Everyone wants a clear, radiant complexion. But getting there might depend more on your ability to discern fact from fiction than how diligently you follow a cleansing regimen or how much you spend on products. The fact is that a lot of skincare advice just doesn’t work, and some skincare myths can even cause harm.
1. Myth: Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated
Fact: There is no evidence that drinking more or less water is helpful or harmful to your skin. While drinking more water can be beneficial for other health conditions, water does not automatically get absorbed by your skin when you drink it. It hydrates our cells as it is absorbed by the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys, which does help hydrate our bodies overall. However, if you are severely dehydrated, that will obviously take a toll on your skin, as well as the rest of your body. The best way to keep your skin hydrated is to avoid dry air (or use a humidifier), use a gentle cleanser, and use a moisturizer daily or ingredients that help keep moisture locked in your skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid.
2. Myth: Not washing your face causes acne
Fact: “Hygiene doesn't play a role in the development of acne. Acne involves oil production, bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation, with hormones and stress playing a significant role and (to a lesser extent) diet for some people. Not washing your face doesn't help your situation but it certainly doesn't cause acne,” said Dr. Peterson Pierre, dermatologist and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California.
3. Myth: You need to exfoliate your skin
Fact: “A common skincare myth that I hear all the time is that you need to exfoliate. Your skin naturally sheds its superficial keratinocytes about once per month. You do not need to buy exfoliators, or undergo peels, facials, or dermabrasion to exfoliate. And you definitely do not need to use anything abrasive on your skin to achieve this, as it happens on its own.
4. Myth: Natural, botanical skincare products are better for your skin
Fact: “One of the biggest myths I encounter in dermatology and medicine in general is that natural and organic products are safer. Natural-based skincare products are often unregulated and tend to contain botanicals and essential oils that can lead to significant allergic contact dermatitis in some people. I always give the example of organic poison ivy or snake venom—just because it comes from nature doesn't mean it's safe or not toxic.
5. Myth: Eye creams don’t do anything
Fact: “An eye cream can have many benefits if it contains the right ingredients and is formulated for your specific skin concerns. If your concern is dark circles or puffiness due to fatigue, an eye cream with caffeine can definitely help control inflammation and make your under eyes appear brighter. However, caffeine alone won’t do the trick, and it should be combined with smoothing, hydrating, and brightening ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, as the combination can eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles, and help give the skin an overall youthful appearance,” said Dr. Sobel.
6. Myth: There’s no need for sunscreen in the fall or winter
Fact: Many people think you only need sunscreen in the summer, but this is a myth. The ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause sunburn are not as strong in the winter, but they are always present. The UV rays that cause fine lines, wrinkles, and skin hyperpigmentation are present year round and it’s important to apply sunscreen throughout the year. UV rays even penetrate clouds, so you should plan on wearing sunscreen every day if you plan on being outdoors.