There are a lot of myths and “secrets” about skincare that many people have heard of. But what ones are true? Your best friend or your sisters’ boss who knows a chemist may have your best intentions in mind, but the truth is, not every snippet of skincare advice out there is accurate.

We’ve taken a look at some of the top myths surrounding skincare to give you better advice for your personal skin needs.

• Coconut oil is acceptable for all skin types
  We all know how great coconut oil is for applications around the home and your body. Many people have suggested that it is a great option to use as a natural make-up remover. While it can be, it’s not the best solution for all skin types. If you have oily skin or skin that is prone to breakouts and acne, you are best to avoid using coconut oil for your skin. Coconut oil is predominately made up of saturated fats and can block your pores. You can dilute it with a more suitable oil, but if you find that the skin on your face is a little oily, keep using the coconut oil for the body, not the face.
  
  
• Buy products with added collagen to help keep skin youthful.
  There are so many skincare options available on the market today and quite a few of them will say they have added collagen in them. The amount of collagen we have in our skin starts to decrease as we get older. This makes your skin thinner which makes wrinkles more likely. But, adding collagen to cream and putting it on your face isn’t going to be your magical solution to avoiding or getting rid of wrinkles. Your best option instead? Protect your skin and your collagen first and foremost with care, looking out for your skin in the sun and your diet.
  
  
• If you have oily skin, try lemon juice
  We have heard some people using lemon juice as a way to “cleanse” the skin if you have oily skin. But, one of the most obvious issues with lemon juice is how acidic it is. When put on the skin, you can potentially cause inflammation and upset the natural pH of your facial skin. Even more concerning is the use of lemon juice before going into the sunlight. Lemon juice on the face under UV rays from the sun can cause blistering, inflammation and sunburn. Instead, opt for a safer ingredient or skincare product that will help your oily skin and won’t damage your natural skin barrier.
  
  
• All essential oils are good for your face because they are natural.
  Essential oils can be a great addition to natural and organic skincare and can have some added benefits. But, some essential oils are best to be avoided when used on the skin as they can be too harsh for some people. As an example, sassafras, sage and pennyroyal essential oils are known to be toxic and are best to be avoided. There are a few essential oils that can be dangerous to some people and cause unwanted side effects. If you are using essential oils in your skincare, choose products that already have essential oils in them and/or choose products from a reputable supplier. If you’re unsure of ingredients or oils in your skincare, have a chat with the producer of the product about any concerns you may have.

Choosing skincare for your skin type doesn’t have to be hard. If you want to buy products in Australia that are organic and utilise natural ingredients, take a look at the range from Love Aly’s. Or, if you want to know and understand skincare, what goes in them and what products are best for you, Love Aly’s has a skincare workshop where you can learn all about skincare, find out more about your specific skin type and create the best skincare range for you.