5 Common Skincare Myths Debunked

Sanjana Kumari
4 min readAug 30, 2023

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Skincare is an integral part of our lives, but it comes with many myths and opinions that can lead to misconceptions and improper care. Most people want their skin to look flawless, but skin health is much more than just great looking.

If you’re also someone who is not able to decide which advice to believe and which one to ignore, you’re at the right place. I’ll let you know about 5 common myths that you should not pay heed to.

Myth 1: Eating Greasy Food Causes Acne

As a person, who has dealt with acne for a longer time I was always told to change my diet, but you should not listen to them. There is no such study that proves that greasy food can cause acne, but having low dairy products can control it.

There are no dietary changes required to control the acne just reduce the glycemic portion in your diet to make sure your acne is not triggered. However, a study has shown that 81% of your risk of acne is determined by genetics, not your lifestyle.

Myth 2: If it Burns, It Means it’s Working

Everyone must have listened to the phrase: beauty is pain” or “no pain, no gain”, but it does not apply when it comes to skincare. Burning or stinging by a skincare product is not normal, and you should not avoid it.

Whenever you feel burned by a product immediately remove it with a cool damp cloth. This type of reaction may indicate your skin is sensitive or the ingredient is not suiting your skin and causing the allergic reaction.

To avoid this in the first place, always do a patch test before applying the product to your skin.

Myth 3: You Can Shrink Your Pore Size

The size of your pores is genetic and you cannot permanently shrink them, but with effective cleansing, you can minimize their appearance.

According to a survey conducted in 2019, 55.8% of South Koreans think of skin care as an important part of their daily routine but are worried about their pore size and expressed a wish to minimize it.

Those with olive skin tones or darker skin tones frequently have larger pores. While certain solutions may temporarily reduce the appearance of pores, they do not permanently resolve the problem.

Myth 4: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturiser

Many cleansers have the potential to strip your skin of its natural oils, yet this isn’t always the case. Try an oil cleanser like micellar water if you want to go with the easier option. Some people may not need to use additional products because this won’t affect the pH balance of their skin.

No matter what type of skin you have oily and prone to breakouts, dry, and deficient in moisture you should apply a moisturizer to maintain equilibrium and nourish your skin. The specifics revolve around the kind and quantity of moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin.

Myth 5: You Only Need Sunscreen While Outdoor

It’s a good idea to include SPF 30 or higher in your everyday routine. Even if you spend most of your time indoors, keep in mind that sunshine still enters. Additionally, a new study indicates that the artificial blue light emitted by displays (such as those on computers and smartphones) may hasten the aging process of our skin.

There are currently no sunscreens that completely protect against fluorescent or blue light, both of which can cause sunspots and early aging. However, substances that function as physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, might be helpful in the fight against blue light.

Summing Up

There you have it, five common misconceptions about skincare debunked! Skincare is more than just about appearances. Keep in mind that fatty food does not directly cause acne, and that burning is a warning sign rather than an indication that a product is effective.

Everyone, including those with oily skin, benefits from moisturizing. Pore size is mostly a genetic trait. Don’t believe that sunscreen is only for use on sunny days; it’s important to protect yourself against both sunlight and screen light. With your improved understanding of skincare, go out and shine!

Let me know in the comments about more myths that you’ve heard more often.

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