9 Common Skin Care Myths, Debunked By Experts

The rich, creamy taste of a decadent bar of chocolate undoubtedly soothes the soul. But the same can’t be said for the skin – right? Well, not exactly. According to New York-based dermatologist Dr. Bobby Bukka, chocolate isn’t entirely to blame for all of your pesky acne flare-ups.

“Our dear old friend chocolate has long had a bad rap as the leading cause for all our unsightly blemishes,” says Dr. Bukka, who is also the co-founder of The Dermatology Specialists, a full-service dermatology practice located in New York City. “However, the good news for all the chocolate lovers out there is that cacao in its raw form has been proven to have no impact on your acne breakouts.” 

Instead, he explains, the true culprits are the additional ingredients often found in chocolate and other sweet treats – namely, sugar. Studies have linked the consumption of fatty and sugary foods with an increase in acne. “Next time you reach for a chocolate bar,” says Dr. Bukka, “try opting for high percentage dark chocolate or snackable cacao nibs as a treat.”

Skin Care Myths: Fact Versus Fiction

Pimple-causing chocolate isn’t the only skin-related myth out there. We chatted with two beauty experts – Catie Wiggy, a clean beauty esthetician and founder of the Creative Beauty Collective, and Dr. Nayan Patel, founder of Auro Skincare – to demystify some of the most common skincare concerns. Beauty myth busters, take it from here.

1. Myth: Acne Is Caused by Poor Hygiene

When it comes to pimples, you can also rest easy about your face-washing habits. Since acne is commonly caused by what’s occurring underneath the skin, such as hormonal imbalances and genetic factors, experts say uncleanliness isn’t to blame for those pesky breakouts. 

“Acne is primarily caused by excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation – not simply poor hygiene,” explains Wiggy. She adds that overwashing the face or scrubbing too vigorously can actually irritate the skin, exacerbating acne in the process. Instead, “a gentle cleansing routine, along with other appropriate acne treatments, is a better approach,” she says. 

2. Myth: You Have To Exfoliate Your Skin

On the topic of scrubbing the face, put your bristly brushes down. Although exfoliating can help rid dead cells – instantly revealing silky, smooth skin – it can actually be bad for the skin. 

That’s because the dull, outer layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum, serves a very important purpose: It acts as a natural barrier, protecting the body against foreign substances like bacteria and chemicals. It also prevents dehydration by inhibiting excessive water loss. 

Whether or not you need to exfoliate is a hotly debated topic. Many dermatologists recommend it because it can help make the skin look healthier, increase collagen production, fade age spots, and reduce breakouts. 

However, overall, Dr. Patel says you don’t really need to exfoliate. He also warns that certain exfoliants can be too rough on the skin, especially for delicate facial tissues. “The products used in the cosmetic industry do not improve cell turnover, they actually rid the top layer of your skin, which is not healthy for it,” he explains. 

Instead, he explains, skin cells actually have a natural process for cell turnover, meaning they slough off on their own. In young adults, the outer layer of skin sheds about every 28 to 30 days. This process slows down with age, occurring every 45 to 50 days, on average, in mature adults. 

3. Myth: You Don't Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

Just because it’s an overcast day doesn’t mean you should forego sunscreen. Although clouds do minimize the sun’s rays – ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation, which contribute to skin aging and sunburns, respectively – they don’t block them entirely. 

“Applying sunscreen daily and year-round, regardless of the weather, is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation,” advises Wiggy. However, keep in mind that certain types of sunscreens harbor toxic chemicals like oxybenzone, so be sure to opt for natural, mineral-based skin protectants instead.

Natural and organic skincare products can be incredible, but they’re not always inherently better than conventional products. 

4. Myth: Natural and Organic Skincare Products Are Always Better

Brands claiming to be better for the planet are increasingly churning out products labeled with buzzwords like “all natural,” “organic,” and “eco-friendly.” But, as it turns out, greener isn’t always better. According to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll in collaboration with Google Cloud, nearly 60% of top executives around the world admit to greenwashing – the act of making false or misleading claims about a company’s sustainability practices – in their companies.

“Natural and organic skincare products can be incredible,” says Wiggy. “But they’re not always inherently better than conventional products.” The esthetician adds that one major downside to natural products is the lack of standardization when it comes to labeling. 

“The terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are not regulated universally, leading to inconsistencies in product labeling,” she explains. “Some products may claim to be natural or organic despite containing synthetic ingredients. This can create confusion and lead to greenwashing, where companies present products as more natural or organic than they truly are.”

But not all natural products are, well, unnatural. Those that are truly plant-based or made with naturally-derived ingredients are also usually free of harmful toxins and artificial additives like parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances.

Wiggy says the best way to avoid misleading sustainability claims is to pay attention to the ingredients. She also recommends opting for products that are backed by scientific research and feature third-party accreditations. “The key is to look beyond the ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ label and focus on the ingredients, formulation, and reputable brands with a commitment to safety and efficacy,” she says.

5. Myth: Hot Water Is Good for the Skin

Ladies, we sure do love a good scalding lava shower. Our faces? Not so much. According to Wiggy, hot water is incredibly harsh on the skin. It strips away the skin’s natural oils, disrupting and weakening the skin barrier as a result. This can cause a host of skin issues like dry, irritated, and sensitive skin.

Always use lukewarm water when cleansing your face or showering to avoid excessive drying or irritation.

“While hot water may provide a temporary sensation to the skin, it does not provide any benefits,” Wiggy advises. “Always use lukewarm water when cleansing your face or showering to avoid excessive drying or irritation.”

6. Myth: It Doesn’t Matter What Order Skincare Products Are Applied

This myth is pure fiction. The order in which skincare products are applied matters just about as much as the types of products used. According to Dr. Patel, layering skincare products in the correct order boosts their level of absorption and overall effectiveness. It can also help to reduce any adverse skin reactions, he says.

Granted, daytime routines and nighttime routines do vary. But, in order to prevent one product from impeding the efficacy of another, a good rule of thumb is to apply the products in order from thinnest to thickest – i.e., cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer.

7. Myth: Cheap Skincare Products Are Ineffective

Your bank account will be happy to know that the effectiveness of a beauty product is not correlated to its price tag. Wiggy notes that although some ultraluxe products may feature high quality ingredients and advanced formulations, it doesn’t mean their budget friendly counterparts are ineffective.

Similar to products boasting an "organic" label, “The key is to look past the price tag and focus on the brand's ingredients, formulation, and reputation,” she explains. “It's essential to assess the product's suitability for your skin type, read reviews, and consider factors like ingredient quality and concentration rather than solely relying on the price point.”

8. Myth: Dark Circles Can Always Be Fixed with Eye Creams

It’s easy to hide dark circles with a good makeup routine. But what about banishing them once and for all with eye creams? Unfortunately, under-eye moisturizers aren’t always a cure-all for unwanted dark circles.

Causes for dark circles vary from lack of sleep, nutrition, age, smoking, and more.

The efficacy of eye creams boils down to a handful of factors: what products are used, genetics, underlying conditions like eczema, and certain lifestyle factors. “Causes for dark circles vary from lack of sleep, nutrition, age, smoking, and more,” says Dr. Patel. He adds that depending on the root causes, only a very small percentage of people will actually benefit from eye creams.

9. Myth: Makeup Ages the Skin

Okay, this myth is partially true. On its own, makeup doesn’t age the skin. However, bad makeup habits can accelerate signs of aging. According to Wiggy, certain makeup practices or beauty products may indirectly contribute to aging skin.

“For example,” she says, “sleeping with makeup on or using heavy, pore-clogging products can lead to skin congestion and breakouts, affecting the skin's appearance over time.” The esthetician notes that regular skincare routines – including removing makeup at the end of the day and applying non-pore-clogging products – can help maintain healthy looking skin.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to busting cosmetic urban legends, the experts have spoken. Their helpful insights should prove useful for curating a good skincare regimen. However, it’s important to note that not everyone’s skin is the same. Every skin type – from oily to normal to dry and sensitive – has its own unique needs. So, in terms of perfecting your own skincare routine, Wiggy’s recommendation is simple: Always speak with a professional first. “Remember, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific skin concerns,” she says.

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