Understanding your skin and how it works will allow you to maintain the health and condition of your skin, allowing your natural radiance to shine through.
1. You should wear sunscreen every day
Yes you should, even in the winter there is UVA present, although these rays don’t burn the skin, they are the main cause of premature ageing so always make sure you put on a good SPF every morning. Vitamin D is important to our body though so don’t forget your daily supplements.
2. Blemishes are caused by oily skin
False, even dry skin can suffer from bacterial breakouts, particularly when the skin is dry and flaky as this excess skin will block the pores and cause bacteria to multiply, therefor creating a spot. Also not thoroughly cleansing each night can cause breakouts in dry skin as you’re not removing any pollutants from the skin.
3. You should exfoliate regularly to avoid spots
True, dead skin and excess oil become trapped in the pores meaning they can’t work as efficiently. I recommend products containing aha’s such as glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate as they help to dissolve the glue holding on the skin which is much gentler than a scrub. If you have sensitive skin or don’t like the idea of using chemical peels, Bravura London’s Dermaflannel is an excellent alternative.
4. Facial oils are only suitable for dry skin
False, Even oily skin can become dehydrated but the oil you use is important. Opt for oils such as jojoba which has similar properties to your skin’s natural oil or castor oil which can help to clear blocked pores. You can use these oils to cleanse the skin or as a massage before applying a face masque. You can also add a few drops of oil to your skin before moisturising.
5. Toner is too harsh for sensitive skin
False, there are a huge range of toners on the market these days for even sensitive skins. Bravura’s Rejuvenating Ginseng toner combines a gentle toner with a low strength glycolic acid, therefor exfoliating while balancing the skin’s PH.
6. Soap dries out the skin
True, soap has a high PH which tends to disrupt the skins natural PH which is roughly 4.5 – 5.5, avoid using soap on your face and opt for a cleanser designed for your skin type.
7. Your hair can clean itself
YUCK I’m not sure about hair but your scalp won’t clean itself, regular hair washing is essential to remove the build-up of oil, dead skin, pollution and dirt otherwise bacteria could multiply and the scalp can become irritated.
8. A collagen cream will help put collagen back into your skin
False, the natural collagen in your skin is too deep for any creams to penetrate, a collagen based cream can help to nourish your skin but it won’t stimulate collagen production. Products such as glycolic acid and lactic acid increase skin turnover which in turn can also stimulate collagen. Supplements containing Vitamin C and Omega oils can also be very beneficial to collagen production.
9. A close shave will prevent ingrown hairs
False, if you shave with a blade you’re at risk of ingrown hairs. To prevent them exfoliate regularly, manually with a scrub or preferable with an acid based product.
10. Dry skin causes wrinkles
False, even oily skin can become wrinkled if you don’t look after your skin. Avoid sunbathing and tanning booths, always wear an SPF, regularly exfoliate and cleanse and moisturise daily. I’m also a big advocate of meditation, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
By Amanda Elias, Beauty Expert and Founder of Bravura London http://www.bravuralondon.com which offers effective pharmaceutical skincare products at affordable prices. Amanda also an experienced facial therapist and skin care expert who loves to offer tips and advice for all skin issues.