The world of skincare is full of myths and superstitions passed down from generation to generation. On the occasion of the opening of a new "Yafa Maximov" branch in Jerusalem, we turned to Yafa Maximov, Chairwoman of the Estheticians’ Organization in Israel and owner of the Beauty-Tech chain named after her, to bust the most common myths and explain what really works and what doesn’t.
"If I take care of my skin at home, there’s no need to see an esthetician"
"This is a common misconception," Maximov explains. "Home care is an important and essential foundation, but a professional beauty clinic has access to technological devices, deep treatments, and active ingredients in concentrations that cannot and should not be used at home. An experienced esthetician can perform deep pore cleansing, professional acid treatments, chemical peels, and device-based treatments that significantly improve skin condition. It’s like the difference between brushing your teeth at home and cleaning them at the dentist: Both are necessary."
"Using eye cream is a waste of money"
"Quite the opposite," she explains. "The skin around the eyes is several times thinner than the rest of the facial skin, so it requires dedicated care. Eye creams are based on very gentle formulas to avoid irritation and address specific issues like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines."
"The more peeling, the better"
A particularly dangerous myth, Maximov warns. "Intense daily peeling can seriously damage the skin barrier, causing redness and hypersensitivity. Once or twice a week is enough for most skin types. Excessive use leads to vulnerable skin that is easily damaged."
"Winter sun? You can skip sunscreen"
"This may be the most harmful myth," Maximov says firmly. "UV radiation exists all year round, even on cloudy days and in winter. Sun damage is the leading cause of premature skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Daily sun protection with at least SPF 30 is mandatory, even if you are just going to the supermarket."
"No need for moisturizer on oily skin"
"Oily skin can also be dehydrated," Maximov explains. "Skipping moisturizer makes the skin produce even more oil to compensate. The solution is a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer that balances the skin without weighing it down. Most women with oily skin find that the right and precise combination of moisture actually reduces oiliness."
"Natural products are always safer"
"Natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe or effective," Maximov emphasizes. "There are natural ingredients that can cause severe allergies, and there are synthetic ingredients that are completely safe and highly effective. It’s important to check the ingredients and not rely solely on labels like 'natural' or 'organic.' For example, pure tea tree oil is completely natural but can cause severe irritation."
"You can permanently get rid of open pores"
"Pores are an anatomical structure of the skin. They cannot be permanently closed or eliminated, but their appearance can be minimized through thorough cleansing, mild peeling, and acids like salicylic acid. Expectations should be realistic."
"Just washing your face with water removes makeup"
"Water alone does not remove long-lasting makeup or excess oil," Maximov warns. "It’s important to use an appropriate cleanser, and today there is a wide range of cleansing products: Cleansing oils, micellar water, or foams, depending on skin type and preference. Makeup and dirt residue can clog pores and cause breakouts and dull skin."