Countless skincare 'truths' do the rounds – passed down from mother to daughter, picked up on social media or read somewhere once. Some are right, many aren't, and a few even actively work against your skin. Time to put the most commonly heard claims to the test: what is fact, and what is myth?
Myth: oily skin doesn't need moisturiser
It sounds logical – the skin is already oily, so why moisturise? Yet it works exactly the other way round: skin that dries out can start producing even more sebum to compensate for the loss of moisture. If you 'punish' oily skin by skipping hydration, you unintentionally keep the problem going.
So oily skin needs care too – just a different kind: light, oil-free and non-comedogenic (which means it doesn't clog the pores).
Myth: your skin gets addicted to products
Your skin doesn't become physically dependent on skincare products. What does happen: if you stop using a product that worked well, your skin simply returns to its original state. That feels like 'my skin can't cope without it', but it is nothing more than the loss of an effective step.
Myth: sunbathing helps against spots
A persistent one, because sunlight seems to help in the short term: the skin tans so redness is less noticeable, and it dries out on the surface. But in the longer term UV radiation stimulates sebum production and a thickening of the top layer of skin, which actually encourages clogged pores – quite apart from the skin ageing and pigmentation spots you get as a free gift. Not a good trade.
Myth: pores can open and close
Pores have no muscles, so they can't 'open' with heat or 'close' with cold water. What heat (such as steam during a facial) does do is soften the sebum and blockages in the pores, making them easier to cleanse. And cold water tightens the skin temporarily, making pores look smaller – but their size doesn't really change.
Myth: natural is always better
'Natural' sounds safe, but says nothing in itself about how suitable something is for your skin – natural ingredients can also irritate or trigger allergies (think of certain essential oils). Conversely, many 'chemical' ingredients have been extensively tested and proven mild. Judge a product by what's in it and whether it suits your skin, not by the 'natural' label.
Myth: expensive products always work better
Price is no guarantee of results. What matters more is whether the active ingredients, the concentration and the formulation match your skin type and skin concern. An affordable product that suits you does more for your skin than a luxury brand that doesn't. Professional brands set themselves apart mainly through well-considered formulations and concentrations – not through pretty jars.
Fact: consistency beats everything
If there is one skincare truth almost everyone agrees on, it's this: a simple routine you stick to every day delivers more than an elaborate ten-step plan you only follow sporadically. The skin renews itself in cycles of weeks – only what you do consistently gets the chance to have a visible effect.
Fact: your skin changes over the years
The skin type you had in your twenties is not necessarily the skin type you have now. Hormones, seasons, lifestyle and age constantly change your skin's needs. That's why it's smart to take a critical look at your routine now and then – or have it looked at during a skin analysis.
Hear a golden skincare tip and wonder whether it's true? Just ask us at your next appointment – we'll tell you honestly what works, what doesn't and what makes the difference for your skin.
