Skincare Myths Busted: What’s Really Damaging Your Skin

Photo by Mutzii on Unsplash

Skincare can feel overwhelming with all the advice floating around, and sometimes it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s total nonsense. I get asked so many questions about what’s actually good for your skin, and after years in the beauty industry, I’ve learned that a lot of the "rules" we’ve been following are actually myths. So, I’m breaking down some of the most common skincare myths and setting the record straight on what’s really damaging your skin.

Myth 1: "You Need to Wash Your Face Multiple Times a Day for Clear Skin"

We’ve all heard that squeaky-clean skin equals clear skin, right? Wrong. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils, which leads to dryness, irritation, and more breakouts. Your skin needs those oils to stay balanced!

Instead, stick to cleansing twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, you might even find that washing your face only at night (to remove makeup and dirt) works better for you.

Myth 2: "The More Exfoliating, the Better"

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love that fresh, smooth feeling after exfoliating? But here's the thing: too much exfoliation can be seriously damaging. Whether you're using scrubs or chemical exfoliants, overdoing it can compromise your skin barrier, causing sensitivity, redness, and even breakouts.

I recommend exfoliating no more than 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.

Myth 3: "Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer"

I can’t tell you how many people with oily skin are afraid to moisturize. It feels counterintuitive, right? But here’s the truth: skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce more oil to compensate for the dryness. It’s a vicious cycle.

Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Hydration is key to keeping your skin balanced, no matter how oily you are.

Myth 4: "You Don’t Need Sunscreen Indoors"

This is a big one! So many people think that because they’re inside, they don’t need sunscreen. But the reality is, UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging) can penetrate through windows. That means if you're near a window during the day—even while working from home—you’re still exposed to harmful rays.

Wear your SPF every day, rain or shine, indoors or out. It’s the best anti-aging step you can take.

Myth 5: "You Can Shrink Your Pores"

I wish this one were true! Pore size is genetic, and while you can make them appear smaller temporarily, there’s no way to actually shrink them. What you can do is keep them clean and unclogged. Regular exfoliation, using non-comedogenic products, and incorporating retinoids into your routine can help minimize the appearance of pores, but shrinking them isn’t possible.

Myth 6: "You Only Need to Use Anti-Aging Products in Your 30s or 40s"

This one really bugs me, especially because I’m well into my 40’s and started with anti-aging in my 30’s! Prevention is so much easier than reversal, and you should start thinking about anti-aging products as soon as your skin can tolerate them—usually in your mid-20s. The earlier you start using ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides, the better off your skin will be in the long run.

Trust me, your future self will thank you for those extra serums you’re layering on now!