How Much Do You Know About Skincare? 

101 Facts About Skin Care

We bet you think you know everything there is to know about skincare, but guess what? There’s a ton we just know you don’t! We know finding facts and figures about skin care can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we put together this list of the top 101 facts, notes, and statistics so you can easily reference them and refer back to them any time in the future.  This space is constantly changing, so if you see a fact that is not up-to-date, feel free to let us know. And if you know a stat that we should add, let us know that too!

7. A lack of sleep can affect your skin.

A lack of shut-eye can cause stress to your skin, leading to unwanted breakouts and a dull complexion. Don’t deprive your body and skin of that much-needed sleep; let your body use the time to regenerate and recover from your day.

8. Eyes show the first signs of aging.

The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and thinnest, so it makes sense that this area shows the first signs of aging. Even if you’re in your 20s, it’s best to start preventative care early to ensure your eyes are looking beautiful and healthy for years to come.

9. Second-hand smoke Is bad for your skin.

Though you may not be lighting up, if you’re around second-hand smoke, it can speed up the aging process and can result in sagging skin.

10. Touching Your skin leads to breakouts.

It’s tempting to demolish that pimple, but resistance is crucial. The more you pop and pick at breakouts on the skin, the more dirt, filth, and bacteria is pushed deep into the skin. Bacteria underneath the skin leads to more unwanted breakouts.

11. Caffeine leads to dry skin.

Are you suffering from dry skin? Do you also love coffee? Unfortunately, caffeine may be the culprit. If you can, replace the java with hot water and add tasty fruit slices like lemon or orange to improve the flavor.

12. Sleeping in certain positions can leave lines.

Some sleeping positions can lead to sleep lines. In time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles. Avoid this by snoozing in the sheets backside-first.

13. Eating fish is great for your skin.

Skin loves foods like salmon, herring, and trout. These types of fish offer our skin oils that lubricate cells and lessens inflammation. They’re also packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep our skin super-smooth.

14. Alcohol dehydrates the skin.

As sad as it is to admit, one less serving of alcohol per day makes a significant difference in the appearance of your skin. This difference is because alcohol dehydrates the skin, which causes wrinkles. It also inflames tissue.

15. Massage helps reduce under-eye circles.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a guaranteed way to combat dark under-eye circles. One method that can help is massaging the under-eye skin in circular motions to increase blood circulation. Do this when applying your daily eye cream to lessen fluid retention.

16. Over moisturizing can lead to breakout.

One beautiful skin secret is to avoid over-moisturizing. While it was mentioned earlier the importance of moisturizing, it’s essential not to take it too far.

17. Skin is the largest organ in your body.

Your skin spans 22 square feet, which makes it significantly larger than your second largest organ, the liver.

18. You start aging at 20.

If you associate getting older with being in your 40s or 50s we’ve got bad news for you. Once you hit 25 your collagen levels can start to slowly deplete which might result in the appearance of sagging skin and the onset of fine lines. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C can help maintain young, healthy-looking skin.

19. Your skin has three layers.

We always talk about the skin as if it’s only a layer but it’s made up of three; the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

20. Dark spots can develop on your skin.

It’s extremely important to wear broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher starting in your teens and 20s. Sun spots can show up quickly on your skin and can increase with more sun exposure, making them even harder to get rid of.

21. We shed thousands of skin cells each minute.

An incredible 30,000 to 40,000 per minute.

22. Your skin has varying levels of thickness.

Your eyelids have the thinnest skin while the palms and soles of your feet are the thickest.

23. You can switch skin types.

Even if you’ve had the same exact skin type your whole life things like hormonal imbalance, climate change, and age can make your skin go from one type to another.

24. Genetics don’t determine how your skin ages.

A lot of people attribute how quickly their skin ages to their genetics, but it turns out that external factors play a huge role in skin aging. Sun exposure can account for almost 90 percent of premature aging and other factors such as pollution and smoking can factor into how quickly your skin ages.

25. Dry skin in the winter isn’t only uncomfortable — it may be harmful, toos.

When temperatures begin to dip in the winter, harsh winds and indoor heating systems can suck the moisture right out of your skin. Many people think dry skin is cosmetic, but it can also increase our risk for infection with bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

26. Similar to a snake that sheds, your skin renews itself every 28 days.

The epidermis is the thin outer layer of your skin, which contains dead skin cells. It’s this epidermis that turns over every 28 days. Another way to put it is that as skin cells generate at the bottom of the epidermis, it takes them about a month to reach the surface as dead cells naturally slough off.

27. Your skin can respond negatively to stress, just like your mind.

While it’s unlikely you can blame a newly developed zit on the traffic jam you were caught in this morning, your skin feels your emotions, too.

28. Changes in your skin can reflect underlying health issues.

Stress isn’t the only thing that can trigger a response from your skin. Many conditions and infections can cause changes in your skin, whether they take the form of a rash, hives, itching, redness, or swelling. 

29. Thick skin serves a purpose.

Trouble spots on your skin may seem like an inconvenience, but they may have a reason for being. The bottoms of your feet and heels may be made up of thicker skin (that you desperately try to get rid of via a pedicure), but that’s evolution at work, protecting you while you walk.

30. Sleeping in your makeup is a really bad idea.

All that makeup can mix with the dirt and oil that’s been building up on your skin during the day, which can clog pores (and clogged pores can lead to breakouts).

31. Skin care should not stop at your face.

If you’re not showing the skin on your neck the same love as the skin as your face, all your work could be for nothing.

32. Sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine.

It’s important to wear SPF even when it’s cold outside. That’s because you can still get burned even on cloudy days. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are two kinds of rays emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB. Both types of rays can cause skin damage when your skin is not protected and exposed to the sun.

33. Anti-ageing products, particularly those with antioxidants, can be used as early as age 21 and the earlier you start, the better.

However, it is incredibly important to use anti-ageing products that are appropriate for your skin type. Products with potent active ingredients such as retinol can begin being added to your regimen in your mid to late 20s.’

34. Pores are not temperature-sensitive. Hot water can make the outer layers of skin swell, which makes pores look more “open”.

They don’t open and close based on temperature. When washing, water should be kept at a lukewarm temperature.

35. Over-washing can lead to dryness, sensitivity and irritation, so we need to be sensible about cleansing.

The ideal cleanser should be sulphate-free to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils, and it’s important not to rub the skin too harshly.

36. SPF in sunscreens refers to UVB protection, whereas the star system on products refers to UVA protection. 

Relying on getting both solely from our makeup means that we may not be getting adequate sun protection. Adequate protection would also require the makeup to be reapplied throughout the day, as sunscreen is, which is often not the case.

37. Ultimately cellulite tends to be hereditary; it doesn’t just affect people who are overweight.

Exercising and keeping the area toned reduces it, but you can only improve the appearance.

38. It’s very unusual for your skin to “get used to” the beneficial effects of skin-care products when they are frequently used.

When active ingredients in your products are giving you the desired results and improvement, there’s no reason for them to stop giving you the same result unless the condition you’re treating changes.

39. Botox can help prevent deep imprinted lines that we refer to as wrinkles because of the effect of relaxing the muscles that can crease the skin.

When you have Botox, you are preventing fine wrinkles and preventing deepening of those wrinkles that you already have. If you start early, you will atrophy the facial muscles and weaken them so that you don’t have to get Botox as often when you are older.

40. Theoretically, a higher SPF increases the amount of time you can stay in the sun and be protected.

For example, SPF30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than you would when not wearing sunscreen without getting sunburnt. SPF 50 means your skin is protected 50 times longer than it would be without a sunscreen. However, you still need to reapply regularly as sunscreen with a high SPF wears off as well.

41. During the day, your skin is in ‘protect’ mode, and you should help it on its way with products that offer defence from free radical damage and sunlight.

Always wear sunscreen or skincare products that provide SPF protection.

42. The main cause of ageing skin is predominantly sun exposure, followed by things such as smoking and pollution.

Over time, such exposure breaks down collagen fibres which keep the skin looking youthful and plump. Therefore, dry skin does not cause wrinkles or ageing, however it can emphasise them.

43. If puffiness is accompanied by slight irritation, home remedies like putting slices of cucumber on your eyes can provide some relief, due to their cooling properties.

However, this is a temporary home remedy and will not have a long-term impact.

44. Toothpaste will irritate the skin, and the pimple will probably eventually disappear along with the irritation, but toothpaste is in no way a primary treatment for acne.

Certain ingredients found in toothpaste, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol, essential oils, triclosan have drying properties. However, there are no ingredients in toothpaste that make this method more effective than conventional treatments and over-drying and even burning can occur on skin from applying it to pimples.

45. There is evidence to suggest refined sugars and high GI (glycemic index) foods drive acne in selected individuals. 

However, treating diet alone will not completely clear the issue up. It is one part of a much larger puzzle.

46. Skincare applied in the wrong order is almost useless.

In fact, at times it would be more effective to abandon the product altogether rather than apply it incorrectly. For example, if you apply a new serum after your moisturizer, the serum will not be able to penetrate the moisture, because moisturizer creates a barrier on the skin, which would prevent the active (and expensive) ingredients in your serum from reaching the deeper layers of the skin.

47. Your skin is slightly acidic.

Did you know that your skin is slightly acidic? And, to remain happy and healthy, and more importantly, glowy, it needs to remain within the acidic bracket at roughly 4.7.

48. Applying less moisturizer actually means more.

The more moisturizer you slap on your face the more moisturized it will become? While this seems kinda logical, it’s actually not true, and you’ll most likely only end up wasting product. Applying too much product can cause it to pill (when the product gathers into little balls), which makes it ineffective and you could end up clogging your pores. 

49. It is not normal for your skin to feel tight after cleansing. 

The squeaky-clean feeling you get is your skin becoming too dry from using very harsh products. Replace your harsh cleanser with a gentle cleanser. 

50. DIY Lemon masks are not a great way to get topical vitamin C.

Lemon is far too acidic and may cause the appearance of dark spots after sun exposure.

51. Darker – skinned individuals still need sunscreen.

Just like fair-skinned individuals, dark-skinned people still need sunscreen protection from sun damage and skin cancer.

52. Using products with larger quantities will not yield better results.

You do not need to go over the top, as excessive amounts of any product may cause skin dryness or irritation.

53. All preservatives in makeup and skincare products are not bad all the time. 

Proven preservatives are used at minimal and safe levels to prevent growth of harmful bacteria in your products.

54. Clean beauty refers to products that contain non-toxic ingredients both natural and/or synthetic.

55. More than 60% of women are willing to spend money on clean beauty products.

56. Millennials in the US are spending approximately $600 billion on products designed to rejuvenate skin.

57. Skinimalism is an illusion to the minimalist lifestyle of the practice of keeping things as simple as possible.

Aside from saving time, this trend promotes minimal waste from packaging.

58. In the United Kingdom, 28% of women have reduced the number of skincare products they use in their daily routines.

Consider multi-use products to simplify your routine. Evaluate whether each step and product you are using is necessary for your skin concerns or goals. 

59. Your gut health affects your skin.

Your gut is 80% related to your skin health and can cause acne, rosacea and pigmentation if unbalanced.

60. Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing.

Dry skin is a type of how skin naturally operates, so choose products formulated for dry skin, which needs a constant hydration flow. Dehydrated skin is a condition. Environmental pollutants dry out skin continuously, so incorporate hyaluronic acid, which is able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water.

61. The ‘pinch test’ can identify dehydrated skin.

Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch approximately an inch of skin on the face – not pulling outwards but pushing in along the contour of the face. If you’re dehydrated the skin can look a little crepey. A dehydrated skin can also look a little dull and dry and even feel a little taught.

62. Your lips are especially prone to moisture loss.

Whilst it can be tempting to keep licking the lips or even picking off the dry skin, this can actually make it worse. The best treatment is regularly applying lip balm – particularly one with beeswax in.

63. Combination skin is a bit of a myth. 

If you’ve noticed you have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you’ve probably been told you’ve got ‘combination skin’, but that could be a result of the products you’re using.

64. Most skin ageing is caused by external factors.

Only 3% of our skin’s ageing process happens because of ‘intrinsic’ factors like genetics. Extrinsic factors like UV exposure, smoking, pollution, poor diet and too much alcohol speed up the process by causing what’s called reactive oxygen species (ROS) or ‘free radicals’ which cause a cascade of cell damage and cause premature ageing.

65. Only 30 percent of skincare is what you put on the outside.

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and its health and surface appearance are determined by environmental factors, as well as the function of the components that comprise the layers below. Often, redness or inflammation of your skin is down to what you’ve recently eaten or drunk – and your face’s reaction is a way of telling you that it didn’t quite like it. 

66. Detoxifying should be your number one skincare priority.

You can slather on fancy creams, balms, serums, and extracts until the cows come home but if your pores are clogged, those expensive ingredients and time-consuming processes will not penetrate your skin. That’s why it’s important to have a regular facial, with extractions and deep-cleansing being performed by a trained therapist.

67. Water is your skin’s best medicine.

Drink three liters a day in order to achieve optimum brightness, replenish skin tissue, flush out toxins, and improve any darkness around  under eye area.

68. A good facial should be tailored to your skin concerns.

When it comes to taking care of your skin, one size does not fit all. Based on your skin type and concerns, your facial treatment (and routine) should be catered to what you want to achieve or what you feel may be lacking from your skin.

69. Cleopatra was the founder of the skin-care and cosmetic industry.

Born over 2000 years ago (69 BC), she crafted various antimicrobial facial cleansers using honey, olive oil, lime, and chalk, in addition to creating toners from apple cider vinegar and using sea salt scrubs to exfoliate her skin. She also produced natural nail polishes and hair dyes to maintain a youthful appearance. 

70. Cosmetics were traced back far before Cleopatra’s time in Egypt, back to 6000 BC.

Prototype cosmetics were found on Egyptian tombs and buried with ancient Egyptians. Items like kohl – what gave many Egyptians the smoky eyes we lust after now – were originally used to fight off infection by killing pathogenic skin bacteria with their heavy metal components.

71. Queen Elizabeth Made Pale Skin “In”.

During the Middle Ages, colorful cosmetics were commonly seen among prostitutes, so Queen Elizabeth changed the tides of beauty standards during her reign. This is where we begin to see the heightened paleness or white appearance of higher-class women during this time. 

72. Before foundation, skin bleaching was a must-have beauty technique.

Long before Queen Elizabeth supported a pale complexion, the Chinese perfected skin bleaching methods by using lemon juice and songyi mushrooms. However, the Chinese felt youthful, healthy skin was most linked to inner wellness and liked to employ methods of nutrition, circulation, and exercise to promote inner and outer health. 

73. The creation of the FDA changed unsafe skin practices in the U.S. 

In 1869, the American Medical Association published a study called “Three Cases of Lead Palsy from the Use of a Cosmetic Called Laird’s Bloom of Youth” – sorry, not sorry Queen Elizabeth – citing their findings on lead-based whitening cosmetics and lead poisoning. 

74. The most common skin conditions are calluses, acne, dandruff, dry skin, skin cancer and cellulite.

75. Some of the nerves in your skin are connected to muscles instead of the brain, sending signals (through the spinal cord) to react more quickly to heat, pain, etc.

76. Every square centimetre of skin on the human body has about 5 million bacteria on it, fortunately, the vast majority of them are harmless. 

77. Your skin has at least five different types of receptors that respond to pain and touch.

78. 4/5 teenagers will get acne. 

79. Stress doesn’t just cause acne — it can actually affect your skin’s texture.

Undue stress can cause skin to become thin and reduce its ability to regenerate. Learn more about stress’s effect on your skin.

80. Regular exercise can increase toxin removal in your skin and help you look younger by boosting collagen production while diminishing wrinkles.

81. To keep your skin smooth without Botox, minimize your intake of sugar and dairy products.

Instead pile up your plate with legumes, vegetables and olive oil. These foods have been shown to lead to fewer wrinkles as we age. 

82. Smoking takes a big toll on skin, robbing it of oxygen and nutrients by slowing the flow of blood.

Puckering your mouth around a cigarette and squinting your eyes against smoke can also lead to extra wrinkles. 

83. “Noncomedogenic” is a good term to look for in your skin care items, meaning that they shouldn’t clog your pores.

84. Most problems with men’s skin revolve around beard and hair growth issues.

Men need to understand how to shave correctly and how to take care of their skin before and after shaving.

85. Beard areas are sensitive.

Upward movements using implements such as cloths or sponges against the beard growth pattern can be uncomfortable. Neck areas are especially sensitive to this. Incorrect movements feel like someone is pulling your hair, except of course, on the face.

86. Men do not want to smell like roses. 

If you are going to treat men, you need either fragrance-free products or products with gender-neutral scents.

87. Most men have combination skin.

Stay away from heavy creams and thick, pasty products. Choose lighter weight and easily absorbable products for both treatment and home care. Men’s skin can often be dehydrated, but is rarely alipidic. Products that are water-based and add hydration—rather than oils and emollients—are ideal choices.

88. Men worry about ingrown hairs, large and clogged pores, and wrinkles. 

 These are three areas you should be prepared to address. Thorough deep-cleansing treatments with gentle extraction are popular with men. Don’t forget the finishing massage strokes—men love massage.

89. Men will spend money on their skin, but they are not always aware of which services can help them. 

90. Men frequently have back and chest skin issues.

 Back and chest acne and breakout-prone skin require both professional and home-care treatments. Back hair removal is a frequently requested service. Speed waxing is a great service to offer, as is laser hair removal if your license permits.

91. Oily skin needs moisturizing too.

In fact, if you’re dealing with excessive oiliness, applying lotion may actually help stabilize your oil production levels. Trying to “dry out” oily skin with harsh toners or over-washing can trigger more oil production, leaving you with tender and irritated skin. 

92. Dry skin happens year-round.

While it’s true that the harsh winter weather can cause dry, itchy skin and strip skin of its natural oils, dry skin is an issue in the spring, fall and summer months, as well. 

93. Your skin won’t adapt to a product and stop working.

There’s a myth circulating that claims if you use a product long enough, it’ll eventually stop working. Continue using products that make your skin feel hydrated, soft and balanced. On the other hand, if you’re using a product that continues to cause irritation, consult with your dermatologist to identify which products may work best for your skin.

94. The skin on your mouth is 200 times more responsive than your fingerprints.

95. It is factual that lips are high on the scale of most sensitive body parts. Oily skin is more prone to breakouts, but less prone to wrinkles.

96. Skin color is caused by melanin which also protects from UV rays.

97. Collagen is what determines how smooth your skin is.

Exercise increases blood flow of nutrients and water to the skin’s surface, making collagen thicker.

98. Clouds don’t block UV rays.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80% of the sun’s rays penetrate clouds and fog. Clouds block some infrared rays, so you don’t feel hot, but you’re still getting hit by UV rays which absolutely damage skin. Sometimes, it’s just easier to wear a long sleeve UV shirt.

99. We’ve been trained to reapply sunscreen after swimming in the ocean or toweling off at the pool, but strong winter winds can wear away sunscreen, too.

It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours while out in the winter sun and wind.

100. You don’t have to use a mask on your entire face.

Nor do you need to limit yourself to just one mask. If you never have acne on your cheeks or forehead, there’s no reason to use a mask designed for acne in those areas.

101. Many people fall asleep during a facial after the mask is applied. 

Whether you’re left alone to meditate on your soon-to-be gorgeous skin or treated to a luxurious hand and arm massage, it’s this part of the facial when dozing off is most common.

Sources

Wikipedia, TENAJ Salon Institute, Garnier, Everyday Health, L’oreal Paris, Good, Housekeeping, HUDA Beauty, Wise Living Magazine, Savoir Flair, VIOME, Jacqueline, Evans, How Stuff Works, ASCP Skin Care, Eucerin, Belleza Skin Care, Go Wax Head