“My favorite should be arrested immediately.”

The founder of a skincare company has debunked some beauty myths that can be harmful to your skin.

While many methods are marketed as anti-ageing techniques, some can have the opposite effect, and she said some of her “personal favourites” need to be abandoned.

“There’s no end to skin care myths, especially with the rise of social media,” said Olga Parno, founder of Masktini.

Previously, she shared her ice tricks and favorite drugstore beauty products for a glowing face with the US Sun.

Now, she shared some of the common “dos and don’ts” she sees “everyday” and said “they need to be addressed.”

Common skin care misconceptions

Taste the SPF

“‘If it’s cloudy or raining outside, I don’t need sunscreen’ is my personal favorite myth and it needs to be busted as soon as possible,” Parno said.

She adds that SPF isn’t just for sunny days.

Even if it’s hidden by clouds, the sun still emits harmful UVA and UVB radiation that can damage your skin if unprotected.

“Ideally, you should apply SPF to your entire body every day, but at the very least, make sure to apply a generous amount to your face, neck, décolleté, and hands daily,” she suggested.

Retinol is no good

Another big problem Parno sees is people not using retinol products until their 30s or later.

“Too many people neglect preventative skin care to slow premature aging,” she says.

“Once we notice the effects of ageing, we immediately try to reverse the effects with incredibly powerful retinols, but we end up damaging the skin barrier in the process.”

She also warned about another related misconception: that teenagers should start using retinol or similar skin precautions early on.

Parno said that even teenagers and people in their early 20s don’t need to incorporate harsh ingredients like retinol into their nighttime skincare routine.

“Everyone is different, so it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist before trying any new products,” she advised.

There are many benefits to incorporating low-concentration retinol into your skincare routine starting in your late 20s.

Using retinol as you get older helps your skin adapt to its effects, reduces redness, and helps slow the effects of premature aging.

Parno said this method “does not cause undue damage to the skin barrier.”

Don’t skip

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

“A common belief is that using moisturizer will make your skin oily and increase acne, but this is completely false,” she says.

“Oily and acne-prone skin also needs moisture. When moisture is stripped from the skin, more sebum is produced to replenish the lost moisture, exacerbating the problem.”

She adds that many products targeted at acne-prone or oily skin typically contain ingredients that exfoliate and dry out the skin, like benzoyl peroxide.

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

Pranks at home

“Although exfoliating has many benefits, it certainly isn’t necessary to do it every day,” she says.

Daily at-home exfoliation treatments like microdermabrasion or cleansing brushes may be doing more harm than good.

“Frequent use can over-exfoliate the skin, damaging the skin barrier and leading to dry, red and sensitive skin,” she explained.

Parno recommends leaving these treatments to a dermatologist or aesthetician, as they can “provide proper advice on the correct treatment and frequency for your skin.”