8 Skincare Myths Debunked: What You Should Actually Do for Your Skin

With skincare hacks flooding TikTok and social media, we’re constantly warned about their potential risks, damage, and harm. But in a world so saturated with convincing content, how can we tell which tips are myths and which ones actually work?

With this in mind, Sophie Cooper, Managing Director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic has put together a useful guide to debunk some of the most common skin care myths. 

She comments: “Beauty and skincare topics have long been on apps like Instagram and TikTok. At their best, they can offer some really useful hacks to try but at their worst, they can offer false information that could potentially damage your skin. Knowing the difference between fact and fiction will empower you to make sensible choices that lead to healthier and happier skin. 

8 Skin Care Myths Debunked:

1. Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated – “While drinking plenty of water is great for hydrated skin, there are several other factors that contribute to your skin’s overall moisture, including diet and a good skincare routine. Be sure to invest in a topical moisturiser that includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help lock in hydration. 
2. Not washing your face causes acne – “This has some truth to it. Not cleansing your skin can contribute to acne but it’s not the overall cause. Hormonal changes, genetics and the use of comedogenic products can also contribute to spots and breakouts. Adopting a consistent skincare routine and regularly cleansing to remove dirt, oil and makeup are important for minimising the risk of spots. 
3. Eye creams aren’t effective – “This is untrue, eye creams are worthwhile for many reasons. The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and creams of this kind are formulated specifically for this reason. They often contain ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants to address specific concerns like puffiness and dark circles. 
4. There’s no need for SPF in Winter – “This is misleading. UV rays still penetrate the atmosphere during the colder months, regardless of whether the sun is shining or not. Using sunscreen daily, regardless of the season, protects your skin from long-term damage, skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
5. You should exfoliate daily – “I would not recommend daily exfoliation as it can disrupt your skin barrier. Alternatively, I would suggest exfoliating 1 to 3 times a week to effectively remove dead skin cells while allowing your skin to maintain its natural moisture balance. 
6. Toothpaste can heal your spots – “This is something we always heard as teenagers but this is definitely a myth. While it’s true that toothpaste can dry out a spot, it can also cause irritation, which may inflame your skin. It’s better to use targeted acne treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid and keep the toothpaste for your teeth. 
7. You need to use a lot of skincare products for good skin – “While it can be tempting to copy the trend of using a long list of skincare products, doing so could actually overwhelm your skin, causing breakouts and congestion. This is amplified by mixing products that naturally do not work together such as retinol and strong acids. Instead, I’d suggest creating a simpler and more streamlined routine, such as cleansing, moisturising and finishing off with some SPF.
8. You can shrink pores permanently – “You can’t permanently shrink pore size, that’s a myth. Though their appearance can definitely be improved with appropriate care. I recommend regular exfoliation, hydration and using products that encourage collagen production, (vitamin C is great for this). These steps help reduce the appearance of pores over time.”