4 SKINCARE MYTHS BUSTED

LET’S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON:

SPF - Is higher better?

HOME SKINCARE DEVICES - Can I skip the pros and just use these?

DARK CIRCLES - Is it just because I’m tired?

SKINCARE LAYERING - How many are too many at one time?

Here are four commonly-held myths that I'd like to clear up!

SPF - higher number is better, right?

Yes and no. The higher the number, the more powerful and long-lasting protection you will get. SPF 50 blocks more of the harmful rays than SPF 30...and so on.

Sort of.

It's really best to have 3 things in an SPF:

1. A higher number (something over 30 is best)

2. Broad spectrum - key to a good sunblock is one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, not just a high number!

3. Physical vs. chemical: A physical sunscreen is often a more "natural" option and offer a serious sun barrier.

Barrier - not absolutely necessary, but skincare in a sunscreen or a moisturizing barrier component is a great bonus. This one is waterproof/resistant and has a nice barrier (it’s not sticky or heavy, either!) I used it when on the beach near the ocean and it was great.

HOME SKINCARE DEVICES: Can I get a bunch of devices and skip the pricey pro-level treatments?

Again, yes…and no.

Yes, the new crop of devices is pretty awesome for getting some real results.

You can lift and sculpt your cheekbones, perk up your eyelids and even help refine your jawline right in your own bathroom.

However, these will be subtle results.

Results YOU see. Likely they won’t be anything someone comments on or points out, which can be a good thing.

But no, you should still seek a pro treatment or two during the year.

Most devices are meant to be used in conjunction with a pro treatment. They will continue your results at home.

While you can get some pretty stunning results with home treatments, be smart.

A device that costs $29 on Amazon likely isn’t going to do much, if it’s supposed to compare to a $400 device from a professional supplier! If you are going to spend the money, be sure you are getting the real deal and not a knock off that probably won’t do much.

Realize that most good devices will do a lot, but not everything. You still need good skincare, a pro-level treatment and consistency!

DARK CIRCLES - I’m just tired, right?

No, dark circles are the result of a few things:

-Lack of sleep/rest

-Lack of circulation/blood flow to the area

-Anemia and similar conditions

-Thinning skin under the eye

-Smoking - it causes a lack of oxygen in the skin overall

-Dehydration

And a few other things.

The point is, you can fix dark circles (at least enough to cover with concealer) by changing your diet, hydration levels, resting and by doing a few skincare fixes?

-Gentle massage or stimulating the area with light finger tapping after application of eye cream (a tool like this helps, too)

-Using microcurrent can help a lot by stimulating circulation and muscles

-Use a cool jade or stone roller over an eye gel or brightening serum (this is one I like) daily can help

SKINCARE PRODUCTS - HOW MANY IS TOO MANY TO LAYER?

Oh, boy, how hard do I laugh and roll my eye when I see skincare lines that layer 3, 4, 5 or more products at one time?

A lot.

No, I don’t believe in layering a bunch of products on top of each other. Two is pretty much my maximum.

Generally, I prefer mixing a couple of things vs. layering (like my skincare “recipes” )

It’s easier and I like making all-in-one solutions.

Plus, and this is more to the point: MORE IS NOT BETTER.

The first serum you lay down on clean skin is going to do the most. It makes contact with the skin and everything you put on top either diluted or blocked (more or less) by the first barrier.

Never layer more than two things, and they should be 1. your skincare product 2. your sunscreen (day) or your moisture (night).

The only other option is if you need a second layer of moisture during the day. Then put on 1. serum, 2. moisture 3. sunscreen.

That’s it.

Don’t waste products layering a bunch of things on top of each other. Layers 3 and up won’t do much except provide a barrier to the external world, which is why a moisturizer or sunscreen is often the last layer you should use.

During the day, I like a tinted sunscreen and look for one with great skincare already in it, like the Sculplla Sun Cushion. This takes care of three things at once!

At night you can apply a serum, a moisturizing layer and then, only if really dry, a thicker barrier layer.

Keep it simple :)

TIME MASTER PRO & CLAREBLEND MICROCURRENT

Why this powerhouse is going to give you visible results…in about 10 minutes…learn more