1.The higher my spf the better my sunscreen is:
False
More important than the number is making sure your sunscreen blocks UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and has the right ingredients. The most common ingredients approved by the FDA to block UV rays are: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone and PABA. Ensuring you apply the correct amount, and reapply as necessary are also vital in protecting your skin.
2. Toner isn’t necessary after cleansing:
False
Toner is truly a multi-purpose product. It removes soapy residue, drying chlorine and minerals found in tap water, and most importantly restores the skin ph to neutral. They can provide the skin an extra layer of moisture when left damp on the skin and applying moisturizer directly on top. Toner s can be drying when they contain alcohol, so make sure yours in alcohol free. Depending on the ingredients used in the toner, they can help calm, control oil, stimulate blood circulation, destroy acne-causing bacteria, and provide anti-oxidant benefits and more.
3. I don’t need to wear sunscreen every day because I work in an office (or don’t spend a lot of time outdoors):
False
If your skin is exposed to daylight, even if coming through windows in your office, you still must wear sunscreen daily, also think about the sun you get in your car commuting to work or running errands. There are two types of UV rays given off from the sun.
UVA rays: responsible for changing the DNA in the skin causing premature skin aging and skin cancer, approximate same strength from summer to winter and can penetrate through clouds, windows in your home, office or car. These are the true damaging rays.
UVB Rays: responsible for giving the skin a suntan or sunburn, strongest from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and less strong in the winter and does not penetrate through glass.
If you see the light of day when you are at work, then this daylight is also seeing your skin and causing unnecessary exposure that contributes to aging.
Fun Fact: Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays.
4. Because I have oily skin I don’t need a moisturizer:
False
The sebum that the skin produces is not the same as the hydration that our skin needs. Using a moisturizer can help skin that is prone to producing too much oil regulate itself by reducing its need to produce oil. Most moisturizer’s have humectants in them, ingredients specifically designed to pull moisture out of the air and trap it in the skin, moisturizers with fruit acids can aid in skin cell turnover, reducing layers of dead skin skin. It is pore clogging sebum that we are fighting, it is thicker and attracts bacteria which causes acne. Also it is common for people to strip their skin dry by using harsh cleansers and products, and moisturizers can help reduce irritation caused by these products.