Skincare AdviceThat Needs to Die Already
Hello Friends and Enemies,
Skincare is supposed to be simple: cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen, repeat. But somehow, the internet (ahem skinfluencers) has turned it into an overwhelming amount of misinformation, fear-mongering, and straight-up nonsense. So let’s cut through the noise and set the record straight on the biggest skincare BS floating around right now.
1. "You Need to Let Your Skin ‘Detox’"
Oh, you mean the organ that literally exists to filter out toxins? Your skin is not hoarding bad vibes- it doesn’t need a detox, a reset, or a three-day juice cleanse. What it needs is good ingredients, professional treatments, consistency, and SPF.
2. "Natural Skincare Is Always Better"
Listen, poison ivy is natural, and I don’t see anyone rubbing it on their face. Just because something is "organic" doesn’t mean it’s effective. Science-backed ingredients (yes, even the ones with scary-sounding names) are often far superior to your DIY coconut oil disaster.
3. "Pores Can Open and Close"
Your pores are not little doors that politely open and shut based on the temperature of your water. Steam can help loosen debris, but it’s not shrinking anything. If smaller-looking pores are the goal, look to retinoids, chemical exfoliants, and professional treatments- not hot towels.
4. "If It Burns, It’s Working"
Nope. That uncomfortable sensation? That’s your skin begging you to stop. Effective skincare does not require continuous suffering. If something stings like betrayal, wash it off and rethink your choices.
5. "You Can Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier Overnight"
Your skin barrier isn’t some drama queen that bounces back in 24 hours after one good moisturizer. It takes weeks of gentle care (think ceramides, fatty acids, hydrating ingredients, and professional treatments) to undo the damage from over-exfoliating or skipping moisturizer.
6. "Retinol Thins Your Skin"
This one needs to retire already. Retinol actually thickens the skin over time by stimulating collagen production. If your skin is feeling thin or sensitive, it’s probably because you overdid it, not because retinol is out to ruin you.
7. "More Product = Better Results"
Layering seven serums doesn’t make you a skincare expert; it makes you an overachiever in the worst way. Too much product can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation. Less is often more—stick to a few powerhouse ingredients and call it a day.
8. "Clean Beauty Is Always Safer"
The term clean beauty is basically the Wild West—there are no real regulations, just a lot of fear-based marketing. Just because a product is labeled “clean” doesn’t mean it’s better, safer, or even effective. Science-backed ingredients (yes, even the "chemical" ones) are often far more beneficial than something slapped with a meaningless "non-toxic" sticker.
9. "You Only Need Sunscreen in the Summer"
Oh, so UV rays just take the winter off? Cute. SPF is a 365-days-a-year commitment. Even if it’s cloudy. Even if you’re inside. Even if you “don’t burn.” Future-you will thank you.
10. "You Can 'Train' Your Skin to Need Less Moisturizer"
This is not intermittent fasting for your face. Your skin doesn’t magically learn to hydrate itself because you decided to "wean it off" moisturizer. Dehydration is real, and skipping moisturizer just makes you look older, faster.
Final Thoughts
Skincare shouldn’t be this complicated, but here we are. If you take nothing else away from this, remember: sunscreen is non-negotiable, retinol is your friend, and your pores are not tiny garage doors.
Have the day you deserve,
Samm