5 Skincare Myths Debunked by an Expert (Goodbye, Bad Skincare Advice)

Beauty

This post is all about Skincare Myths Debunked.

Written by: Ashleigh Torres

October 9th, 2024

Oh, skincare. We love it, we slather it on, we scroll endlessly for tips, but somehow, some seriously questionable myths just won’t die. As a licensed esthetician (hiii, it’s me!), I’m here to set the record straight. Ready to have some common skincare myths debunked, officially? Let’s dive in and give your skincare routine the truth tea it deserves.

1. Myth: Natural/Clean Products Are Better

“Natural = better”, right? Like a face mask straight from Mother Nature herself? Yeah, not so much. Sure, natural ingredients can be great, but not everything from the earth is a skin savior. Take poison ivy—totally natural, but would you rub it all over your face? Didn’t think so. Some natural ingredients, like plants or essential oils, can actually trigger allergic reactions or cause irritation.

Remember, people are allergic to things like grass, nuts, and pollen, and those are all natural! What really matters is how well-tested and scientifically backed an ingredient is, whether it’s natural or synthetic. Your skin deserves what works, not just what sounds the “cleanest”.

2. Myth: Only Teenagers Get Acne

The myth that refuses to die. News flash: acne does not come with an age limit. If I had a dollar for every time someone said “I’m (fill in the blank) years old and STILL get acne”—well, I’d have some extra spending money for my own skincare stash.

Adult acne is a real thing, folks. Hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, and even underlying health issues can all trigger those pesky breakouts long after your high school days. So, if you’re an adult dealing with acne, don’t stress (stress doesn’t help at all). You’re not alone, and your skin just needs a little extra TLC. Brighter days are ahead.

Other Posts You Don’t Want To Miss:

Skincare Mistakes To Avoid

Your Best Skin Ever: My Top Five Tips for True Skincare Success

3. Myth: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer

This one makes me cringe every time. The truth is, oily skin can still get dry and dehydrated. In fact, when you skip moisturizer, your skin tends to overcompensate by producing even more oil (cue the greasy forehead).

A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer will help balance your skin and keep excess shine at bay. So, if you’re skipping moisturizer to avoid looking like a disco ball, it’s time to rethink that strategy.

4. Myth: You Can Shrink Pores

I hate to break it to you, but no, you cannot actually shrink your pores. Sorry! What you can do is reduce their appearance. The secret? A solid skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. When your skin is clean and hydrated, your pores are less likely to be clogged with dirt and oil, which helps them look smaller.

Some of us are just genetically cursed (*eyeroll* me!) with larger pores. And for some people, no matter how perfect their routine, visible pores are just a fact of life. But! Keeping your skin in check will make a huge difference, and hey—pores are totally normal anyway.

5. Myth: It’s Normal for Your Skincare Products to Burn

You know that burning sensation when you apply a product, and people say, “Oh, it’s just working!”? That’s a hard no for me. Let me be the first to say that if your skin feels like it’s on fire, your product is probably too aggressive, and your skin barrier is crying for help.

That burning feeling is your skin saying, “Help me, I’m irritated!” A healthy skincare routine should feel soothing, not scorching. If it burns, ditch it and opt for something gentler. Your face will thank you later.