When it comes to social media, an incredible community has been carved out online around beauty, skincare and aesthetics. You can find up to date information on the latest technologies, find advice to suit your skin type - though it won't be customised exactly to you - and see videos of exactly how some aesthetic tweakments are performed. However, there can also be some beauty myths that rear their heads online, and Susan Fox, owner of Eden Beauty Group with over 30 years experience in the beauty business, is here to bust them - and give the reality behind them.
"Social media can be so informative and a great way to learn about skincare but it can also be a total minefield of misinformation," she explains. "Every day I see posts that are quite simply incorrect and in some cases dangerous, recommending skincare and products and giving incorrect information."
Fact or Fiction: You only need sun-cream in the summer
FICTION! For me this is the BIG one as far as misinformation is concerned. After 35 years in the beauty and skincare business my advice is always: if you only invest in one product make it an SPF. SPF has nothing to do with sunshine and everything to do with UV rays. Ultra violet rays are omitted 365 days a year, hail, rain, sleet or snow, and penetrate the skin causing damage that accelerates the ageing process, breaks down collagen and elastin affecting skin tone and can cause melanocytes to malfunction causing pigmentation .Exposure to UV rays is, without exception, the most destructive element for your skin and the thing that ages your skin faster than anything else. Irish people have one of the highest rates of skincare in the world because we still believe the lack of sun means we don't need SPF...you do! Every single day.
Fact or Fiction: Skin can be “detoxified”
FICTION! It is physiologically impossible for skin to be detoxified with skincare products. Our body removes toxins via your kidney and your liver not through our skin. However there are products that can defend your skin against toxins and environmental factors such as free radicals and pollution, like Casmara Daily Defence SPF. It filters out UV but also blue light from computers and phones and environmental pollution, ensuring our skin does not get bombarded by free radicals which over time cause ageing and damage to our skin.
Fact or Fiction: Stress causes spots, breakouts and acne
FICTION! Everyday in my clinic I have a mother book in their teenager for a consultation for problem skin or acne. The mum always tells me that their teenager is stressed due to exams and that their diet is awful. I then win a legion of teenage fans by explaining that a poor diet and stress does not cause breakouts or acne. Breakouts and acne are caused by hormonal fluctuations, increased hormonal levels cause increased sebum production and these two combined cause congested skin. However stress can increase cortisol levels which can affect hormone levels so exam time can trigger break outs and exacerbate acne.
Fact or Fiction: Botox is an immediate fix for signs of ageing.
FICTION! It always amazes me the number of clients who come to my clinic and spend thousands of euros on botox and fillers but never buy a skincare product or have a skin treatment. Botox is brilliant but the only thing it does it paralyse a muscle and stop you making the expression that causes wrinkling.
The most ageing thing in the world is poor skin quality, dull sun damaged, slack skin. The perfect combination is a great home care routine combined with some targeted treatments and some botox. This gives you glowing, firm, even, younger looking skin .
Fact or Fiction: Gua Sha massage makes your skincare products sink in better
FICTION! Gua Sha or any massage stimulates skin and your lymphatic drainage system. Every facial treatment includes some element of massage because by increasing blood flow locally, inflammation is reduced and blood flow to the area increases. This floods the area with growth factors and oxygen and nutrients, contributing to brighter skin. Facial contouring can only occur if fat is minimised with treatments like radio frequency which heat fat cells to a point that they are dissolved.
Fact or Fiction: You shouldn’t use retinol if you’re young
FICTION! Retinol in low percentages is excellent for reducing some of the issues associated with young skin. A brilliant exfoliant, it's ideal for tackling the congestion associated with acne. Retinol also reduces the appearance of pores. Products like BP dermacuticles retinol serum are ideal for younger skin as it starts at .1% and is paired with a range of ingredients to counteract sensitivity.
You can find all of the products featured, plus more advice, at edenbeautygroup.com
