We all want to maintain a vibrant appearance. While there’s no such thing as the fountain of youth, good habits can keep your skin looking firm and dewy for years to come. Here are five anti-aging myths you need to know.

Myth #1 Squeaky Clean Skin Will Look Younger

It’s a fact that you need to keep your skin clean. However, overwashing can be even worse. This bad habit strips the skin of its natural lipids, which ultimately leads to you looking older. Fine lines and wrinkles will be far more likely to emerge. Always use gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps can upset your skin’s pH balance. Not only does dehydrated skin have a dry appearance, but it’s also more likely to become irritated

Myth #2 Not Smiling Helps Prevent Wrinkles

Since the 19th century, many people have believed that not smiling helps ward off wrinkles. However, don’t fall for this myth. Facial creases from smiling and frowning are perfectly normal. There’s no need to walk around stone-faced all day. In fact, studies have shown that smiling actually helps promote a more youthful appearance. There’s something about a beautiful grin that makes your entire face glow.

Myth #3 Expensive Skincare Is Always Better

This is by far one of the biggest anti-aging myths. When it comes to skincare, you don’t always get what you pay for. An expensive price tag may not equate to a great product. A budget-friendly skincare line can be just as good as a luxury brand. It’s more important to focus on the overall quality of the products. Consumers who buy cosmetics based on cost often end up wasting hundreds of dollars.

On the other hand, we can’t stress enough that the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients in the skincare products you buy is the most important thing. Do your research and be willing to spend more if you need to.   

Myth #4 Makeup with SPF Is Just As Effective As Sunscreen

It’s no secret that excessive sun exposure can seriously damage your skin. Although makeup with a little extra SPF can help shield you against the sun, it’s not going to completely protect you. The best approach is to apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. However, make sure it has an SPF of 30 of higher. Because sunscreen breaks down over time, it should be reapplied every two hours. These simple steps will go a long way towards keeping your skin looking beautiful.

Myth #5 Newer Is Better

Every year, new skincare products hit the market. The bad news is that many of these trendy products don’t live up to the hype. Some can even cause more damage to your skin in the long run. You definitely don’t want to accelerate aging by using an unproven product.