Do you know which are facts and which are myths? Test your knowledge…

Sunscreen should only be worn when you are in the sun. 

MYTH: Sunscreen should be worn all the time! The sun’s rays still make it through the clouds and reach us on rainy and snowy days. When it snows, the rays actually reflect off of the snow to hit you again!

Retinols should be used a minimum of 3 times a week in order to be effective.

FACT: Retinols need to be absorbed into the skin a minimum of 3 times per week in order to help with fine lines, wrinkles and cell turnover. If you are new to retinols, try starting just 3 times a week in the evening and slowly working your way up to every night or every other night. Retinols should only be used at night and make sure to use a sunscreen with a minimum 5% zinc oxide during the day.

Products purchased online are always the same ones that can I purchase from my dermatologist.

MYTH: Super big myth! Most medical-grade skincare lines only allow a few authorized sites such as skinfo.com to carry their products. If you are finding products that you purchase from your dermatologist online for a very low price chances are they are not an authorized dealer and the product could be defective or expired. There have even been some cases where the products were tampered with and not the correct product at all. Most of all, when you purchase products from these unauthorized sites, the companies will not stand behind them for warranties or reactions. A safe bet? Purchase from your dermatologist as they have to be approved by each company in order to carry their medical-grade products.

Oily or acne-prone skin types should not use a moisturizer.

MYTH: Most people feel that because their skin is oily or they have acne, that they shouldn’t be using a moisturizer. However, this is a very important step in your skincare. When you are using products for acne or any topical medications, these can dry out the skin. If your skin starts to feel too dry, your body sends signals to produce more oil! When you use an oil-free moisturizer, you are getting the hydration that is needed without the oil that can clog your pores. It helps to keep oil production and breakouts at bay.

There is not a sunscreen that can work well for acne-prone skin.

MYTH: There are lots of sunscreens that are great for acne-prone skin types. One is Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46  which is oil-free, has a light-weight feel, gives some moisture to the skin and contains niacinamide to help with redness caused by breakouts. It is an excellent option for people fighting acne. It is extremely important to use sunscreen when you are dealing with acne. The sun’s rays can cause your skin to scar from acne and using topical medications or treatments for acne will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So remember to wear your sunscreen all year round!

All mineral makeup is the same.

MYTH: Most makeup that claims to be 100% mineral still use non-mineral ingredients as fillers and preservatives. Many of over-the-counter brands also use Talc which is one of the heaviest minerals and what makes your fine lines and wrinkles look worse than with powder makeup! The brands carried at skinfo are 100% mineral and do not contain Talc. These brands: Glo Skin Beauty, Colorescience and skinfo Mineral makeup have options for every skin type. To have your skin color-matched, call skinfo at 847-459-2800 to schedule an appointment with our makeup specialist.

You should let your skin breathe at night, don’t put products on it.

MYTH: Nighttime is when you skin repairs itself and so it is an excellent time to put product on. This will also help to keep your skin from feeling extra-dry in the morning. You should always cleanse your skin at night as well to remove any excess dirt and build-up that accumulated throughout the day.

If you have dry skin, drink more water.

MYTH & FACT: Water is one of the best things for you and hydrates your internal organs. The skin is the last of the organs to receive the water we drink, so it doesn’t get much. This is why your moisturizers are so important. Moisturizers are the best way to hydrate your skin since they are applied topically and absorbed by the skin. There are moisturizers for all skin types and skin concerns, basic moisturizers or those loaded with anti-aging properties.

Exfoliating your skin will leave it acne-free.

MYTH: Exfoliating will help with your acne, but isn’t a guarantee to keep it acne-free. There are different types of exfoliation that provide different types of benefits. Chemical exfoliants (Retinol, Tretinoin, etc.) penetrate the skin and help keep your pores clear of build-up and debris. Mechanical exfoliants, such as the PMD Facial Cleansing Device, help to remove dead skin build-up and make your pores more receptive to receiving the topical medications that you apply. If most of your breakouts are just under the skin, Glycolic Acid is a great way to help release the trapped dirt and oil. Glycolic Acid dissolves dead skin allowing your skin to breathe and your pores to release what is trapped inside.