Achieving a clear, radiant complexion often requires figuring out the fact from the fiction. The truth is, there’s plenty of skincare advice that’s ineffective, and could be causing your skin more harm than good. Which is why we want to debunk the most common skincare myths so you have the knowledge to understand how to effectively treat your skin.
Myth 1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer
It's a common belief that oily skin doesn't require moisture, and that using a moisturizer will only make it greasier, however, this isn’t true. When you skip moisturizing because your skin feels oily, you actually risk causing your skin to become dehydrated. If your skin is dehydrated, it can trigger an overproduction of oil as a way to compensate for the lack of moisture, creating a vicious cycle where your skin appears oily even though it is actually dehydrated.
Pro tip: Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin—they hydrate while keeping oil production in check. Shop all moisturisers for oily skin here.
Myth 2: You Don’t Need Sunscreen On Cloudy Days
Rain or shine, sunscreen should be part of any skincare routine. The harmful UV rays responsible for aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer can penetrate through clouds. Even on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin. Skipping sunscreen just because you’re not lounging on a beach can lead to cumulative skin damage over time.
Pro tip: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or in water. We recommend the Tizo AM Replenish Lightly Tinted SPF 40 and Auteur Definitive Sun Drops SPF 50.
Myth 3: Anti-Aging Products Are Only For Older Skin
The notion that anti-aging products are exclusively for older people couldn’t be further from the truth. Preventative skincare should be a part of your skincare routine. Starting anti-aging products in your 20s or 30s ensures your skin gets the support it needs before fine lines or wrinkles appear.. Look for anti-aging products that have ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants to maintain your skin’s health.
Pro Tip: Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the most effective anti-aging products you can incorporate into your routine. Shop all anti-aging products.
Myth 4: Washing Your Face More Often Clears Acne
Over-washing your face is a common mistake many make in the pursuit of clearer skin. While cleansing is important, doing it too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and triggering excess oil production—a key factor in acne. We recommend sticking to washing your face twice a day—morning and night, and after heavy sweating.
Pro Tip: While we do love a double cleanse, it’s important to start with a gentle cleansing oil. This helps remove impurities without stripping your skin of the natural oils it needs. Follow up with a gentle, salicylic acid-based cleanser to target acne without over-drying. Shop all cleansing oils.
Myth 5: You Can Shrink Your Pores
One of the most persistent myths in skincare is the idea that you can permanently shrink your pores. The size of your pores is largely determined by genetics, and while certain products can minimize their appearance temporarily, they can’t be “shrunk” for good. Products with ingredients such as retinol and salicylic acid can improve the clarity and smoothness of your skin, making pores appear smaller by cleaning out dirt and oil buildup.
We recommend our Auteur Definitive Optimising Mask and Auteur Definitive Retinol Serum.
Curious about what products suit your skin type or looking to start a skincare routine?Reserve a personalized skincare consultation with us today!
