In a world where beauty bloggers act like they have a medical degree and influencers promote facial cleansing brushes on their Insta stories, basically anyone can call themselves a skin care expert. While it’s great that we can learn everything we need to know about toners and exfoliators from just a quick Google search, it also means that a lot of us have based our skin care routine on information that might not be accurate. Don’t panic and throw out all of your favorite beauty products just yet, though! Take a look at these busted skin care myths to get all of the facts on how to achieve the glowing skin you’ve always dreamed of.
Myth #1: Anti-Aging Products Are Only For People With Wrinkles
You might think that anti-aging products are for “older” people who have wrinkled skin. What many of those people will tell you is that they’ve had no luck getting their skin to look baby-smooth again like it once did. The truth is, once your skin has wrinkles, there’s no magic cream that can take them away permanently. The most effective way to be wrinkle-free is to start taking preventative measures when you’re young (in your 20s and 30s). That means using moisturizer and sunscreen or another SPF face lotion every day to prevent the development of dark spots and/or other signs of premature aging.
Myth #2: You Only Need Sunscreen If You’re Going To Be In Direct Sunlight
This brings us to our next point: it seems that the only time most of us remember to put on sunscreen is when we are going to the beach, or doing some kind of outdoor activity in the sunny summer months. While it is incredibly important that you use sun protection regularly when you plan to go out in direct sunlight, it’s equally as important to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of how sunny or cloudy it may seem. Especially when it comes to preserving and protecting your complexion, a daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential. Whether you realize it or not, even the smallest amount of sun exposure—whether that be through a window, sitting outside, or even through cloud cover—puts your skin at risk for negative effects from sun exposure. We know that getting a sunburn is very bad for your skin, but the sun can also penetrate the layers of your skin and cause damage deeper down, potentially leading to skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.
Myth #3: A Set Skin Care Routine Will Work For Everyone
You may be thinking, “everyone with perfect skin is following the same skin care routine, and I need to use exactly what they use if I want to have great skin too.” Yeah, that just isn’t the case. Each person has unique skin needs based on their skin type. A person with oily skin will need to use different products to cater to their needs as opposed to someone with dry skin. The same goes for people with mature skin, or sensitive skin, and so on. Just because one product worked amazingly for one person, doesn’t mean it will have the same effects for you. Take the time to research your skin type, or visit a dermatologist to find out what your skin type is, and the best way to care for it. The good news is there are so many products available that you’re bound to find the right ones for you.
Myth #4: Once Your Skin Reaches Maturity You’ll No Longer Break Out
You’d think that once you make it past your teens, you’ll never have to deal with acne again. Sorry, but we have some bad news. As it turns out, acne doesn’t seem to magically remove itself from your existence once you turn 20. Actually, your skin doesn’t fully mature until you’re about 30 to 35 years old, and even once you’ve reached that age range, you may still find yourself dealing with those pesky zits. But why? The most probable cause of your adult acne is your hormones. Your hormones change a lot over the course of your life, but factors like birth control, menopause, and even just your menstrual cycle can cause your hormones to fluctuate and create acne on your skin. Ughhh, we can’t have any nice things.
Myth #5: A Skin Care Routine Is Only For Your Face
Finally, you’ve perfected your skin care routine and your complexion looks the best it ever has. While achieving that sought-after facial glow does qualify for a well-deserved pat on the back, you may be forgetting about the big picture: the rest of the skin on your body!
You can’t forget to invest just as much time and energy into the skin on your body as you do for your face. Though your routine won’t be the same—our body skin is much thicker, which is why you wouldn’t use the same products on your face that you would on your body (and vice versa). TG, because facial products are expensive.
When it comes to skin care on your body, keep it simple. Wash your skin well with a soap or shower gel to remove the daily dirt, sweat, and other sh*t that collect on your skin. Next, exfoliate your clean skin. Whether you use a dry brush or a scrub to exfoliate while in the shower, it’s important to remove dead skin cells from your body to reveal the healthy skin underneath. Finally, moisturize. Once you’ve finished cleansing and exfoliating your skin, finishing off with a moisturizer is arguably one of the most important steps, as moisturizing serves to replenish your skin barrier, helping to improve its overall tone and texture.
Myth #6: A Skin Care Routine Is Only Effective If You Use A Multitude Of Targeted Products
With the thousands of skin care products available on the market, you may think that your routine will need to consist of 10 products minimum. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that complicated (or expensive). If you want to create a perfectly effective skin care regimen, keep it limited to these three steps: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. Cleaning your skin of makeup and dirt, exfoliating off the dead skin cells built up on your face, and moisturizing the new and healthy skin underneath is the simplest way to care for your skin on a daily basis and maintain a clean, clear, and healthy complexion.
However, if you have any unique skin concerns—like acne, for example—you may want to consider incorporating a specialized treatment product into your skin care regimen, as this will work to effectively target and address these areas. An acne cream containing tretinoin, for instance, is great for increasing skin cell renewal, which helps to prevent acne from the inside-out. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about dryness or wrinkles, applying a serum for overnight recovery can help penetrate the skin at a deeper level for better results.
At the most basic level, keep your skin care routine short and simple, and only incorporate more targeted treatments if and when necessary. Make sure to apply these treatments only to the particular areas of your skin that need some additional TLC.
Myth #7: “A Little Dab Will Do Ya”
Most skin care products will say to only apply a pea-sized amount of the product to your face, and this is true when using a product like an eye cream, where a little can go a long way. In reality, however, the suggested amount of product for proper use with most skin care products isn’t enough to give complete results for your skin. If you’re going to cleanse, exfoliate, or moisturize, don’t be afraid to apply a little bit extra. The lighter products like a cleanser or moisturizer can’t really hurt your skin, so if you want to get your complexion extra clean and smooth, you can add a little more than the bottle suggests.
If you do choose to use more of a product than suggested, keep your skin type in mind. For instance, those with dry skin shouldn’t over-cleanse, as their skin will dry out easily, and for those with oily skin, there’s no need to go overboard on the moisturizer or facial oils.
For products like a serum, a chemical exfoliator, or a targeted treatment, you’ll want to stick to the directions on the label, as these products are stronger and can cause damage to your skin if not used improperly or too frequently.
Images: Retha Ferguson / Pexels
It’s officially winter. And with winter comes the joys of cracked skin and chapped lips. Hot. Sometimes, no amount of moisturizer can help. Lucky for you, there are tons of products on the market, specifically face masks, that claim they will miraculously heal your skin and actually hydrate it. Some are bullsh*t, but others actually work. Here are the best hydrating face masks your skin will thank you for using. Treat your skin to that tall glass of water it’s begging for.
1. Olay Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer
I’m obsessed with this mask. I have oily, acne-prone skin, but in the winter I get some dry patches (which is just the perfect combination). At night, I slather a layer of this rich goodness on before bed and leave it on while I sleep. I wake up with the smoothest skin and ZERO dry patches. It’s incredible.
2. GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment
Anything this brand comes out with, I’m down for. With its *generous* price tag, it better be good right? It claims that “it moisturizes, restores, replenishes, and calms the skin.” Yes. Please. You can leave this mask on for 10 to 20 minutes during the day or apply it as a sleep mask before bed.
3. Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask – Glow-Boosting
For only $2.99, this one is a steal. Garnier is a v reputable and affordable brand, earning it a spot on this list. These single-use sheet masks are amazing. This one claims that it “deeply hydrates, illuminates and enhances skin’s radiance.” These masks also come in a Soothing formula, Hydrating formula, Mattifying formula, and Anti-Fatigue. Legit one for everyone.
4. Fresh Rose Face Mask
This mask doesn’t just moisturize, but it also reduces redness. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse it off to reveal glowy skin. It contains rosewater, aloe vera, and cucumber. All amazing ingredients to hydrate and even out your skin tone. If you have dry, oily, normal, or combination skin, it’ll work for you.
5. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask to Quench Skin’s Thirst
If you don’t like the smell of apricots, then stay away. But if you’re cool with that, then this mask will change your life. It is incredible. Another overnight mask, I know, but it’s basically multitasking—hydrating and sleeping simultaneously. This mask also contains avocado, so you know you’re gonna love it.
Images: Giphy (1); Olay; Sephora (2); Garnier; Origins
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The pursuit of fucking amazing skin is (I assume) at the top of every betch’s list (that, and being skinny without trying). Like, being able to roll out of bed, throw on some mascara, and head out the door is every betch’s dream. Caking on makeup to hide zits and blah skin is on the low end of everyone’s want list. Fun fact: There’s a list of veggies and fruits you should totally be working into your diet if you want amazing, glowing, Giselle-ish skin. We’re not saying eat these veggies and fruits exclusively, because your bod, like, needs other shit (like water, salmon, almonds, and fucking Starbucks) to function. But you might want to start incorporating these foods for glowing skin into your diet. I mean, you should do it for your general health because these are all fruits and veggies, but the added beauty benefits don’t hurt.
1. Tomatoes
Turns out that eating a tomato with mayonnaise on bread during the heat of summer may actually be NOT bad for you. The antioxidant lycopene in this red bitch can actually protect you from the sun, according to Prevention, since it improves skin’s natural SPF. And we all know that laying around in the sun causes wrinkles, so eat tomatoes to like, not get burned and look younger. Oh but wear sunscreen, also.
2. Blueberries
Thanks to a metric shit-ton of antioxidants, blueberries are literally amazing if you don’t want to age prematurely and also want great skin. Add them to your yogurt, smoothie, or eat them fresh to make use of this berry’s benefits.
3. Avocados
Healthy fats—namely, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (ever heard of them?) act as a giant natural moisturizer for your skin. According to BBC Good Food, veggies like avocados (is it a fruit? idfk) not only have these amazing-for-your-face fats, but they also provide lots of vitamin E, which will protect you from gross free radicals. Some celebs put avocados directly on their face, but like, I will not advocate for wasting potential guacamole and will stick to eating foods for glowing skin.
4. Kale
Kale, superfood of the 2000’s and hipster-worshipped green thing, is full of lutein and zeaxanthin—both nutrients that absorb and neutralize UV light free radicals, according to Prevention. It’s also full of vitamins C and A, both of which can boost the firmness of your skin.
5. Yellow Bell Peppers
If you dislike the idea of crow’s feet hanging out around your eyes, you’d best get to eating some fucking yellow bell peppers. According to a super scientific study, the antioxidants that fight aging were found to be in super high doses in green and yellow veggies—preventing wrinkles on and around your face.
6. Kiwi
Brown, fuzzy, and v strange looking are not the adjectives usually used to describe something that’s great for your skin. But kiwis have tons of vitamin C and antioxidants that help keep your skin firm, prevent wrinkles, and do other awesome stuff to your bod. So eat these weirdos.
7. Carrots
Turns out all that beta carotene is good for something. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in your body, and carrots are fucking full of it. Not only will it help make your skin glow, but it’ll also fight wrinkles. Yay, carrots.
Images: Rakicevic Nenad / Unsplash; Giphy (4)
Another day, another way to improve myself. Whether it’s eating or skin care or wearing things that don’t make me look fat, 2018 is already so full of advice. Well now, there’s a new way to get baby smooth skin—it’s called dermaplaning and it involves shaving your face. *Shudders* Every day we stray further from God’s light.
OK, so, like, first off, I didn’t even know wtf dermaplaning was until last week. I should probably tune in to the trends more often, since I’m the voice of a generation and all. Turns out, shaving your face to exfoliate is big business. Whether you’re doing this shit yourself or paying a fancy doctor to do it for you, chances are it’s totally good for your skin. Allegedly. But you, the average Betches reader, probs doesn’t know wtf I’m talking about. Allow me to explain and like, enlighten you.
WTF Is Dermaplaning?
So, dermaplaning—according to Cosmo—is literally using (or having a doctor use) a surgical scalpel to gently scrape off any dead skin cells or “peach fuzz” on the surface of your face. It’s a super effective exfoliating treatment and is apparently all the fucking rage these days. It’s like shaving your face, but more bougie.
Lemme just exfoliate, betch.
Can I Do This Or Will It Fuck Me Up, Fam?
Yah, pretty much anyone with any skin type can dermplane. Myths abound that, like any kind of “shaving”, your hair will grow back thicker, darker, and scarier. This isn’t fucking true, according to Bustle, and your hair will grow back exactly the same as before. Also, it doesn’t hurt and won’t cause breakouts.
How Much Will This Shit Cost Me?
I meaaaaaaaaaan, it honestly depends on where you go and how you do this shit. For a REAL dermaplaning tool (no, you can’t use a regular razor), it’ll set you back around $75, and you totally can’t put a price on beauty. If you’re nervous, go to a dermatologist for a real appointment. That’ll probably set you back a couple hundred bucks, but every place is different. Maybe they’re having a sale—idfk. Given that I cut my legs every time I shave and I’ve been doing that since I was 11, I wouldn’t trust myself with a razor to the face, but ya know, to each her own.
I identify a lot with this cat
Why Am I Shaving My Face?
There are literally tons of benefits to dermaplaning. According to Elle, hairless skin helps all the shit you’re layering on your face—from anti-wrinkle creams to acne shit to moisturizer to even your makeup—go on smoother. Plus, you’re literally unclogging your pores by dermaplaning since it’s getting rid of that dead skin buildup we all know and love.
Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty
Will My Skin Be #Flawless?
Yes and no. If you’re going for a legit treatment, like, at a doctor’s office, chances are your skin is going to be hella red and dry for a few hours after. It’ll be a good night to sit in solitude, is what I’m saying. This is the time to rub in some vitamin C serums and other good-for-you shit since your face is like, super prime to absorb it. Afterwards, though, you’ll have mega-soft skin that you may not even need an Insta filter for. PRAISE JESUS.
May the odds and your skin be like, ever in your favor.
Images: Giphy (3)
You take your makeup off before bed (usually, unless you are suuuuppppper fucked up), you moisturize, you understand the importance of masks and facials, but even with all of that, you’re probably still doing dumb shit to your poor skin. The problem is that you don’t know what kind of heinous acts you are committing against your visage. Thankfully, now’s the time to get out of your bad skin rut by paying attention to all the ways you’ve been fucking everything up. See below.
1. You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
It’s common knowledge that what you eat affects your body, which affects your skin. But sugar, specifically, has a nasty way of fucking with you. Overconsumption of your second favorite white powder substance leads to a breakdown of collagen, which leads to premature aging and saggy skin.
2. You’re Not Wearing SPF All Year Long
IDGAF if the temperature makes your hands feel like they are about to fall off, if the sun’s out (and even if it’s not tbh), it’s still harming your skin. Put SPF 50 or higher on anytime you are going to be outside. Yes, even if it’s cloudy. And if you are out there longer than an hour, you have to reapply. Try a setting spray with SPF (like this one from Goop) so you can easily reapply throughout the day.
3. You’re Not Sleeping Enough
Life can be a real motherfucker. Meaning, it doesn’t allow you to get any sleep. Most of the time there’s nothing you can do, but if you find yourself not being able to fall asleep before bed, try shutting down your electronics and phone 30 minutes prior (artificial light before bed interferes with the production of sleep hormones). Pick up a fucking book or something instead.
4. You’re Sleeping On Your Side
Sleeping on your side or stomach causes your skin to wrinkle in places it shouldn’t. Consider getting a silk pillow, or make a conscious effort to fall asleep on your back instead.
5. You’re Popping Pimples Yourself
When you get a zit, put some salicylic acid on it and then leave it the fuck alone. If it’s big and red, you can ice it for the swelling to go down. But, as for popping it and picking at it, you’ll just end up making the problem worse, so don’t.
6. You Never Clean Your iPhone
That shit is a breeding ground for bacteria. If it’s by/on your face, or if you touch it and then touch your face, consider yourself also a breeding ground for bacteria.
7. You’re Too Stressed Out
I’m sure everyone’s told you this based on your demeanor and high-pitched voice, but you need to fucking relax. If that means going to yoga, fine. If that means popping a Xanax and taking a long shower, also fine. If you can’t do it for your heart palpitations, at least do it for your skin.
