10 Skin Care Myths I Totally Fell For But You Shouldn't Believe

When it comes to skin care, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information. With countless beauty blogs, tutorials, and the latest trends flashing before our eyes, it’s no wonder we believe some pretty far-fetched myths. As a millennial navigating this complex world, I have learned the hard way about the skin care misconceptions. Today, let’s bust those myths and uncover the truths that genuinely help reduce fine lines, even out skin tone, and tackle those pesky blemishes and redness. Let’s jump right in!

Myth 1: You Need to Spend a Fortune on Skin Care Products

I once thought that only high-end products could give me glowing skin. In reality, many affordable options work just as well. For instance, The Ordinary Bright set ( pictured below), which contains hyaluronic acid, is a hit for hydration without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on ingredients. Look for formulas with salicylic acid or niacinamide; they are powerful yet commonly found in drugstore brands.

Myth 2: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer

If you have oily skin, you might think skipping moisturizer is a good idea. That is a mistake! Oily skin still needs hydration to function correctly. Oily skin means your sebaceous glands are pumping out excess sebum (oil). Hydration, on the other hand, is about the water content in your skin. If you skip moisturizer, your skin can actually get dehydrated. When that happens, your body thinks, “Crap, we’re dry!” and kicks oil production into overdrive to compensate. That leaves you even shinier and more breakout-prone. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers, such as a water based jelly moisturizer, which is designed to hydrate while preventing clogged pores.

Myth 3: You Should Exfoliate Every Day

Exfoliating is important, but I learned that doing it daily can harm your skin. Instead of scrubbing every day, aim for 1 to 3 times a week. Gentle chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid or lactic acid found in products like The Ordinary's Toner, ( hot tip: the set listed in the above photo already includes this) tend to be more effective and less abrasive than physical scrubs. You can use it daily because it's designed to be slightly lower in acid, making it more gentle, the link has a guide on which toner is best for your skin type if you're not sure which one to get!

Myth 4: Sunscreen is Only for Sunny Days

I was guilty of thinking sunscreen was unnecessary on cloudy days. Did you know that up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin on overcast days? Make sunscreen a daily habit, regardless of the weather. Look for products that offer broad-spectrum protection that’s essential for healthy skin all year round, 40 SPF or higher.

Myth 5: Natural Ingredients are Always Better

While natural ingredients can be beneficial, they are not without risks. For instance, some essential oils can cause irritation and allergic reaction, and even harm pets. Instead of blindly trusting natural labels, research the effectiveness and safety of individual ingredients. Products with synthetic but effective ingredients can provide the same benefits without the risk of allergic reactions.

Myth 6: You Can Shrink Pores

I once believed that products could actually shrink pore size, but pores are structural, you can’t literally shrink them. Instead, focus on minimizing the appearance of your pores. Use products like Ascorbic Acid, and Glycolic Acid ( you guessed it both are in the bright set above!) that can help control oil and exfoliate, leading to a refined look without changing their actual size. However, The gold standard for reducing the appearance of pores would be, Niacinamide.

Myth 7: Drinking Water Will Clear Up Your Skin

Staying hydrated is important, but let’s clarify: drinking water alone won’t solve skin issues. While it helps maintain skin elasticity, studies suggest a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables has a more significant impact on skin clarity than hydration alone.

Myth 8: You Should Feel a Tingle When Using Active Ingredients

I used to think a tingling sensation meant the product was working. This isn’t always true! While some active ingredients provide a mild tingling, effective products shouldn’t cause burning or excessive irritation. If they do, stop using them immediately.

Myth 9: All Skin Care Products are Safe for All Skin Types

Not every product suits everyone. Choosing products tailored to your unique skin type, be it oily, dry, or sensitive is crucial. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, like me, selecting calming products like that are Ultra calming, or made for sensitive skin can prevent potential adverse reactions. Always patch-test new products before applying them all over your face. I have tried so many brands, some much pricier than the set I listed above. But find that The Ordinary really has my skin happy.

Myth 10: You Can’t Treat Redness and Blemishes at the Same Time

I thought treating redness meant avoiding blemish treatments. In reality, many products address both issues. Look for options that combine soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile with acne-fighting components like salicylic acid. This strategy can help you tackle multiple concerns without compromise.

Final Thoughts on Skin Care

Navigating the world of skin care can be tricky, especially with so many myths doing the rounds. By debunking these common misconceptions, I hope to empower you to make informed choices about your skin care routine. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.

Investing time in understanding the truths about skin care can lead to healthier, happier skin. So, leave the myths behind and embrace the facts, your skin will truly appreciate the effort!

Are there any skin care myths you thought were true, only to find out they weren't, I wanna hear em! Also, if you're curious if a product works, and you want me to trial it and give you my reviews and research on the product, Drop it in the comments! If you Liked these products listed, check out my LTK for more amazing skin, hair and comfy products I love → MY LTK FEED Clicking on my links within this blog posts may earn me a small percentage of a commission from the retailer. This is at no additional cost to you, I do look to see which retailer gets you the best price on the same merch before I link!