Skincare myths
The world of skincare is vast, complex and often filled with marketing promises difficult to decipher.
Between influencers, TikTok trends, traditional tips and medical advice, separating fact from fiction is not always easy.
As a doctor in Geneva, I see daily how misconceptions persist — sometimes at the expense of my patients' skin health.
This article demystifies common skincare beliefs to restore solid, scientific foundations.
Why are there so many skincare myths?
Skin is our largest organ, directly contacting the environment. It also reflects general health, age and lifestyle.
Wanting to care for it is therefore natural.
But cosmetics is a booming multibillion-euro annual industry, constantly innovating with new “miracle” ingredients.
Faced with this avalanche of products and claims, knowing what truly works is difficult.
Social media amplifies this: a viral tip can reach millions whether true or completely false.
Myth no.1: “The longer my skincare routine, the better my skin”
The 10-step routine trend imported from K-beauty (Korean cosmetics) made an impression. But more products do not guarantee better skin.
Fact: skin primarily needs consistency and simplicity.
Too many different products can weaken the barrier and cause irritation or allergies.
A recommended basic routine consists of gentle skin-type-adapted cleansing, hydration and sun protection (minimum SPF 30).
Specific ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, etc.) should be introduced gradually with medical advice, especially for sensitive skin.
Myth no.2: “An expensive cream is necessarily more effective”
People often believe price reflects quality and effectiveness.
Fact: cost depends on packaging, marketing and brand image among other factors.
Some very expensive products offer no more than a pharmacy equivalent.
Composition and, above all, consistent use matter.
A 20 CHF moisturiser used daily gives better results than luxury cream applied monthly.
Myth no.3: “If my skin is shiny, I do not need moisturiser”
Many people with oily skin avoid cream, fearing more shine.
Fact: oily skin can be dehydrated.
If lacking water, it produces more sebum to compensate.
The result: enlarged pores, blemishes and dullness.
Choose oil-free or gel moisturiser supplying water without greasiness.
Myth no.4: “The sun improves acne”
This belief remains widespread because spots seem to dry faster in summer.
Fact: sun has a deceptive effect. Short term, it dries lesions.
Long term, it thickens skin, stimulates sebum and encourages recurrent breakouts.
Sun exposure also worsens post-acne pigmentation scars.
Sun increases skin cancer risk and causes premature ageing. Always use suitable, non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Myth no.5: “Pores can open and close”
Many products promise to “tighten” or “close” pores.
Fact: pores have no muscles; they do not open or close.
Visibility varies with sebum, age or elasticity.
Products “reducing” pores actually address excess sebum (gentle cleansers, salicylic acid), skin thickness (retinoids) or collagen stimulation (peels, laser).
Myth no.6: “Natural products are always better”
“Clean beauty” and returning to nature appeal to many consumers.
Fact: natural does not mean harmless. Some essential oils irritate or cause allergy.
Conversely, synthetic ingredients can be extremely safe and effective (e.g. hyaluronic acid in cosmetics or aesthetic procedures).
Dermatology relies on scientific evidence, not “organic” or “natural” labels.
Myth no.7: “Men do not need skincare”
Another persistent misconception.
Fact: men's skin is thicker, oilier and more prone to shaving irritation.
Men need suitable routines just as women do: gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection.
More men seek consultations in Geneva to improve radiance and health.
Myth no.8: “Age alone determines skin condition”
Youth is often associated with good skin, maturity with wrinkles and dullness.
Fact: although ageing is inevitable, severity strongly depends on lifestyle (sun, smoking, diet, sleep, stress).
A 50-year-old who protected skin lifelong may therefore have a brighter complexion than a 30-year-old who never protects from sun.
Myth no.9: “Make-up damages skin”
Many women fear make-up “suffocates” skin.
Fact: make-up itself is not harmful if high quality and thoroughly removed.
The real danger is sleeping in make-up, encouraging blocked pores and blemishes.
Choose non-comedogenic make-up and cleanse every evening.
Medical focus: star skincare ingredients, myths and facts
Beyond beliefs, some ingredients are essential. The secret is not multiplying them but gradual, skin-type-adapted introduction.
Yet misconceptions circulate here too.
Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant
It protects against free radicals and brightens complexion
Common myth: “it makes skin photosensitive”.
Fact: it is photoprotective and can be used in the morning before sun protection.
Retinol (vitamin A): the ultimate anti-ageing ingredient
It stimulates renewal and collagen production
Myth: “it should only be used after 40”.
Fact: it may be introduced from 25–30 to prevent early ageing, at low concentration under medical supervision.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
It regulates sebum, soothes redness and strengthens the barrier.
Myth: “it is only for oily skin”.
Fact: it also benefits dry and sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic acid
This star hydrating molecule retains up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Myth: “hyaluronic acid cream acts like an injection”.
Fact: cosmetics hydrate the surface; medical injections treat volume, wrinkles and fine lines.
AHA/BHA (fruit acids, salicylic acid)
Effective chemical exfoliants for smoothing and blemishes.
Myth: “they are too harsh for regular use”.
Fact: at the correct concentration, they safely improve quality.
A medical approach to skincare
Beyond myths, remember each skin is unique.
Needs vary with age, type, environment and medical history.
Solutions complementing cosmetics now include peels, mesotherapy, laser and hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections.
Performed in practice, these aim to durably improve quality.
