10 Skincare Myths That Are Ruining Your Skin

When it comes to skincare, the internet is full of advice—some helpful, some harmful, and some downright misleading. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things that feel right but are actually harming your skin over time.

You might think you’re doing your best by following viral trends or age-old advice, but in reality, you could be making things worse. That’s why it’s essential to understand the science behind skincare and avoid the myths that do more harm than good.

Here are 10 common skincare myths that might be ruining your skin—and what to do instead.

1. “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser”

This is one of the most common misconceptions in skincare. People with oily skin often believe that adding moisture will only make their face shinier. But when the skin lacks hydration, it overcompensates by producing even more oil.

The solution? Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. Balanced hydration keeps your skin healthier and less greasy in the long run.

2. “The harder you scrub, the cleaner your skin”

Scrubbing might feel satisfying, but aggressive exfoliation can damage your skin barrier. When you over-exfoliate or use harsh scrubs, you strip away protective oils, leading to redness, inflammation, and even breakouts.

Gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser and soft washcloth is more effective and safer for daily skincare.

3. “Natural skincare is always better”

While it’s tempting to believe that natural equals safe, this isn’t always the case. Ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar can disrupt your skin’s pH, causing irritation or even chemical burns.

Meanwhile, synthetic ingredients are often precisely formulated to be stable, safe, and effective. In skincare, it’s about efficacy, not just origin.

4. “You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days”

Cloudy skies don’t block UV rays. Up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through clouds and still damage your skin. Long-term sun exposure leads to wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine—rain or shine.

5. “Acne is caused by dirty skin”

This myth has led many people to overwash their faces, thinking it will eliminate breakouts. But acne isn’t just about cleanliness. It’s linked to hormones, bacteria, and inflammation.

Over-cleansing can strip your skin, trigger excess oil production, and worsen acne. A gentle routine with acne-specific treatments works far better.

6. “Pores can open and close”

Pores don’t have muscles, so they can’t open or close. Steam may help loosen debris, making extractions easier, but it doesn’t shrink your pores.

Consistent exfoliation and proper skincare help reduce the appearance of pores, but their size is mostly genetic.

7. “Toothpaste is a great spot treatment”

Toothpaste contains ingredients like menthol, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda—not meant for your face. Applying it can cause burns, dryness, or peeling.

Instead, choose products formulated for blemishes, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. They treat pimples without harming surrounding skin.

8. “You don’t need anti-ageing products until you’re older”

Waiting until wrinkles appear is a missed opportunity. Preventative skincare is far more effective than trying to reverse signs of aging later on.

Using sunscreen daily, along with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants in your 20s or 30s, helps maintain youthful, healthy skin over time.

9. “Drinking more water will fix dry skin”

Hydration from within is essential, but it won’t solve surface dryness alone. Dry skin results from a compromised barrier that can’t hold moisture.

To repair it, use moisturisers with humectants like hyaluronic acid and occlusives like ceramides. External hydration is key to effective skincare.

10. “Expensive skincare is always better”

A hefty price tag doesn’t guarantee results. Some luxury products spend more on packaging and marketing than on actual formulation.

There are plenty of affordable skincare brands that use high-quality ingredients and deliver excellent results. It’s smarter to read labels than follow hype.

Final Thoughts

The world of skincare is full of noise, but cutting through the myths is essential for protecting and improving your skin. It’s not about trendy hacks or expensive brands—it’s about understanding your skin’s needs and choosing products that truly support it.

If you’ve believed any of these myths, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Skincare is a journey, and learning is part of the process. With the right information, you can start making better choices that help you glow from the inside out.

So tell me honestly—which of these skincare myths were you following? I’d love to know your experience.
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With care,
Miss Rose