead, you should use a mild and gentle cleanser both in the morning and before going to bed, and pat skin dry. In addition, stay away from toners that contain alcohol as those can be very irritating too.

2. If you have acne, you can’t wear makeup

Of course you can wear makeup to cover your acne. You just have to make sure it doesn’t contain any comedogenic ingredients that will clog pores and make things worse. Unfortunately even products labelled non-comedogenic can sometimes contain problematic ingredients, so read the ingredient lists carefully to make sure you buy products that won’t aggravate your acne. Here, you can find a list of coemdogenic ingredients you should avoid. In any case, if a product makes you breakout, stop using it immediately.

3. Tanning helps heal acne

Actually no. There is no evidence that getting a tan helps heal acne. Instead, it just makes things worse. While a tan can temporarily help cover some of the redness, tanning in the sun or using tanning beds and booths dry up, burn and irritate skin. Tanning also causes premature aging and increases the risk of developing cancer. And on top of that, you’ll still have acne! So stay away from the sun and tanning booths and always wear sunscreen. This is especially important for people who use prescription acne medications as they make skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you really want to tan, use a sunless tanner product instead.

4. Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them

Popping a pimple is never a good idea, especially if you have acne. It must seem like a quick solution, but it will actually slow down the healing process. That’s because when you pop a zit, you are pushing the bacteria further into the skin. That’ll make the area even more red and inflamed, and sometimes, cause scars. All things that are harder to treat than a pimple. And zit-popping devices such as blackhead extractors are just as harmful. If you have a pimple, dab some Benzoyl Peroxide or Tea Tree Oil on it to help it heal faster.

Do you know any other acne myths?

We all know that smoking is bad for our health. It causes cancer, lung and heart diseases, premature aging, wrinkles and a sallow complexion. But did you know that all forms of tocacco, from cigarettes to cigars, from hooka water pipes to smokeless products, also contribute to a lot of dental problems? Here’s what smoking does to our teeth:

Yellow teeth
Yellow teeth, together with bad breath, are the most known consequences of smoking on teeth and mouth. These yellow stains aren’t attractive (and bad breath even less so!) and can’t simply be removed with a toothbrush. You’ll have to get regular and throughout dental cleaning sessions at the dentist to get rid of them. These may seem like small side effects, but smoking, as we’re about to see, will cause much bigger problems for your teeth.

Oral cancer
Oral cancer is less talked about than other types of cancer, but it is still very dangerous and common among smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are six times more likely to develop it than nonsmokers. This diseases progresses rapidly and, if not caught in time, can be deadly. And if the tumour gets too big, the doctors may also have to remove part of the tongue or palate to get rid of it completely, leaving the patient disfigured. Scary, isn’t it?

Gum disease
Smoking affects the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth, which damages the gum tissue, leaving smokers more prone to develop infections such as mouth sores and periodontal disease. It also causes receding gums, which leaves the roots of the teeth exposed. This causes hot/cold sensitivity which makes eating and drinking uncomfortable. More worryingly, gum disease can cause tooth decay and loss! And that toothless look certainly isn’t attractive, isn’t it?

Plaque buildup
Smoking can cause plaque and tartar buildup. In addition, it also helps the formation of bacteria on that same plaque, which can lead to infections. And that, can cause gum disease and we have already seen what terrible consequences that brings. To get rid of this buildup, you will again have to go for regular teeth cleansing sessions at the dentist.

Longer healing period
When smokers undergo any type of oral surgery, albeit small, they will take longer to heal than nonsmokers.

If you’re smoking, you should seriously consider quitting before it’s too late and you end up losing a tooth or worse. Even just reducing the amount you smoke will reduce the risks. And if overtime, you manage to quit completely, all the better.

We all know the mantra: cleanse, tone and moisturize. But is the last step really necessary for everyone? Contrary to popular belief, no. Not everyone needs a moisturizer. But what is a moisturizer anyway? A moisturizer is a product especially designed to improve the moisture levels of the skin and repair its natural protective layer thus keeping it hydrated and soft. Now, our skin already produces its own moisturizer, which is called sebum, but sometimes this alone just isn’t enough to keep skin naturally moisturized and a moisturizer is needed. But when? And who needs to use to it?

Who doesn’t need a moisturizer

If you have normal skin, then your skin is already producing the right amount of sebum it needs to keep it moisturized and thus, using a moisturizer isn’t really needed. The only exception is when, under extreme environmental conditions (like when the weather is too cold for instance), the skin’s protective barrier gets damaged and skin becomes unable to retain the moisture it needs. In this case, you need a moisturizer to replenish the moisture that’s been lost and repair the skin’s barrier. Those with oily skin too don’t need to use a moisturizer. That’s because oily skin produces too much sebum on its own and, as annoying as that may be, it ensures that your skin already has all the moisture it needs. Using a moisturizer in this case, may make skin worse and greasier, not better.

Who needs a moisturizer

People with combination skin need a moisturizer only on those areas of their face that are dry. That’s usually the cheeks, so they should apply a moisturizer there and skip the oilier T-zone. It’s those with dry skin who need moisturizers the most and it’s mainly for them that these products are designed. Dry skin simply doesn’t produce enough sebum to keep skin naturally moisturized, is often flaky and feels tight. People with dry skin need to use a moisturizer daily to keep their skin in good condition.

Don’t confuse moisturizers with antiaging products

There seems to be a popular belief that moisturizers are formulated to prevent and fight premature aging. That’s not true. Not always anyways. The ingredients that help fight the signs of aging are retinoids, antioxidants and sunscreen agents and most moisturizers on the market either don’t contain them or contain them in concentrations that are too small to be effective. Thus, most of them are just basic formulas that replenish lost moisture and repair the skin’s protective barrier, which are important functions, but not needed by everyone. If you have oily or normal skin, you’d want to skip a moisturizer and invest in a good antiaging serum instead.

The bottom line

Moisturizers are products designed to improve the skin’s moisture levels, and as such they are needed only when skin doesn’t produce enough sebum (its natural moisturizer) on its own. Some people may never need a moisturizer, others may need it only in winter but not in summer, while others may need to slather it on only on some areas of the face and not on others. As a general rule, you should apply moisturizer only when (and where) your skin feels dry, tight and looks flaky. Otherwise skip a moisturizer and only use an antiaging serum instead. You’ll save money and your skin will thank you.

Do you use a moisturizer?

How well do you know your nails? Here are some interesting facts about them:

• Nails, just like hair, are made of keratin, a tough insoluble protein.
• Fingernails grow faster than toenails. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 2.5 mm each month, so it takes about 3 to 6 months to completely replace a nail. Toenails grow about 1mm a month and take 12-18 months to be replaced.
• Nails grow faster in summer than in winter.
• Men’s nails grow faster than women’s (except during prgnancy).
• Age, malnutrition and hormone imbalance are all factors that can affect nails’ growth.
• The nail plate is made up of dead cells and thus, contrary to popular belief, it does not breathe. It’s the nails beds and cuticles, being made up of living cells, that need to breathe.
• The color and condition of your nails can indicate an illness. Symptoms may include color change, dents, ridges, black lines, swelling around the nail and pain. If you always wear nail polish, remember to take it off every now and then to check they are in good condition. Also, try not to wear it when you visit your doctor as he/she may want to check their condition.

Do you know any other interesting facts about nails?

A good exfoliant should be part of everyone’s skincare routine. Exfoliants remove the dead cells that buildup on the surface of the skin which can cause breakouts and reveal the brighter skin underneath, making you look younger and healthier. But not all exfoliants work in the same way. There are two types of exfoliants: chemical exoliants and physical exfoliants. What’s the difference between them and which type should you use?

What are chemical exfoliants?

Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the “glue” that binds skin cells together and to the skin, thus allowing them to fall off. They can also dissolve the dead skin cells themselves. Chemical exfoliants can be used by everyone but are particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin as they don’t contain small particles or grains that could scratch and irritate skin. But which chemical exfoliant should you choose? The most common types are AHAs and BHA. AHAs, which include Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, are suitable for dry or sun-damaged skin and, in addition to exfoliating skin, they also improve its moisture content. Those with oily, acne prone or breakout-prone skin should, instead, use BHA (Salicylic Acid). Salicylic Acid has the ability to exfoliate both the surface of the skin and inside the pores so it eliminates and prevents clogged pores that can lead to acne or pimples. In addition, BHA also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it even more suitable for those with acne.

What are physical exfoliants?

Physical exfoliants work by mechanically removing the dead cells on the surface of the skin. One of the most common types of physical exfoliants are granular scrubs that contain small particles or grains (such as oatmeal or apricot scrubs) to exfoliate. But if these particles are too big or have uneven surfaces and textures, they can tear up the skin, causing more harm than good. Nut shells or fruit pits are the most irritating types, so try to stay away from those. A more gentle form of physical exfoliation, suitable for everyone including those with sensitive skin, is using a washcloth. They are soft and don’t irritate skin. And did you know that shaving with a razor is a type of physical exfoliation too?

Which type is best?

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, definitely opt for chemical exoliants as they are less likely to cause irritations and, those with Salicylic Acid, can help treat acne. Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliants as I find them to be gentler on the skin. I use physical exfoliants too at times but I find it is harder to come across one whose particles aren’t too rough or big. You can also alternate between physical and chemical exfoliants if you like both types, but just be sure not to use them both at the same time, as that will definitely irritate your skin.

Do you prefer to use chemical or physical exfoliants?

Hand washing is a very important hygiene practice. Done correctly, it can prevent the spreading of illnesses and diseases such as common cold and influenza. But while washing hands seems a very simple task, and one we all do often, not everyone does it right. Wetting your hands and rubbing them for 2 seconds, for instance, isn’t gonna get them properly cleaned, leaving some bacteria on your hands. So, what’s the proper way of washing one’s hands? And when should we wash them?

When to wash your hands

Hands should be washed before you start cooking and eating, after using the bathroom, touching pets and animals, coughing or sneezing and just whenever they are dirty. I know this is pretty obvious, but apparently there are still a lot of people who don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom or after sneezing (seriously why aren’t you? ewww), which is just gross and may make you ill.

How to properly wash your hands

1. Wet your hands with lukewarm water, not cold or hot water, which can dry skin out.

2. Apply soap. You can use whatever type of soap you prefer. If you have dry or sensitive skin, or wash your hands a lot, make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh surfactants (such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) which can dry out skin. I would also avoid, regardless of what type of skin you have, antibacterial soaps. They don’t remove more bacteria than regular soap so they really aren’t necessary, but they can make bacteria become more resistant to the product’s antimicrobial agent so that in the future they will be more difficult to kill! Whatever you use, lather well.

3. Rub your hands together vigorously and scrub all parts (both sides, between fingers, the nails..) for about 15/20 seconds. If you wear rings, either take them off or scrub underneath them too. Rinse off with warm water.

4. Now, pat hands dry on a towel. Don’t rub your hands dry as that will only irritate skin.

5. If you need to wash your hands a lot throughout the day (such as doctors o hairdressers for instance) always apply a hand moisturizer afterwards. This will replenish the moisture you’ve lost and prevent hands from becoming dry and cracked.

Do you know any more tips on how to wash hands properly?

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