Melissa Hebeler/E! OnlineIf there's anyone qualified to debunk a skincare myth, it's celebrity esthetician Shani Darden.
The skincare guru caters to star visages that, oh, may sound familiar: We're talking Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, Emma Stone and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Maintaining these ladies' flawless complexions doesn't come without a certain amount of effort and consideration, which is why we asked Darden to settle some skincare routine "rules" for us, once and for all: Should we follow them or not? Turns out that most of them are in, well, myth territory.
Not to fear: Read on for Darden's top five skincare myths (and antidotes) below!
1. You Don't Need To Wear Sunscreen When It's Not Sunny Outside: "UV Rays cause your skin to age and can cause cancer all year round, so wear sunscreen every day," Darden said. "I recommend a daily SPF 30 sunscreen. A lot of light bulbs do emit UV rays, which is why it's always important to be protected."
2. Getting a Tan Can Clear Up Acne: "Yes, laying in the sun can dry up acne and make it appear better at the moment, however, it also can cause permanent scarring and pigmentation," she said. "I don't have a skincare routine for post-tanning sessions because I don't think people should ever tan. You can prevent scarring and pigmentation by staying out of the sun, not picking your skin and using the right products for your skin type to prevent acne. Wearing sunscreen every day also helps prevent scarring and pigmentation."
3. Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer: "Even oily skin needs hydration," Darden advised. "When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin make sure it's a moisturizer that won't clog your pores."
4. You Must Exfoliate Every Day to Remove Dead Skin Cells: "Exfoliating every day is a mistake a lot of people make, and actually prevents your skin from ever getting that glow," Darden said. "I recommend exfoliating once or twice a week—any more than that will harm more than help. Over-exfoliation strips your skin, which can cause irritation and redness, and can also lead to discoloration."
5. Lasers Are The Only Way To Truly Get Rid of Acne Scars: "There are a lot of ways to treat scars, such as at-home and professional peels, but my favorite product that I recommend to clients to fade scarring and sun damage is my retinol. If used a few nights per week, you will start to see major improvements in your skin tone."
—Additional reporting by Lindsay Good