Thursday, 19 September 2013

Beauty Myths No.1 - Your skin sleeps during the day.

Dear Readers. 

My day started with an email from someone requesting that I test their (revolutionary - obviously) cream at night - 'because the skin sleeps during the day'.

After my head exploded and I put it back together again, I decided on a lovely new series for the blog. 

'Beauty Myths' is born out of utter frustration with the casual jargon that mentioned often enough, becomes Bible. 

No. Your skin does not, will not and has never 'slept' during the day. The other argument for using differing products in the evening is that your skin 'may' relax a little whilst its not busy fighting off free radicals.

Funnily enough, free radicals are also not particularly conscious of time and are in fact, around us 24/7 - but that's apparently by the by for some marketing people. If you wanted to really annoy someone you could argue that as soon as you breathe out carbon dioxide, your face is surrounded in a cloud of free-radicals - but that's also apparently by the by.

You use different products at night because you don't need SPF - or thicker 'protecting' moisturisers - which means you can use lighter, more effective formulations - serums/oils etc - to target and treat your issues.

AM: Protect
PM: Treat

Your skin is your biggest organ. Replace the word 'skin' in this sentence with Heart, Brain, Lungs, Kidney, Liver and see how long you would be alive for.

'Your skin sleeps during the day'.

Right, well that's me dead then.

*head explodes, cannot even*
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73 comments:

  1. Lynn Taylor19 September 2013 at 11:37

    Love this post Caroline, actually laughing out loud! can you recommend an SPF for under foundation please?

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    Replies
    1. Makeupbypatricia20 September 2013 at 18:27

      Shiseido Urban environmental oil free SPF 42 is DIVINE. my personal HG

      Delete
    2. Lynn Taylor21 September 2013 at 12:41

      Thanks for this. I've just checked it out and it states for oily skin, I have dry/dehydrated skin :-(

      Delete
    3. abitrialaw22 September 2013 at 17:32

      Hi I like nars primer it's Spf 30 works great and really protected me when we had that really hot weather in england it's oil free but good for all skin types as I'm a Makeup artist I've tried on everyone. Hope this helps.

      Delete
    4. abitrialaw22 September 2013 at 17:35

      Hi I like nars primer it's Spf 30 and oil free but great on all skin types in my opinion. I'm a Makeup artist and have applied on all skin types. It really protected me when we had that hot weather in england thumbs up.

      Delete
    5. Lynn Taylor23 September 2013 at 13:52

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  2. Naddalie19 September 2013 at 11:57

    another beauty myth that annoys me so is people who think that no products make the skin "breath" better! WTF.

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  3. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 12:17

    You speak the truth! Thankgod!

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  4. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 12:24

    Do you agree though that not wearing make up on a daily basis improves your skin? I try to wear make up less than 3 times a week. Some logic behind this or is this hogwash? Thank you!

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    1. abitrialaw22 September 2013 at 17:41

      I'm a Makeup artist and the only problem with wearing Makeup is that people don't remove it properly sometimes. I have awesome skin and wear Makeup everyday but look after my skin. So remember to double cleanse when wearing Makeup or if Ya like me double cleanse at night anyway.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous22 September 2013 at 19:30

      Totally agree with you abitrialaw. I think as long as you are not reacting to something in your make-up (like bismuth oxychloride in mineral make-up that Caroline has warned us many people do), it should not cause problems when removed properly. Most people I know wear make-up but then they barely wash their face at night... so more than usual clogged pores are to be expected I guess!

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  5. The Beauty Ethos19 September 2013 at 12:25

    Great post lol xx

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  6. Unknown19 September 2013 at 12:28

    I've more often heard the opposite, that skin "sleeps" at night so it can absorb products better. Marketing can be ridiculous.

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    1. Anonymous20 September 2013 at 01:04

      I think it's more that while you're asleep your body is repairing itself, so the products you put on at night aide in that repair :) So maybe the language "sleep" at night is a little wrong, but the idea is similar.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous22 September 2013 at 19:32

      Your skin is repairing itself when you are not asleep as well. It doesn't just go "oh, these cells need some help asap... but they can wait till tonight!" Eh... no.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous22 September 2013 at 22:13

      I think this is another myth too. Our body and skin repairs itself both day and night. :)

      Delete
  7. Geeta Sood19 September 2013 at 12:30

    So agree with Caroline about using lighter products at night like oils and serums.

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  8. finurligheter19 September 2013 at 12:30

    There are so many stupid myths out there. Like putting DNA in creams. Like what is that good for?! It does nothing for you. And what do you mean by DNA? A tomato contains DNA, so if you put tomato juice in a cream it technically contains DNA. That is not going to make me younger though...

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  9. Kata Paulin19 September 2013 at 12:37

    A friend of mine recently revealed that she used to work in marketing for the most famous skincare brand here in Hungary in the 80s...they have total freedom to make up whatever popped into their heads & include all that as product claims. :)Obviously times and consumer awareness have changed since then...although this video awakens some doubt :)) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjHoQGJ6epA

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  10. Catriona19 September 2013 at 12:37

    Hi Caroline, I am 35, combi skin(Slight Oily T zone)need a good moisturiser for day and Night, have never found 'Thee' one?!Currenty perscribed to your amazing routine of supplements, balms, P50,peptabright,hydraluron.My skin has really benefited.Thank You.Any reccomendations of facials, therapists in Ireland?Also, any alternatives to waxing/threading upper lip,eyebrows, I always break out after it?Thanks again,

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  11. Unknown19 September 2013 at 12:40

    caroline, i love you. you are just brilliant! i'm creasing

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  12. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 12:46

    Love this! I also wondered if you ever came across www.cosmeticscop.com? I came across it the other night and almost every skincare product that I use, i.e. Origins, Mario Badescu, Aveda, etc., got a "poor" rating. They state basically "anything with fragrance irritates the skin, even if you can't see any irritation, and it contributes to collage breakdown, dryness and can impair your skin's ability to heal." As you can expect I was totally crushed! Thanks for your time :)

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    1. Kata Paulin19 September 2013 at 15:24

      that is Paula Begoun's site (the woman behind the Paula's Choice brand)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 22:25

      I don't know anything about her. What am I missing?

      Delete
    3. Melissa Mary20 September 2013 at 03:45

      Paula contradicts herself and overstates info so you use her "natural" products.Use what works for your skin. Just avoid mineral oil as a rule and propylene glycol or alcohol.

      Delete
    4. Melissa Mary20 September 2013 at 03:46

      Paula contradicts herself and overstates info so you use her "natural" products.Use what works for your skin. Just avoid mineral oil as a rule and propylene glycol or alcohol.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous20 September 2013 at 10:21

      Yeah seriously she discounts many products because they have essential oils in them, just because they irritate some skins doesnt mean they irritate all skins...
      And then if you see the review for her own line Paula's Choice, everything has a BEST rating. She has a disclaimer but basically the beautypedia is just an another advert for her products.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous20 September 2013 at 12:09

      Thank you for clearing that up Melissa! :)

      Delete
    7. Melissa Mary20 September 2013 at 21:34

      Your welcome! I use products Caroline has recommended and they work great, even though Paula has given many of them bad reviews. I love clarins and ren products but Paula hates on the whole brand(s) as a whole.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous23 September 2013 at 20:34

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    9. Melissa Mary28 September 2013 at 07:25

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous31 October 2013 at 06:54

      it's not just Paula who says to avoid essential oils. Read research articles and studies on PubMed or The triple helixian that show Lavender oil is cytotoxic among others. I can't agree with everything Paula says but I don't follow everything Caroline says either. Knowledge is power. Read the research and make an informed decision on what works for you rather than what' he/she said'. I'm finishing my degree in pharmacology and there is no way I'd put Origins, etc on my face. But like I mentioned it is best to view the unbiased science then decide for yourself.


      Mathilde

      Delete
  13. rebeccalately19 September 2013 at 12:47

    Well said and so funny! I have a feeling this series will have me rolling.

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  14. Anna Belsham19 September 2013 at 12:47

    Brilliant post *snorts*

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  15. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 12:47

    Just found your blog. It is brilliant. Thank you so much for cutting through all the BS in the beauty industry. I am learning a lot with each of your posts. I found my way here by googling "Clarins double serum mineral oil reviews"! I am now off to re package said product and return it. Keep on with the good work.

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  16. Linda D19 September 2013 at 12:57

    Pores open and close....err no that's window and doors!

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  17. Laura19 September 2013 at 13:00

    I love the idea of banishing beauty myths! I can safely say I've never had somenone tell me my skin sleeps during the day but there's a first for everything I suppose.

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  18. Unknown19 September 2013 at 13:22

    Hi Caroline,
    Can you recommend a similar counter-part for Hydraluron here in the United States. It's not available in Walgreens (they do carry some of the Indeed labs products but not Hydraluron, at least, not anymore! ;)
    Yours assistance is much appreciated.
    Thank you!

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  19. Charli19 September 2013 at 13:22

    Haha. Yet another brilliantly written post. Love your blog...never stop! :) x

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  20. Wheelingalong19 September 2013 at 13:43

    Beauty Myths make me lol so much. I remember reading something from the '40s saying that good posture was the key to good skin (which is only kind of acurate if you squint & look at it sideways like all of these things), you'd think at in the last 70 years they'd have learnt to stick to saying things that are actually acurate, or at least believable....

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  21. Kat19 September 2013 at 13:58

    You should start a fan club.

    Old school. With badges that say things like, 'hogwash', 'I heart flannels' and 'say no to mineral oil'. And a list of commandments such as 'though shalt cleanse thy face, neck and decollete twice when thou hast worn SPF or make up'.

    I'd join.

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  22. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 15:05

    My brain sleeps during the day.....until I give it a good roundhouse kick with java... ;)

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  23. Hermania19 September 2013 at 15:39

    Thanks! In the mornings I tend to stick to products that sink in pretty quickly, in the evening I might go for something that needs a while to sink in. I hope that's okay skin-wise :)

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  24. B19 September 2013 at 16:36

    You are the goddess of skincare!

    http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/birchbox-uk-september-2013.html

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  25. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 17:10

    Just out of interest (and at risk of making a fool of myself) does skin behave any differently when a person is asleep? I guess other organs do, no one snores or dreams while they're awake do they. Just wondering out loud really *toddles off to look it up*. Huge fan of your blog, love the unbiased, informative no bs advice that you generously dish out. Liz x

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  26. A Daly Edit19 September 2013 at 18:56

    Is this like pores opening and closing :)

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  27. Emily Golding- Beauty By Emily19 September 2013 at 19:15

    hahah this post is amazing!! the amount of times I tell people this!!! Always protect your skin gals and guys!!

    Emily
    www.beautybyemily.co.uk

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  28. Anonymous19 September 2013 at 20:07

    what a load of boswelox :-)

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  29. Ali On Mars19 September 2013 at 22:32

    Oh my goodness, I can't believe people even think this is true! I just discovered your blog last week and I'm absolutely addicted! Thank you for writing amazing posts like this!

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  30. TW9219 September 2013 at 23:04

    Hahahaha, this was great.
    Im also really excited for some more beauty myths to be busted!

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  31. White Bazaar19 September 2013 at 23:05

    Most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, skin sleeps??! How does it sleep? I suffer from psoriasis and dermatitis on the face and my skin never stops or slows down, quite the opposite!

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  32. Arya De Guzman20 September 2013 at 05:13

    What???? Ahahaha skincare addict here and what the whoever emailed you said something that is against to what I know about skincare

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  33. Jana20 September 2013 at 11:21

    Well that's a first!

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  34. Riitta20 September 2013 at 14:09

    This was great, thanks for the laughs! :-D And please bust some more myths, I´d love to hear them.

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  35. Anonymous20 September 2013 at 22:25

    I really really really love your blog!!!

    -Keith
    Simple Skin Care

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  36. Anonymous21 September 2013 at 01:01

    Unless we've drastically changed chemistry definitions, carbon dioxide =/= free radical. Love this blog A LOT but if we're gonna slam marketers for talking nonsense, let's not get too far into talking nonsense.

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  37. Ayelet21 September 2013 at 10:17

    Ah, so sad (the lies) and sooooo funny (your post).
    What about the "this will repair your DNA" myth/ lie? And while we are at it, what about selling anti-aging products while using 25 year old models to advertise them?
    Thanks, caroline, and please continue this series!!!

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  38. Kaz21 September 2013 at 18:01

    If our skin sleeps in the morning and we sleep at night(I guess the skin has to sleep with us again at night), then the world is perfect and we can enjoy a continuous skin spa! :) Thank you for the great post. It made my day(not my skin's. It is sleeping)

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  39. Jenn21 September 2013 at 19:58

    Great post Caroline. By the way, sleep is great for skin and can benefit it more than a lot of skin care products out there.

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  40. Unknown22 September 2013 at 12:16

    The sale tactics brands use to sell their products :/

    http://tinasbeautyscrapbook.blogspot.com/

    x

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  41. JJ22 September 2013 at 16:32

    Greater exposure to the elements: UV, pollution and stresses of your working day does result in a higher proportion of free radical activity during the day vs at night. That's why an antioxidant rich product is more beneficial during the day. But you're absolutely right that skin does not sleep during the day. In dermatology there is no concept of sleep for skin. Day or night.

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  42. Monica23 September 2013 at 09:02

    I remember a botanist laughing when somebody told him a similar one: plants eliminate oxygen during night and CO2 during day.

    But I came here after I saw a picture: are you sure you were not this Austrian writer and Baroness in a previous life?

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  43. Zoe@TheNailFungusGuide23 September 2013 at 13:17

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  44. Karima24 September 2013 at 16:55

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  45. Anonymous25 September 2013 at 10:24

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  46. SM30 September 2013 at 15:32

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  47. Unknown1 October 2013 at 21:13

    When i replaced the work "skin" with those other organs in the sentence......I can confirm that infact my brain does sleep during the day. My proof being that all day i have had lovely fresh smelling hair after applying deodorant to hold it in place and rather sticky pits after spraying my under arms with hairspray! That did make me chuckle!!!

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  48. Fashion and happy things9 October 2013 at 20:14

    Oh my goodness. The things beauty advertisers expect us to believe, and the worst bit is that most people do. So frustrating. I'm absolutely loving the beauty myths and can't wait for more of them.

    Mana
    Fashion and Happy Things

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  49. Mina9 October 2013 at 22:10

    If my skin sleeps in the morning, then this means that it wakes up at night?? Looks like a dracula skin :}

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  50. Unknown17 October 2013 at 03:48

    Hi Caroline, you mentioned using thicker 'protecting' moisturizers in the morning. By 'thicker protecting', do you mean by thicker in texture or just with SPF or maybe both? I like to use a gel moisturizer in the AM and a thicker cream at night because my face tend to be oilier during the warmer months. Any better suggestions? Thanks!

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  51. Unknown17 October 2013 at 03:51

    Hi Caroline, you mentioned using a 'thicker protecting moisturizer' for the morning. Do you mean by thicker only in texture or just protection with SPF or maybe both? I am using a gel moisturizer in the AM and a heavier cream for night time because my skin tend to get oilier through out the day during warmer months. Any better suggestions? Thank you!

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  52. Unknown29 October 2013 at 17:49

    You know what, i went into PIXI on saturday to buy some Glow Tonic and some of the new tinted moisturiser...and the actual sales girl suggested i only use the glow tonic at night because that is when your skin breathes and it rests during the day!!!
    AARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH

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