10 Common Anti-Aging Skincare Myths Debunked

Normal aging may be an inevitable aspect of life, but not everyone will necessarily end up with heavily wrinkled and blotchy skin. Fortunately, we do have some control over what our skin could look like in 10 or 20 years—but with all of the rumors and information circulating about skin products and routines, it can often be difficult for people to know what’s true and what’s false. Before you start diving into injectable procedures like BOTOX®, the Philadelphia area’s Cross Plastic Surgery team recommends doing some research into what to expect from treatments and which widespread beliefs about cosmetic problems and the results possible are actually accurate. Keep reading for 10 of the most common misconceptions about anti-aging skincare:

Myth #1: Genetics Influence Everything About Aging

A lot of people think that if their parents or grandparents have prominent wrinkles, they’re bound to get them too, so there’s no point in trying to prevent facial lines and creases. The truth is, aging is lot more complicated than that. Genetics certainly play a role, but there are also plenty of other things that have a major influence on your skin’s appearance, such as exposure to harmful UV rays from sunlight, air pollution, and smoking.

Myth #2: A “Perfect” Anti-Aging Skin Routine Exists

Regardless of what anyone may tell you, there’s no one perfect skin routine that will fit everyone. We simply can’t take a cookie cutter approach to skincare. The routine that makes someone else’s skin look radiant may not work for you, so it’s important to find your own solutions.

Myth #3: You Can Skip Sunscreen Sometimes

When it’s overcast or a cold, snowy day and you don’t feel the sun warming your skin, that doesn’t mean you need to skip sun protection altogether. The sun’s rays can still be damaging. Remember that some sunscreens can also protect your skin against damage from pollution or blue light.

Myth #4: Spending More Guarantees Better Results

It’s often assumed that the more you spend on skincare products, the more effective they will be. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a ton on creams and sunscreens to get the same protection. It can actually better to keep your routine simple and minimalistic, so find the products that work for you.

Myth #5: You Can Reverse Wrinkles and Sagging with Facial Exercises

Facial exercises tend to be promoted online as a way of correcting signs of aging, but the truth is there’s virtually no evidence that they actually work. In some cases, excess facial motion can actually make wrinkles more pronounced due to constant pulling of the skin into furrows.

Myth #6: You Need Less Sleep as You Get Older

There is some actual truth behind the idea of “beauty sleep.” Adults often think they need less sleep—particularly as they get older—but the truth is that no matter how old you get, you’ll still need the same seven to nine hours. The skin restores and repairs itself during sleep, allowing it to repair damage. Cell regeneration occurs more rapidly, and blood flow increases while you’re asleep.

Myth #7: It’s Possible to Prevent Aging

There’s no treatment that can actually stop your skin from aging.

Myth #8: Topical Creams and Serums Can Undo Wrinkles

Moisturizer does keep your skin looking plumper and smoother, but don’t expect it to stop any wrinkles from developing. Similarly, even the strongest anti-aging creams containing retinols won’t be able to completely reverse wrinkles, though they will promote skin repair.

Myth #9: Drinking Tons of Water Will Make Your Skin Flawless

We’re constantly told that drinking a large amount of water each day will improve our health. While drinking some water is good for you, there’s no scientific evidence that it will automatically give you clear, smooth skin or reduce other skin issues. In other words, stay hydrated, but don’t bank your complexion on that next 8 ounces.

Myth #10: You Need to Have a Completely Expressionless Face to Stop Aging

Although repetitive motions when you move your face can certainly lead to the formation of wrinkles—such as crow’s feet and frown lines—there’s no need to stop laughing and smiling. Warm and positive expressions can impact how people see you, with welcoming faces seen as more attractive.

Explore more about skin beauty and health with help from Cross Plastic Surgery. For more information about how injectables can give you more youthful looking skin, give them a call at (215) 561-9100, or submit a contact form online to request a consultation.