skincare myths you need to stop believing (and what to do Instead)

Let’s face it—there’s a lot of skincare advice floating around the internet. But not all of it is helpful… or even true. If you’ve been following tips that seem like common sense but aren’t grounded in science, you could be doing more harm than good to your skin.

It’s time to bust the most common skincare myths and set the record straight—because healthy, glowing skin starts with the right information.

❌ Myth #1: “You don’t need moisturizer if you have oily skin.”

Truth: Oily skin still needs hydration—in fact, skipping moisturizer can make things worse.

When your skin lacks moisture, it can go into overdrive producing even more oil. The key is using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that balances oil without clogging pores.

Read why oily skin still needs hydration (SLMD Skincare)

✨ Pro tip: Our Clarity Moisturizer is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, delivering hydration without the heaviness.

❌ Myth #2: “You should never exfoliate sensitive skin.”

Truth: Exfoliation can be part of a sensitive skin routine—if done gently.

Gentle exfoliation helps slough away dead skin cells and allows your skincare products to absorb more effectively. The trick is avoiding harsh scrubs and sticking to soothing, enzyme-based or gentle acid exfoliants.

See dermatologist-approved exfoliants for sensitive skin (Allure)

✨ Sensitive skin approved: Our Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser uses natural exfoliants to gently refine your skin’s texture.

❌ Myth #3: “You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.”

Truth: UV damage doesn’t take a day off.

Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, and UVA rays (the ones that cause premature aging) can also travel through windows. That means daily sun protection is non-negotiable—rain or shine.

Why sunscreen is a daily must (Mayo Clinic Health System)

☀️ Meet your new go-to: Organic Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 – reef-safe, vegan, and packed with skin-loving ingredients.
Even better? Our SPF defends against blue light damage from screens too!

❌ Myth #4: “Pores can shrink.”

Truth: You can’t permanently shrink pores—but you can make them look smaller with the right routine.

Pore size is largely determined by genetics, but clogged pores, dead skin buildup, and excess oil can make them look larger. The solution? A consistent routine that includes gentle exfoliation, proper cleansing, and non-comedogenic hydration.

Learn the truth about pore size (Westlake Dermatology)

✨ Pore-perfecting picks: Shop our Clear Skin Collection to refine texture and support a smooth, balanced complexion.

Final Thoughts: Stop Falling for Skincare Myths

Your skin deserves better than outdated myths and one-size-fits-all advice. Building a routine that works starts with understanding your skin’s real needs—and trusting skincare that’s rooted in science.

🧴 Looking for clean, effective solutions? Whether you need hydration, exfoliation, sun protection, or help with acne-prone skin, ästhetik skincare has your skin covered.