Myth: You Can “Open” and “Close” Your Pores. Here’s The Truth.
Your Pores Aren’t Little Doors
I spent my teen years trying every trick to “close” my pores. I’d use hot water to “open” them and then splash with cold water to “close” them shut. It’s a myth. Your pores are just openings for your hair follicles and oil glands; they don’t have muscles to open and close like doors. While you can’t change their genetic size, you can make them appear smaller by keeping them clean with ingredients like salicylic acid and by using retinol to firm the skin around them, which tightens their appearance.
Myth: Natural Skincare is Always Better for You. A Chemist Responds.
“Natural” Doesn’t Mean “Safe”
I used to believe that if I couldn’t pronounce an ingredient, it must be bad for me. I only bought “all-natural” skincare. I ended up with a terrible rash from a lavender-oil-infused face cream. My chemist friend explained that “natural” isn’t regulated. Poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn’t put it on your face. Many synthetic ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, are created in a lab to be identical to what’s in your skin, making them incredibly safe and effective. “Natural” is a marketing term, not a guarantee of safety.
Myth: Drinking More Water Will Cure Your Dry Skin. (It’s More Complicated)
You Can’t Drink Your Way Out of Dryness
My skin was perpetually dry, and everyone told me, “You just need to drink more water!” I started chugging a gallon a day. While it made me feel healthier overall, it didn’t cure my dry, flaky skin. I learned that “dry skin” is a skin type that lacks oil, not water. Drinking water hydrates your body from the inside, but you lose that water through your skin’s surface. To treat true dryness, you need to apply topical moisturizers with oils and occlusives to create a barrier and prevent that water from escaping.
Myth: A Higher SPF Number Means All-Day Protection
The Reapplication Rule
I used to think that if I put on an SPF 100 sunscreen in the morning, I was protected all day long. That’s a dangerous myth. SPF numbers measure protection against UVB rays, and the protection level plateaus significantly after SPF 50. An SPF 100 doesn’t provide double the protection of an SPF 50. More importantly, sunscreen degrades with sun exposure and wears off with sweat and rubbing. No matter the number, you have to reapply every two hours if you’re in the sun. The best sunscreen is the one you apply liberally and often.
Myth: You Don’t Need Moisturizer if You Have Oily Skin. (This Is a Huge Mistake)
Fighting Oil with Hydration
As a teenager with oily skin, I thought moisturizer was my enemy. I believed drying out my skin would stop the oil. I was so wrong. When you strip your skin of its natural moisture, your oil glands go into overdrive to compensate, producing even more oil. This led to a vicious cycle of oiliness and breakouts. I learned that even oily skin needs hydration. The key is to use a lightweight, oil-free, gel-based moisturizer. This gives your skin the hydration it needs, signaling to your glands that they can calm down.
I Believed These 5 Skincare Myths for Years. My Skin Paid the Price
The Lies My Face Believed
For years, my skincare routine was built on myths. I believed I needed to scrub my face raw to get it clean. I thought the tingle from my toner meant it was working. I used makeup wipes as my only cleansing step. I thought my oily skin didn’t need moisturizer. And I only wore sunscreen on sunny beach days. The result? My skin was a mess: irritated, dehydrated, breaking out, and accumulating sun damage. Unlearning these myths and embracing gentle, consistent, and protective skincare was the single best thing I ever did for my face.
Myth: You Need a Different Product for Your Neck and Eyes
The Marketing of a Tiny Jar
I used to buy three separate creams: one for my face, a tiny, expensive one for my eyes, and another for my neck. Then I looked at the ingredient lists. They were often almost identical. Your neck and eye area don’t need a special, magical product; they just need a gentle, effective, fragrance-free moisturizer. If your daily face cream meets those criteria, you can absolutely use it for your eyes and neck. Don’t fall for the marketing ploy that tries to sell you the same formula in three different packages.
Myth: The “Tingle” Means It’s Working. (Or Does It Mean Irritation?)
Don’t Mistake Sensation for Efficacy
I used to love products that made my skin tingle. I thought that sensation was the feeling of the product “working” its magic. An esthetician kindly corrected me. She explained that a strong tingling or burning sensation is often not a sign of efficacy, but a sign of irritation. It means the product’s pH is off, it’s too harsh, or your skin barrier is compromised. While a very mild, fleeting tingle can sometimes occur with strong acids, it shouldn’t be painful. Healthy skincare shouldn’t hurt.
Myth: You Can “Scrub Away” Blackheads. Here’s What You’re Actually Doing
You’re Just Giving Your Pores a Haircut
I spent years trying to scrub the blackheads off my nose with harsh, gritty scrubs. It felt like it was working, but they always came back. That’s because I wasn’t removing the blackhead; I was just scrubbing off the dark, oxidized top layer. I was giving my pores a haircut. The “root” of the blackhead, the hardened sebum deep in the pore, was still there. The only way to truly clear blackheads is to use a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, which dissolves the gunk from within the pore.
Myth: Makeup Wipes Are an Effective Way to Clean Your Face
The “Moving Dirt Around” Method
For the longest time, my nightly “cleansing” routine was just a makeup wipe. I thought if the wipe looked dirty, my face must be clean. The truth is, makeup wipes don’t effectively clean your skin. They mostly smear the makeup, dirt, and oil around your face, pushing it into your pores. They also often contain high levels of alcohol and fragrance, which can be irritating. The best way to get truly clean skin is a proper double cleanse with an oil or balm first, followed by a gentle cleanser.
A Dermatologist Debunks the Biggest Skincare Myths on TikTok
The Doctor vs. The Influencer
My dermatologist rolls her eyes at the skincare “hacks” on TikTok. She told me her biggest pet peeves are influencers promoting DIY sunscreen made with essential oils (incredibly dangerous) and using “pore vacuums” that just cause bruising and broken capillaries. Another one she hates is people using harsh household products on their face. No, lemon juice won’t clear your dark spots; it will just give you a chemical burn. Her advice: if it sounds too good or too crazy to be true, it probably is. Trust a board-certified dermatologist, not a viral video.
Myth: “Chemical-Free” Skincare Exists. (Spoiler: It Doesn’t)
The Chemistry Class You Forgot
The term “chemical-free” is one of the most misleading marketing myths. Everything is a chemical. Water is a chemical (H2O). The “natural” lavender oil in your lotion is composed of hundreds of chemicals like linalool and linalyl acetate. This term is used to create fear around synthetic ingredients, but it’s scientifically meaningless. A better approach is to focus on whether a product is “irritant-free” or “fragrance-free,” as those are tangible qualities, not just nonsensical marketing buzzwords designed to scare you into buying something.
Myth: You Should Put Toothpaste on a Pimple. We Put It Under a Microscope
The Minty-Fresh Mistake
This is a classic old wives’ tale. In a pinch, I’ve definitely dabbed toothpaste on a pimple, thinking the drying ingredients would shrink it. While it might feel like it’s working, toothpaste is full of ingredients that are terrible for your skin, like sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, and artificial flavorings. These can cause severe irritation, redness, and even chemical burns. A much safer and more effective alternative is a dab of a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or just a simple hydrocolloid pimple patch.
Myth: You Can Get a “Base Tan” to Protect Yourself from Burning
There’s No Such Thing as a “Safe” Tan
As a teen, I would always try to get a “base tan” before going on vacation, thinking it would prevent me from getting a bad burn. This is a dangerous myth. A tan is not a protective shield; it is visible evidence of DNA damage. It’s your skin’s trauma response to UV radiation. Any tan, whether you get it from the sun or a tanning bed, increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates skin aging. The only safe way to protect yourself from burning is to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Myth: Oily Skin Doesn’t Get Wrinkles
The Slippery Slope of Aging
This myth is partially true, but mostly false. People with oily skin may develop fewer fine lines caused by dryness. The sebum provides a natural layer of moisture that can keep the skin more supple. However, the most significant cause of wrinkles and aging is sun damage, and oily skin is just as susceptible to that as dry skin. Furthermore, loss of collagen and facial volume happens to everyone, regardless of skin type. So while you might have fewer dehydration lines, you still need sunscreen and a good anti-aging routine.
Myth: Expensive Skincare is Always Better. We Tested a $10 vs. $200 Cream
The Price Tag Illusion
I used to believe that a higher price tag meant a better product. Then I did a side-by-side test. I used a famous, $200 luxury face cream on the right side of my face and a $10 drugstore cream with a similar ingredient profile (ceramides, hyaluronic acid) on the left. After a month, I could not tell a significant difference in my skin’s hydration or texture. The luxury cream had a fancier jar and a nicer scent, but the core performance was the same. Effective ingredients are available at all price points.
Myth: Your Skin “Gets Used to” Products, So You Need to Switch Them Up
Don’t Fix What Isn’t Broken
I would often find a product that my skin loved, but after a few months, I’d get bored and convince myself my skin had “gotten used to it” and it wasn’t working anymore. This is a myth. Your skin doesn’t build up a tolerance to beneficial ingredients like retinol or moisturizers. If a product is working for you and you’re seeing good results, there is absolutely no reason to switch. Consistency is the key to great skin. The only time you need to switch is if your skin’s needs change (e.g., due to season or age).
Myth: You Can “Detox” Your Skin by Sweating or Using a Mask
Your Liver and Kidneys Do the Detoxing
The idea that you can “detox” your skin by sweating in a sauna or using a charcoal mask is a persistent myth. Your skin isn’t a primary organ of detoxification; that’s the job of your liver and kidneys. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself down, and a clay mask is great at absorbing excess oil from your pores. But neither is pulling “toxins” from your body. The best way to support your body’s natural detoxification system is to drink water and eat a healthy diet, not to buy a pricey “detox” product.
Myth: Chocolate and Greasy Food Cause Acne
The Real Culprit is Sugar and Dairy
My mom always told me that eating chocolate and french fries would make me break out. This is a common myth that confuses greasy food with the real culprits. Large-scale studies have not found a direct link between foods like chocolate or oil and acne. However, there is growing evidence that high-glycemic foods (sugary foods that spike your blood sugar) and, for some people, dairy products can exacerbate acne. So it wasn’t the grease on the pizza; it was more likely the dairy in the cheese and the refined carbs in the crust.
Myth: You Can Permanently Get Rid of Cellulite with a Cream
The Dimple Dilemma
I’ve seen so many expensive creams that promise to “banish” cellulite forever. This is a myth. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits pushing up against the fibrous connective tissue under the skin. A topical cream cannot restructure this. Some creams with caffeine can temporarily dehydrate the fat cells and slightly improve the appearance for a few hours, but the effect is purely temporary. There is no cream on the market that can permanently get rid of cellulite. The claims are pure marketing.
The “Clean Beauty” Myth: Debunking Fear-Mongering Marketing
“Clean” is a Vibe, Not a Standard
The “clean beauty” movement sounds great, but the term “clean” is completely unregulated and has no official definition. Often, it’s used as a marketing tool to fear-monger about safe, effective synthetic ingredients like preservatives (parabens) and silicones. A brand can call itself “clean” while still being full of irritating natural ingredients like essential oils. Instead of looking for a meaningless “clean” sticker, I’ve learned to focus on what’s actually in the product and choose formulas that are evidence-based and right for my skin.
Myth: You Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days
The Clouds are Deceptive
I used to think that if it was cloudy or I was just sitting inside by a window, I didn’t need sunscreen. That’s a myth that leads to a lot of unintended sun damage. UVA rays, the ones that cause aging and contribute to skin cancer, can penetrate through clouds and glass. So even on a gloomy winter day or when you’re in the car, you’re still being exposed. Making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, regardless of the weather, is the single best thing you can do for your skin’s long-term health.
Myth: You Can “Feed” Your Skin with Collagen Creams
The Molecule is Too Big
The idea of slathering on a collagen cream to replenish your skin’s own collagen sounds fantastic. Unfortunately, it’s a myth based on a misunderstanding of how skin works. The collagen molecule is simply too large to penetrate the top layer of your skin. When you apply a collagen cream, it just sits on the surface, acting as a decent moisturizer. To actually boost your skin’s collagen, you need to use ingredients like retinoids and peptides that signal to your own cells to produce more collagen from within.
Myth: DIY Skincare is Cheaper and Safer
The Kitchen is Not a Laboratory
I went through a phase where I thought making my own skincare was better. I tried a DIY lemon and sugar scrub that left my skin scratched and irritated. DIY skincare is often not safer. Without preservatives, homemade concoctions can grow mold and bacteria. And ingredients like lemon juice are highly acidic and can cause chemical burns. While it might seem cheaper upfront, a potential infection or trip to the dermatologist is far more expensive. It’s better to trust professionally formulated products from reputable, affordable brands.
Myth: Layering More Products Means Better Results
The “More is More” Misconception
In the beginning of my skincare journey, I thought a 12-step routine was the key to success. I was layering on multiple serums and essences, hoping for better results. Instead, my skin became irritated and congested. More is not always better. A simple, consistent routine with a few well-chosen, effective products will always outperform a complicated, chaotic one. The key is to find a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and one or two targeted treatment products that work for you, and use them consistently.
The Most Dangerous Skincare “Hacks” I’ve Ever Seen Online
Please Don’t Try This at Home
The internet is full of terrifying skincare “hacks.” The most dangerous one I’ve seen is people making their own sunscreen using coconut oil and zinc oxide powder. This is incredibly unsafe as you have no way of knowing the actual SPF or ensuring it’s stable. Another is using undiluted essential oils directly on the skin, which can cause severe burns and allergic reactions. And the trend of using household cleaning products like Magic Erasers on the skin is just horrifying. If it wasn’t designed for your face, don’t put it on your face.
Myth: You Should Exfoliate Every Single Day
Over-Scrubbing is a Sin
When I discovered the glow from chemical exfoliants, I got overzealous. I started using a strong glycolic acid toner every single day, thinking it would make my skin even brighter. Instead, my skin barrier became compromised. My face was red, sensitive, tight, and everything stung on application. You should not exfoliate every day. For most people, two to three times a week is plenty. Exfoliation is a good thing, but too much of a good thing can be very damaging.
Myth: The Order of Your Skincare Routine Doesn’t Matter
The Rules of Application
I used to just slap my products on in whatever order I grabbed them. I learned the hard way that order matters immensely for a product to work correctly. A general rule is to apply products from the thinnest texture to the thickest. This allows the lightweight, watery serums to penetrate first. If you apply a thick, oily cream first, it will create a barrier that prevents your thinner serums from ever reaching your skin. And sunscreen is always, always the last step of your skincare routine, before makeup.
Myth: All Alcohols in Skincare Are Bad and Drying
The Good, The Bad, and The Fatty
I was trained to fear any product with “alcohol” on the ingredient list. But there are good alcohols and bad alcohols. The “bad” ones, like SD alcohol or denatured alcohol, can be drying if they are high up on the ingredient list. But the “good” ones, like Cetyl alcohol or Stearyl alcohol, are fatty alcohols. They are waxy, non-irritating ingredients that are actually great for your skin. They act as emollients, helping to moisturize and give products a creamy, elegant texture. Don’t judge a product by the word “alcohol” alone.
Myth: Biotin Supplements Will Give You Perfect Skin
The Breakout Vitamin?
When I wanted healthier hair, skin, and nails, everyone recommended high-dose biotin supplements. I started taking them, and while my nails got a little stronger, my skin erupted in the worst cystic acne I’d had in years. I learned that biotin competes for absorption with another B vitamin, pantothenic acid, which helps regulate skin barrier function and sebum. Taking too much biotin can potentially lead to a deficiency in pantothenic acid, which for some people, can trigger acne. It’s a supplement that can backfire for your skin.
The “Paraben Panic”: Are They Really as Dangerous as People Say?
The Preservation Question
The “paraben panic” led many brands to label their products “paraben-free” as a marketing tactic. Parabens are preservatives that have been safely used for decades to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic products. A controversial study in the early 2000s linked them to health issues, but this study has since been widely discredited by the scientific community. The amount of parabens used in cosmetics is incredibly small and is considered safe by regulatory agencies worldwide. An unpreserved product poses a much greater, real risk of infection.
Myth: You Can “Reverse” Sun Damage with a Serum
You Can Manage, But Not Erase
I have sun spots from years of not wearing sunscreen properly. I was hoping a potent “dark spot correcting” serum could magically “reverse” the damage and make them disappear forever. That’s a myth. Sun damage, especially DNA damage, is permanent. However, you can significantly improve its appearance. Ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin C, and hydroquinone can fade the visible hyperpigmentation and improve the texture of sun-damaged skin. But you are managing the symptoms, not truly reversing the underlying damage. That’s why prevention with sunscreen is so crucial.
Myth: You Need to Use an Entire Product Line from One Brand
Don’t Be a Brand Monogamist
Skincare brands are brilliant at marketing their “systems.” They want you to believe you have to use their cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer together for them to work. This is a myth designed to make you buy more products. The truth is, you can and should be a brand polygamist. Your skin might love a cleanser from CeraVe, a serum from The Ordinary, and a moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. The best routine is one that is customized to your needs, using the best products from any brand, regardless of the label.
Myth: “Dermatologist-Tested” is a Meaningless Marketing Claim
The Unregulated Approval
When I see “dermatologist-tested” on a bottle, it gives me a sense of trust. But I learned this is a mostly meaningless and unregulated marketing term. It doesn’t mean the product is “dermatologist-approved” or that dermatologists recommend it. It simply means that a dermatologist was involved in the product’s testing at some level, often just overseeing a simple patch test for irritation. It doesn’t tell you the results of the test or anything about the product’s efficacy. It’s a claim designed to sound official without having any real, standardized meaning.
Myth: Toners are an Unnecessary Skincare Step
The Evolution of the Toner
I used to think toners were an unnecessary step, a relic of the 1990s when we used harsh, alcohol-based astringents to “tone” our skin. And those toners are unnecessary. But modern toners have evolved. They are no longer about “toning.” They are now a delivery system for beneficial ingredients. I use a hydrating toner with hyaluronic acid to add a layer of moisture. I use an exfoliating toner with glycolic acid to brighten my skin. A toner is not necessary, but a good one can be a valuable, targeted step in a routine.
Myth: You Can’t Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together
It’s All About Timing
This is a common myth that I believed for a long time. The fear was that the different pH levels of the products would make them ineffective. While it’s true that they have different optimal pH levels, you can absolutely use them in the same routine. The simplest way to do it is to separate them. Use your Vitamin C serum in the morning to take advantage of its antioxidant properties against daily sun and pollution, and use your retinol at night, as it can make your skin more sun-sensitive. This gives you the benefits of both powerhouses without any issues.
Myth: People with Dark Skin Don’t Need Sunscreen
Melanin is Not a Complete Shield
This is one of the most dangerous skincare myths. While it’s true that darker skin has more melanin, which provides some natural sun protection (around an SPF 13), it is not enough to protect against skin cancer and the signs of aging. People of all skin tones can and do get skin cancer from UV exposure. Furthermore, one of the most common skin concerns for people with darker skin is hyperpigmentation, which is made significantly worse by sun exposure. Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day.
Myth: If a Product is “All-Natural,” You Can’t Be Allergic to It
Nature Can Be Irritating
I have a friend who is deathly allergic to peanuts. Peanuts are all-natural. This is a simple way to debunk the myth that “natural” means “non-allergenic.” Many of the most common allergens in skincare are from natural sources: essential oils like lavender and citrus, poison ivy, and certain botanical extracts. Your immune system doesn’t care if a molecule was made in a plant or in a lab; if it recognizes it as a threat, it will react. An allergic reaction is possible with any ingredient, regardless of its origin.
Myth: You Can “Shrink” a Pimple with Ice
You Can Reduce, But Not Remove
When I get a big, red, inflamed pimple, the first thing I do is grab an ice cube. Applying cold to the pimple for a few minutes can be very helpful. The cold constricts the blood vessels, which can dramatically reduce the swelling and redness, making the pimple look smaller and feel less painful. However, the ice isn’t doing anything to the actual infection or the clogged pore itself. It’s a fantastic trick for temporarily reducing the inflammation, but it won’t magically make the pimple disappear.
Myth: You should wash your face with hot water to “open the pores.”
The Temperature Temperance
This myth goes hand-in-hand with the “open and close your pores” myth. I used to wash my face with steaming hot water, thinking I was giving my pores a deep clean. In reality, I was just stripping my skin of its natural, protective oils and damaging my skin barrier. This led to dehydration and irritation. The best temperature for washing your face is lukewarm. It’s effective enough to help dissolve dirt and oil without being so hot that it strips your skin and causes damage.
The Truth About “Hypoallergenic” Skincare
Another Unregulated Marketing Term
The term “hypoallergenic” seems like a promise that a product won’t cause an allergic reaction. But just like “clean” and “dermatologist-tested,” it’s an unregulated marketing term with no official standard. A company can call its product hypoallergenic even if it contains common allergens. A better approach for sensitive skin is to look for products that are “fragrance-free” and have a short, simple ingredient list. And always, always patch-test a new product on your inner arm before putting it all over your face.
Myth: You Can Get Rid of Stretch Marks Completely
They Are Scars, Not Stains
I have stretch marks on my hips from puberty, and for years I tried every cream and oil that promised to make them disappear. It’s a myth. Stretch marks are a type of scar that forms when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Like any scar, you cannot get rid of them completely with a topical product. Some treatments, like retinoids or professional laser treatments, can help to improve their texture and color over time, making them less noticeable. But no cream can magically make them vanish.
Myth: Mineral Oil is a Terrible, Pore-Clogging Ingredient
The Misunderstood Moisturizer
Mineral oil gets a bad rap. People think it’s a cheap, industrial byproduct that will clog your pores. This is a myth that stems from a misunderstanding of cosmetic-grade mineral oil. The mineral oil used in skincare is highly purified and refined. It is one of the most non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) and non-irritating moisturizing ingredients available. It’s a fantastic occlusive, meaning it creates a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. It’s a safe, effective, and affordable ingredient that has been unfairly demonized.
Myth: You should let your skin “breathe” without any products on it
Your Skin Breathes Through Your Bloodstream
The idea of letting your skin “breathe” is a common myth. Your skin doesn’t have lungs; it gets oxygen from your bloodstream, not from the air. Going without products doesn’t allow your skin to “breathe” better. In fact, for most people, this can be detrimental. You’re leaving your skin unprotected from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. A good, lightweight skincare routine doesn’t suffocate your skin; it supports its natural function and protects it from harm.
The Biggest Lie the Anti-Aging Industry Tells You
The Fountain of Youth is a Myth
The biggest lie the anti-aging industry tells you is that you can, and should, look twenty-five forever. They sell products that promise to “reverse the clock” and “erase all wrinkles.” This creates an impossible standard. The truth is, aging is a natural, biological process that cannot be stopped or reversed. A good “anti-aging” routine is not about trying to look like a younger version of yourself. It’s about “healthy aging”—protecting your skin, keeping it healthy and vibrant, and looking the best you can at the age you are.
Myth: You Can “Build Up” an Immunity to a Product You’re Allergic To
That’s Not How Allergies Work
I once had a mild allergic reaction to a face mask, but I loved the way it smelled, so I tried to “power through it,” thinking my skin would get used to it. This is a dangerous myth. Allergies are an immune system response. Every time you expose yourself to an allergen, you are reinforcing that response, and it can actually get worse over time. A mild rash could potentially become a more severe reaction with continued use. If you are allergic to a product, the only safe thing to do is to stop using it immediately.
Myth: Sheet Masks Are More Effective Than Serums
The Quick Fix vs. The Long-Term Player
I love a good sheet mask for an instant boost of hydration. But the idea that they are more effective than a daily serum is a myth. A sheet mask provides a temporary, high dose of hydration because the sheet creates an occlusive barrier. But a well-formulated serum that you use every single day contains potent, active ingredients that create real, lasting change in your skin over time. The sheet mask is a fun, temporary treat; the serum is the long-term workhorse of your routine.
Myth: Eye Creams Are Just Overpriced Moisturizers in a Smaller Jar
The Partial Truth
This myth is mostly true. For many people, if your regular face moisturizer is gentle, fragrance-free, and effective, you can absolutely use it around your eyes. There is no magic ingredient that is only found in eye creams. However, some eye creams are specifically formulated to be less irritating for the delicate eye area. And some contain targeted ingredients, like caffeine for de-puffing, that you might not want all over your face. So, while they are often overpriced, they can sometimes serve a specific, targeted purpose.
Myth: The SPF in Your Foundation is Enough Protection
The Dosage Dilemma
I used to rely on my foundation, which had an SPF of 20, as my daily sun protection. This is a myth that leaves you dangerously under-protected. To get the stated SPF on a label, you need to apply a very liberal amount—about a quarter of a teaspoon for your face alone. No one applies that much foundation. You are likely getting an SPF of 5 or less from your makeup. You should always apply a dedicated, broad-spectrum sunscreen as a separate step before your foundation to ensure you are truly protected.
The Top 10 Skincare Myths My Mom Taught Me (That I Had to Unlearn)
The Generational Misinformation
My mom gave me my first skincare advice, and much of it was well-intentioned but completely wrong. I had to unlearn so many myths: that scrubbing my face with a rough washcloth was good for it; that I needed to “dry out” my pimples with toothpaste; that a base tan was protective; that chocolate caused acne; that my oily skin didn’t need moisturizer; that I could close my pores with cold water; that expensive products were always better; that I only needed sunscreen at the beach; and that makeup wipes were enough to clean my face.