Debunking Skincare Myths: The Truth About Toners, Retinoids, Greenwashing, and Hair Shedding
Overview
In this episode, I will address common skincare and hair myths I get asked through comments on social media and give you personalized solutions to each topic. You will walk away with tangible tips to apply to your beauty routines!
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
03:03 | Are toners necessary?
05:48 | Do retinoids thin the skin?
08:14 | Does "clean" mean acne safe?
09:32 | Is hair shedding normal?
Resources:
Pubmed Article on Retinoids
Use code VANNAPADILLA for 15% off at clearstem.com
Acne Foundations Course
Connect with us!
To watch this episode on video, subscribe to Vanna’s YouTube Channel
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
Debunking Skincare Myths and Embracing Holistic Beauty: Insights from a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
In a landscape where beauty and wellness regularly intersect, discerning fact from myth can be perplexing, particularly with the myriad of advice available on social media and podcasts. Recognizing this challenge, Vanna, a dermatology nurse practitioner and wellness enthusiast, offers her expert insights on common skincare misconceptions, reaffirming the importance of individualized care and debunking one-size-fits-all beauty myths.
Key Takeaways:
Retinoids Thicken Over Time: Contrary to popular belief, retinoids can actually thicken the skin through cell proliferation and collagen protection.
Clean ≠ Acne Safe: The term "clean" doesn't guarantee that skincare products are suitable for acne-prone skin; consumers need to be aware of pore-clogging ingredients.
Hair Shedding as a Health Indicator: Significant hair shedding shouldn't be dismissed as normal; it could signify underlying health issues or stress.
The Toner Trail: Unnecessary Skin Ritual?
The persistent belief that toners are a non-negotiable component of skincare routines is outdated. Toners originated to restore pH balance post-cleansing when cleansers were more alkaline. Modern formulations, designed with skin's acidity in mind, make toners redundant in many cases.
Vanna assertively states, "You really don't need it or when I'm doing my one-on-one coaching clients, they'll be like, wait, what about the toner?" She emphasizes that unless you're aiming to control oiliness or desire an additional exfoliating step, a toner lacks necessity. By challenging this convention, Vanna advocates for simplicity and efficiency in skincare, steering away from the multi-step routines that may include superfluous stages.
Retinoids: Friend or Foe to Skin Thickness?
Moving past product assurance, Vanna clarifies another common misconception: retinoids thin the skin. She cites research indicating that retinoids actually promote keratinocyte proliferation, strengthen the epidermis, and protect collagen. "Research shows that retinoids actually thicken your skin over time," Vanna remarks, inviting those with counter-evidence to present their findings. She further recommends Bakuchiol, a natural retinoid alternative, for its efficacy without harshness, signifying a shift towards gentler, integrative approaches to skin health.
"Clean" Confusion: Acne Safety Misconception
The term "clean" often implies safety and gentleness in skincare, but Vanna highlights a critical distinction: "Clean does not mean acne safe." She points out that many ingredients categorized as "clean" can still clog pores and exacerbate acne. The process of identifying truly acne-safe products can be nuanced, likely requiring manual checking for pore-clogging ingredients. Vanna's advocacy for transparency in product formulation serves as a call-to-action for skincare companies to be more forthcoming with their ingredient impacts, as well as empowering consumers to become more informed.
Hair Shedding: Signal of Stress, Not Just a Strand Out of Place
Lastly, Vanna tackles the topic of hair shedding, underscoring that while average daily shedding is expected, clumps of hair loss could be symptomatic of stress-related issues or nutrient deficiencies. This condition, known as "telogen effluvium," is often brushed off as normal, but Vanna urges diligence: "If your hair is shedding, there's a reason, and it is so important to get to the bottom of it." Her recommendation underscores a broader view that external beauty concerns often reflect internal health status.
Vanna's insights remind us that beauty and wellness are multifaceted and deeply personal. By challenging myths and advocating for individualized approaches, she empowers listeners to take control of their beauty routines and prioritize their holistic well-being. Her firm stance on these issues reinforces the necessity of education in a world saturated with misinformation and the importance of looking beyond surface treatments to the underlying causes affecting each individual's skin and hair health.