5 Skincare Myths Most Millennials Believe

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Millennials, like many, love a trend, and damn can we be suckers for a good marketing campaign. Skincare trends are a prime example. How much do we really know about the science of skincare, and how much of it is clever marketing into our millennial weaknesses – our fave shade of pink, rose quartz, and avocados? Yes, please.

Just think about it: how many times have you read a model’s skincare regime or seen a (very pretty but paid-for) Instagram snap and bought the product without questioning whether a) it actually works or b) it’s good for your skin? Guilty. So we’re debunking five of the most widely believed skincare myths on social media. Finally, you’ll know the truth!

1. Natural or organic means it’s better for your skin

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Verdict: MYTH
Many of us assume that if something is natural or organic, it’s better for you, whether it’s a skincare product or a piece of fruit – the latter is better for you because it’s free of chemicals or pesticides. But when it comes to skincare it’s not as simple; there are a plenty of natural, organic ingredients that could irritate your skin. Take essential oils as an example, they’re super potent and need to be used cautiously; some even say they shouldn’t be used at all.

There’s actually no scientific evidence that confirms natural or organic is better for your skin. Equally, just because something contains synthetic ingredients doesn’t mean it’s bad for your skin either. And just because a product claims to be organic or natural, that doesn’t mean it 100% is. For products to claim they’re ‘made with organic,’ only 20% of the ingredients need to be organic, or just 10% if you eventually rinse the product off (like a cleanser), which is HUGELY misleading! Find our guide to buying organic beauty here.

2. Crystals will heal your skin

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Verdict: Fact
Chances are, if you’re a millennial scrolling through Instagram you’ll see crystals everywhere – whether it’s a crystal flatlay or a model’s beauty cabinet with her favorite, skin-saving rose quartz jade roller. We can’t deny a large percentage of their appeal is down to that fact that they’re super pretty, but they do actually have some skincare powers. Crystal-based skincare brand Själ Skincare explains that “Our body’s energy system naturally resonates with crystals and precious minerals (as they act as semiconductors), it also helps with delivering a natural energy to harmonize and balance.”

Crystals have a high vibration energy (everything in the world has a vibrational energy – think ‘good vibes’), which encourages some form of healing or wellness. Crystals contain minerals that our body needs to maintain healthy skin, just like we need essential vitamins. These minerals can feature in your skincare products in powder or oil form or within stones. We’re currently obsessed with the Kora Organics Rose Quartz Luminzer, $28, a crème-based, ultra moisturizing highlighter, which actually contains rose quartz powder. Miranda Kerr, Founder of Kora Organics, said that she used rose quartz because “The crystal opens the heart chakra and is believed to encourage self-love and forgiveness.” We’re so here for that!

3. If Korea does it, we should too

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Verdict: Not true (ish)
In the past five years, Korean beauty has taken over the industry, and now we want to know about all their skincare trends. And understandably so, have you seen Korean glass skin? It’s flawless. However, that doesn’t mean a Korean skincare regime is going to work for everyone, so that doesn’t mean you should always follow the classic K-Beauty skincare regime.

Take the 7-Skin method (toning seven times) as a prime example; if you have sensitive skin or use an astringent toner and you tone seven times, you could irritate your skin. With the 7-Skin method, you should use a gentle hydrating toner that will add layers of hydration instead of stripping the skin. So, although there are some rules that you should follow, like double cleansing, don’t simply assume that it’ll automatically work for you too, as depending on your skin type, it could provide the wrong treatment. Check out this post for K-beauty rules that will work for you.

4. More steps, more active ingredients = better results

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Verdict: Myth
As our love for skincare grows so does our beauty knowledge, and the skincare lingo that was once reserved for a certified dermatologist is now common chat over matcha lattes. AHAs, BHAs, retinol? You name it, we know it, and chances are we’ll have it in our skincare regime. However, piling up on active ingredients without knowing how often to use them, could overwhelm your skin. So, assuming more steps and more active ingredients are doing “more” for your skin, isn’t necessarily the case.

The general rule to stick to when it comes to active ingredients is: the stronger the product, the less frequently you should use it. For example, if your cleanser and exfoliator contain AHAs, make sure your moisturizer or serum doesn’t, otherwise you could be over exfoliating your skin, damaging the skin’s protective barrier and leaving it exposed and dehydrated.

5. Meditation can give you that glow

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Verdict: Fact
The practice of mindfulness and meditation has taken over in the past couple of years, and it’s been improving our mind, body, and soul ever since. The discovery has been met with some serious skepticism, although us millennials are ready to ride that wave.

Meditation has been scientifically proven to enhance the quality of your skin. In a recent study carried out by the University of Sheffield, two groups of sufferers of psoriasis received a treatment, one group listened to meditation tapes while receiving the treatment and the other did not. The patients who practiced meditation healed four times quicker than those who didn’t. Fact. For our favorite meditation apps and more deets on how it can help your skin, check out our round up here.

Let us know if there are any skincare myths you need help debunking, in the comments below.