5 Common Skin Care Myths

As an esthetician, I hear many comments from clients confused about their skin. The following are the most common myths that you too may believe.

#1 "I have sensitive skin."
No, you don’t. You may not actually have sensitive skin.  It's red, irritated, chapped, inflamed, aggravated and possibly peeling. You don’t actually have sensitive skin. Several clients I analyze are experiencing SENSITIZED skin as a result of one or more skin aggravators. Most commonly, these are artificially fragranced and synthetic ingredients in their skincare products. Fragrance, commonly labeled as parfum, or artificial floral scents in so-called natural skin care lines. Eliminate fragrance and synthetics and eliminate the irritation.

#2 "I can’t exfoliate because my skin is too sensitive."
Yes you can. When your sensitized skin is under control, not only can you exfoliate, but you must carefully reintroduce ingredients that stimulate cell turnover. Why have all the redness, irritation, and chapness go away only to leave that peely, dry skin behind? Leaving dead skin cells on your skin to build up is no way to have soft, smooth skin.

#3 My acne is hormonal so nothing will help it.
Not so. Acne is genetic and caused by hormones and bacteria. Acne-prone persons have oil glands that produce more sebum, and skin cells that shed less, thus trapping debris causing acne. If allowed to stay on your skin they will eventually rupture into a blemish. When choosing an acne cleanser be sure to look for additional ingredients to calm, prevent clogged pores and help with hormonal acne such as Clary Sage found in Motion Medica's Botanical Acne Cleanser. Ingredients in your acne products are crucial for this particular cause of acne.

#4 "My hyperpigmentation (brown sun spots) will never clear up"
Many clients will be using strong Retin-A and the controversial Hydroquinone from the dermatologist, and notice their skin is dry and flaking and stop using the Retin-A and/or Hydroquinone. A different treatment strategy typically differs from that of a dermatologist in that a slow, conservative approach is favored without irritating or possibly cancer causing ingredients are used. An alternative is natural ingredients such as Citrus extracts, Kojic Acid, Licorice Root, Bearberry extract, Indian Gooseberry and White Mulberry extract that slowly diminishes age or sun spots and Motion Medica's gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with skin brightening ingredients combined. This will inhibit the pigment that causes brown discolorations, in addition to helping with fines lines and acne…slowly, over time.

#5 "I can’t wear moisturizer because I am acne-prone".
Your oily skin is likely dry or dehydrated without a topical emollient, especially if you are, or were using acne medications topically or orally. It’s vital to provide oily/acne prone skin with a daily dose of moisturization that can be readily absorbed to keep skin from becoming excessively tight, dry, or irritated. It also must be specifically formulated to control excess oil and help clear acne. This is proven with Motion Medica's Tough Competition Daily Moisturizer. Without proper moisture, your skin will rebound producing more oil. Keep it clear and soft and include this important step in your skin care regimen. Also, never use hot water on your skin. Many clients think the heat is helping the acne by opening the pores. Not true. This is irritating it further. Use warm water with no harsh "brushing" method.

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