Let’s clear something up: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s hard to figure out what actually works when bad advice keeps floating around. From old wives’ tales to TikTok trends, the skincare world is full of myths that are, frankly, doing more harm than good.
It’s time to debunk the nonsense and give your skin the love it deserves. Here are 10 skincare myths that need to go, like, yesterday.
Wrong. UV rays don’t take a day off just because the sun isn’t out. Up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days, so skipping sunscreen is basically an open invitation to premature wrinkles and sun damage.
Fix It: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day. Your future self will thank you.
2. “Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer”
This myth is the reason so many people with oily skin end up with dehydrated, unhappy faces. Stripping your skin of moisture just makes it produce even more oil to compensate.
Fix It: Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced without clogging your pores.
3. “Natural Ingredients Are Always Better”
Just because something’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. Poison ivy is natural, but you’re not about to rub it on your face, right? Some natural ingredients can be irritating or cause allergic reactions, so don’t fall for the “all-natural” hype without doing your research.
Fix It: Look for products backed by science, whether they’re natural or synthetic. Your skin doesn’t care about the label—it cares about what works.
4. “The More Expensive the Product, the Better”
Luxury skincare brands love to slap on high price tags and fancy packaging, but that doesn’t mean their products work better than drugstore options. In fact, some affordable brands are just as effective, if not more.
Fix It: Focus on ingredients and reviews, not price tags. Your wallet and your skin will be happier.
5. “You Can Shrink Your Pores”
Sorry to burst your bubble, but pores don’t open or close, and you definitely can’t shrink them. What you can do is keep them clean and less noticeable with exfoliation and hydration.
Fix It: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid to unclog your pores and make them look smaller.
6. “You Should Wash Your Face Multiple Times a Day”
Over-washing your face does more harm than good. It strips your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and prone to breakouts.
Fix It: Stick to cleansing twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. And if you’re not wearing makeup or sunscreen, you might even get away with just a nighttime cleanse.
7. “Acne Is Just a Teenage Problem”
Acne doesn’t check your ID before showing up. Hormones, stress, and even the products you’re using can cause adult acne. If you’re breaking out in your 20s or 30s, you’re not alone.
Fix It: Treat acne with gentle, targeted products like benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide, and don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist if it’s not improving.
8. “You Should Skip Skincare If You Have Sensitive Skin”
Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you should avoid products altogether. It just means you need to be extra careful about what you use. Skipping skincare entirely can leave your skin dry, irritated, and unprotected.
Fix It: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products and introduce new ones slowly to see how your skin reacts.
9. “Drinking Water Will Fix Dry Skin”
Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it won’t magically moisturize your skin. Dry skin is caused by a damaged moisture barrier, not a lack of water in your diet.
Fix It: Use hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid) and a good moisturizer to lock in hydration where it matters most—on your skin.
10. “Skincare Results Are Instant”
If you’re expecting overnight results, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Skincare is a long game—it can take weeks or even months to see noticeable changes.
Fix It: Be consistent with your routine and give products time to work. Good things take time, and your skin is no exception.
Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it starts with ditching the myths and focusing on what actually works. Stop falling for the hype and start listening to your skin—it knows what it needs.
Pick one or two tips from this list and start implementing them today. Your skin deserves the best, and so do you.
