Can expensive products slow ageing? Dermatologist debunks 5 skincare myths

From using too many products to when to start anti-ageing skincare, there are many misconceptions.

Anti-ageing skincare is surrounded by misconceptions, with everyone offering their two cents and skincare aisles overflowing with products. Amid all this noise, it is best to take a step back and look at skincare with renewed clarity instead of blindly following marketing hype.

Dr Rinky Kapoor, director and co-founder of The Esthetic Clinics, shared that ageing is a natural process, but social media narratives can sometimes complicate how we approach it.

She said, "From believing that an anti-ageing regimen should only be started after reaching a certain age to assuming that using more products will lead to better results, there are several misconceptions about skincare that may make routines ineffective or excessive."

Anti-ageing skincare has a lot of marketing hype, which can misguide people. (Picture credit: Pexels)

Therefore, following age-based rules or piling on multiple products may backfire. Instead, skincare should be simple, consistent, and tailored to the skin's individual needs.

Here's a set of myths that she debunked with relevant facts:

Myth 1: An anti-ageing skincare regimen should only be started after the age of 40

• Skin ageing begins well before the appearance of visible wrinkles.
• The skin produces collagen, which gradually decreases with age, while exposure to the sun and other environmental factors may accelerate the ageing process.

Myth 2: Wrinkles are the sole indication of ageing on the face

• The ageing process is much broader than just the formation of wrinkles.
• Changes in collagen and elastin levels, pigmentation, texture, elasticity, hydration, as well as facial volume and contours, can all affect how the face looks over time.
• This is why an effective anti-ageing approach should focus on overall skin quality, rather than just wrinkles.

Myth 3: Expensive skincare products provide better anti-ageing results

• Cost does not necessarily determine the efficacy of a product. What truly matters is its formulation, active ingredients, concentration and suitability for your skin type and concerns.
• An effective skincare regimen using simple products with scientifically proven ingredients can be more beneficial than constantly experimenting with expensive formulations.

Myth 4: Multiple anti-ageing products are needed to achieve better results

• This myth stems from the idea that using more products will lead to better results.
• But applying too many ingredients, acids or exfoliators at once can cause irritation and compromise the skin barrier.
• It is better to build a simple skincare routine and gradually introduce active ingredients into it.

Myth 5: Aesthetic procedures can replace good skincare and healthy lifestyle choices

• Aesthetic treatments can target specific concerns; however, they cannot replace the basics of good skincare and a healthy lifestyle.
• Using sunscreen, getting adequate rest, maintaining proper nutrition, exercising, managing stress and following a consistent skincare regimen are essential for healthy ageing.
• Aesthetic treatments should be tailored to an individual's physical characteristics, skin concerns and expectations.