‘My personal favorite needs to be discovered ASAP’

The founder of a SKINCARE company has debunked several beauty myths that may be damaging your skin.

Although many are marketed as anti-aging methods, there are several that have the opposite effect, and she said her “personal favorite” needs to be discontinued.

Masktini founder Olga Parno said there is “no shortage of skincare myths, especially with the rise of social media.”

Previously, she shared with The US Sun an ice trick for a glowing face and her favorite drugstore beauty buys.

Now, he’s shared some of the most common “dos and don’ts” he sees “every day” and said they “need to be addressed.”

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SKIN CARE

TASTE THE SPF

“‘You don’t need SPF if it’s cloudy or rainy outside’ — this is my favorite personal myth that needs to be busted ASAP,” Parno said.

She added that SPF isn’t just for when it’s sunny.

Even when hidden by clouds, the sun still emits harmful UVA and UVB radiation that can damage skin if it is not protected.

“Ideally, you should use SPF everywhere every day, but at a minimum, make sure you apply a decent amount to your face, neck, décolleté, and hands every day,” she suggested.

RETINOL NO-NO

Another major issue Parno frequently sees is not using retinol products until age 30 or older.

“Too often, we see people neglect preventative skin care to slow premature aging,” she said.

“As soon as they see the effects of aging, they directly apply an incredibly strong retinol to try to reverse the effects and end up damaging the skin barrier in the process.”

He warned against another related myth that teens should start using retinol and similar skin preventatives early.

Parno said there’s no need for teens, even those in their early twenties, to consider incorporating retinol or other strong ingredients into their nightly rituals.

“Every person is different, so it’s always best to consult with your dermatologist before trying new products,” she advised.

There’s a lot to be said for incorporating low-strength retinol into your routine starting in your twenties.

Using retinol later in life helps the skin adapt to the effects of retinol, reduces purging, and helps slow the effects of premature aging.

Parno said doing it this way “won’t cause excessive damage to the skin barrier.”

DON’T SKIP

Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, the entrepreneur said you should apply a moisturizer.

“It’s common to think that using a moisturizer will accentuate oil or cause more acne, but this couldn’t be more wrong,” she said.

“Oily, acne-prone skin also needs moisture, and depriving the skin of moisture causes it to produce more oil to replenish the lost moisture, which makes the problem worse!”

She added that many products intended to treat oily, acne-prone skin typically contain highly stripping and drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.

It strips the skin and “increases the need for a good moisturizer.”

OLD AT HOME

“Exfoliation has many benefits, however, it is not necessary to do it every day,” she said.

Daily exfoliating treatments at home, such as microdermabrasion and cleansing brushes, can do more harm than good.

“Frequent use leads to excessive exfoliation of the skin, which can lead to dry, red, and sensitive skin due to a damaged skin barrier,” she explained.

Parno recommended leaving these treatments to your dermatologist or esthetician because they will “advise you appropriately on the correct treatments and frequencies for your skin.”