24 Oct Busting 10 Common Myths about Skincare

When it comes to skincare advice, it can be very hard to weed out the facts from the fiction.

There are so many people out there – from internet influencers to TV doctors and dermatologists – spruiking and swearing by a wide range of unfounded beauty beliefs.

That’s why we are here, to dispel some of the biggest skincare myths and help you make more informed decisions so you don’t damage your skin unnecessarily.

So, read on to discover the truth about 10 of the most commonly shared skincare myths…

Contact us for more advice

Let’s start debunking skincare myths with a popular procedure like laser treatments.

While many people fear it thins the skin, this is actually a common misconception. In fact, laser treatments are designed to do the opposite.

They stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, primarily by promoting collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that provides structure and strength to the skin, so increasing its production helps to thicken the skin over time.

Treatments like fraxel repair and hybrid laser encourage more collagen to build in the deeper layers of the skin, which leads to plumper, firmer skin.

The idea that drinking water alone can fix dry skin is wrong.

While hydration is essential for overall health and can contribute to good skin health, simply increasing water intake is not a solution.

Dry skin is often a result of one or more other factors. These include existing skin conditions or allergies, a sensitive skin barrier, environmental conditions like frequent exposure to low humidity or cold weather, and an unbalanced diet.

For hydrated skin, you should invest in a high-quality moisturiser. It will help to lock in moisture and replenish the skin’s lipid levels. Synthetic ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are particularly effective in attracting and retaining moisture.

Many people believe that acne is caused by a lack of hygiene – another misunderstanding we’re happy to unmask!

Most triggers for acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin doesn’t have much of an effect. In fact, washing your face more than twice a day could just aggravate your acne.

Acne is primarily the result of several different factors such as genetics, hormonal changes (puberty, menstruation, stress), excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, diet, environmental irritants, medications, and inflammation.

The best way to treat acne is either with a good skincare routine or targeted treatments from a skincare professional.

A skincare myth attached to cosmetic injectables is that they give you the dreaded “Botox face”.

The expressionless “frozen” look associated with early 2000s treatments is a big beauty myth, as it’s often the result of inexperienced administration rather than the product itself.

When performed by a skilled practitioner, anti-ageing injections yield remarkably natural-looking results that will enhance your overall appearance.

Beauty boosters work by relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkles like frown lines and crow’s feet. A proper clinician will target specific muscles that complement your natural beauty and ensure your facial expressions remain intact. Similarly, dermal fillers will enhance your features while maintaining a balanced appearance.

Harmful UV rays are present all year round, even when it’s overcast or cold, so sunscreen should be applied regularly.

Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds and even windows, and UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into the skin), are even more potent. This means your skin is always vulnerable to sun exposure, contributing to premature ageing, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Moreover, snow, water, and sand can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure even on less sunny days.

You need to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin against the cumulative effects of UV radiation.

The saying goes that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is definitely the case when it comes to shrinking your pore size.

Pores don’t actually get bigger or smaller, they can just appear that way.

The size of your pores is primarily determined by genetics. Skin tone, congestion, ageing, and sun damage can also make pores look more noticeable.

While products like cleansers, exfoliants, and skin resurfacing treatments can help minimise the appearance of pores by keeping them clean and unclogged, nothing can physically reduce their size.

A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, and this is true for skincare.

People fall for the myth that expensive products are better because they assume that paying more guarantees premium ingredients. Branding and marketing (like fancy packaging and celebrity endorsements) can also inflate the cost of high-end products, but these factors don’t demonstrate efficacy.

Good skincare depends on the ingredients, formulation, and how well a product suits your skin.

Many affordable products contain the same active ingredients as luxury brands and can deliver similar results. It’s important to focus on your specific skin needs.

Another one of the most common skincare myths around is that stinging, tightness or tingling means a product is working.

These sensations are not reliable signs of effectiveness. In fact, they could be the opposite.

Symptoms typically indicate that the skin is being irritated or compromised, which can lead to redness, inflammation, or even sensitivity over time.

While mild tingling can occur with some active ingredients, like AHAs or retinoids, it’s important to differentiate between temporary discomfort and prolonged discomfort. The latter can be a warning sign that the product is too harsh for your skin and could be causing more harm than good.

The misconception that shiny and acne-prone skin types don’t need a moisturiser is based on the myth that adding moisture will make the skin even greasier.

In reality, all skin types need moisturising, and skipping this step can lead to dehydration and more oil production. When your skin is deprived of moisture, it compensates by producing excess sebum, which can lead to a buildup of impurities and breakouts.

Moisturisers that are oil-free, lightweight and non-comedogenic provide hydration without clogging pores.

A balanced level of natural oils in the skin can also help to prevent wrinkles and keep your complexion radiant and supple.

And finally, one of the biggest skincare and beauty myths out there is that your skin becomes “immune” or “resistant” to products over time, making them less effective.

If a product is working well for you, there’s no need to switch unless your skin’s needs change, such as with age, seasonal shifts, or specific concerns.

Constantly changing products can actually lead to irritation, imbalance, and disruptions to your skin’s natural barrier.

Consistency is key to allowing active ingredients time to work and deliver long-term results.