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About a year ago I made a video about 5 of the biggest skincare myths. Here’s another 5!

Myth 1: When to use chemical exfoliants

I’ve talked about it before here: Do I need extra sunscreen when using chemical exfoliants?

Relevant studies:

• Kornhauser A et al., The effects of topically applied glycolic acid and salicylic acid on ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema, DNA damage and sunburn cell formation in human skin (open access), J Dermatol Sci 2009, 55, 10.
• Tsai TF et al., Effects of glycolic acid on light-induced skin pigmentation in Asian and caucasian subjects, J Am Acad Dermatol 2000, 43, 238.
• Kornhauser A et al., Effects of cosmetic formulations containing hydroxyacids on sun-exposed skin: current applications and future developments (open access), Dermatol Res Pract 2012, DOI: 10.1155/2012/710893

More information on AHAs and other exfoliants can be found in my Essential Exfoliation Guide.

Myth 2: How different sunscreen ingredients work

This is probably the most persistent myth I’ve come across – it’s even in a few peer reviewed papers!

I’ve explained it before a few times, like in my video on Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens.

The most directly relevant paper on this is:

Cole C et al., Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering, Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2016, 32, 5-10. DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12214

Kind of Stephen also has a post breaking down the paper in more detail.

There’s more on sunscreen ingredient advantages and disadvantages in the sample chapter of The Lab Muffin Guide to Basic Skincare (free download).

Myth 3: Comedogenicity ratings

My original post (also now in video form) is here: How to Use Comedogenicity Ratings (with Video)

Myth 4: “Medical-grade” skincare

This was a controversial topic when I posted about it on Instagram – I don’t think I’ve been blocked by that many people so quickly before! But at the same time, I had a brand representative from a medical-grade company thanking me, since they were sick of the myths too. So… yeah.

Here’s the long-winded version: The Myths of “Medical-Grade” Skincare

Myth 5: Oily skin and moisturisers

There’s more information on different moisturisers here: Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated? And How to Treat It

There are always more myths to bust – please let me know your suggestions for what I should talk about next time!