Let’s be real—skincare advice is everywhere. From TikTok trends to product labels promising a miracle overnight, it can be hard to figure out what actually works and what’s just clever marketing. That’s why today we’re diving into some of the biggest skincare myths floating around the internet and giving you the real tea—backed by science and dermatologists, not just influencers with good lighting.
Myth #1: “Drinking more water clears acne”
The truth: Hydration is great for your overall health, and yes, drinking enough water can give your skin a bit more of a glow-but it’s not a cure for acne.Acne is caused by things like excess oil, clogged pores, hormones, and bacteria -not how many Hydro Flasks you down in a day. Staying hydrated does support skin function, but if you’re struggling with breakouts, a consistent skincare routine (think salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) is what’ll really help.
Myth #2: “Natural ingredients are always better”
The truth: We love a good D moment, but just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective for your skin. Poison ivy is natural… and you definitely don’t want that in a face mask. The clean beauty trend has a lot of appeal, but it often lacks regulation and can be misleading. Meanwhile, synthetic ingredients- like lab-made hyaluronic acid or peptides can be super effective and much more stable. Moral of the story: look for what works, not just what sounds good.
Myth #3: “Pores open and close”
The truth: Pores are not doors. They don’t open and close like magic. What actually happens is that heat (like from a steamy shower or warm towel) can help loosen up the debris inside your pores, making extractions or masks more effective. Cold water might make pores appear smaller by reducing inflammation, but it doesn’t physically shrink them. The size of your pores mostly comes down to genetics, oil production, and age.
Myth #4: “Retinol thins the skin”
The truth: This one’s tricky because it feels true at first.
When you start using retinol, your skin might get dry or flaky-but that’s just part of the adjustment period. In reality, retinol thickens the deeper layers of the skin over time, boosts collagen, and helps smooth fine lines. It also speeds up cell turnover, which can make your skin look brighter and clearer. The key is to start slow and use a moisturizer to avoid irritation.
Myth #5: “More expensive products equals better results”
The truth: Don’t let a luxury price tag fool you. Yes, some high-end products use advanced formulas or luxe packaging, but a higher price doesn’t guarantee better results. Drugstore products can be just as effective sometimes even more so especially when they use clinically proven ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or SPF. It’s all about what’s inside the bottle, not the label on the front.
At the end of the day, good skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or trendy. It’s about consistency, knowing your skin type, and making informed choices not falling for every “miracle” product or viral hack. Hopefully, this myth busting session helped clear up a few things (literally and figuratively). Your skin deserves facts, not fluff.
