5 Anti-Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

You may think your skincare routine is sacrosanct, but there's a (big) chance you'll fall for one of the many anti-aging myths floating around in the industry. And surprise, surprise, false information is quite damaging. Why take the risk? Below we set an anti-aging record, once and forever.  

MYTH #1: THE MORE EXPENSIVE THE REJUVENATION, THE BETTER IT WORKS. 

The formula is more important than the price tag. It's absolutely possible to find a super-expensive product with fancy packaging that works less effectively than the one you bought at the pharmacy for less than $10. It's because the effectiveness of the product does not always correspond to its price. Instead of obsessing over the cost of a product (or assuming an expensive serum will do wonders for you), look through the packaging for ingredients that work well on your skin. Keep track of keywords for example, "non-comedogenic" if you have oily skin, and "fragrance-free" if you are sensitive. Keep in mind, however, that some products are really worth the money spent!

MYTH #2: ON A CLOUDY DAY YOU DO NOT NEED SUN PROTECTION.

Oh, that's a classic miss. It seems logical to assume that if we can't physically see or feel the sun on our skin, then it's not working. The truth is that the sun never rests, even when there is cloud cover. The sun's harmful UV rays are one of the biggest culprits in skin aging, so don't let your skin go unprotected and never let your daily SPF fade into the background. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day, in all weathers, before going outside. 

MYTH #3: MAKEUP WITH SPF IS AS GOOD AS SUN PROTECTION. 

Deciding to use Moisturizer with low SPF or a BB cream with an SPF formula is recommended (if it boasts an SPF of 30 or higher), this may not mean that you are completely protected from the harmful rays of the sun. The thing is, you may not be using enough of it to get the protection you need. Be safe and apply sunscreen under your makeup. 

MYTH #4: ONLY YOUR GENES DETERMINE HOW YOU AGE. 

This is partly true as genetics play a role in how your skin ages. But - and this is a big "but" to consider - genetics is not the only factor in the equation. As we get older production of collagen and elastin slows down (usually between the ages of twenty and thirty), as is our cell turnover rate, the process by which our skin makes new skin cells and then sheds them off the surface of the skin, according to certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dandy Engelman . Additional factors that can (prematurely) age skin include free radical damage from sun exposure, stress, and pollution, as well as unhealthy habits such as unhealthy eating and smoking.

MYTH #5: WRINKLES MAKE A LOT OF SMILE.

This is not entirely false. Repetitive facial movements—think squinting, smiling, and frowning—can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, the skin loses the ability to put these grooves back in place and they can become permanent on our face. However, it is not recommended to stop showing emotions on the face. Not only is being happy and less stressed good for rejuvenation, it's ridiculous to boycott that loud laugh just to (probably) get rid of a few wrinkles.