{"id":56753,"date":"2025-10-14T11:49:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T09:49:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drromanovaleria.ch\/?p=56753"},"modified":"2026-10-28T20:03:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T19:03:49","slug":"myths-realities-skincare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drromanovaleria.ch\/en\/blog\/mythes-realites-skincare\/","title":{"rendered":"Mythes et r\u00e9alit\u00e9s du skincare"},"content":{"rendered":"

MYTHS AND REALITIES OF SKINCARE<\/h1>\n

Skincare myths<\/h2>\n

The world of skincare is vast, complex and often filled with marketing promises difficult to decipher.\u00a0
Between influencers, TikTok trends, traditional tips and medical advice, separating fact from fiction is not always easy.\u00a0
As a doctor in Geneva, I see daily how misconceptions persist \u2014 sometimes at the expense of my patients' skin health.
This article demystifies common skincare beliefs to restore solid, scientific foundations.<\/p>\n

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Why are there so many skincare myths?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Skin is our largest organ, directly contacting the environment. It also reflects general health, age and lifestyle.\u00a0
Wanting to care for it is therefore natural.
Mais l\u2019industrie cosm\u00e9tique est florissante : elle p\u00e8se plusieurs milliards d\u2019euros chaque ann\u00e9e et s’innove sans cesse avec de nouveaux ingr\u00e9dients \u201cmiracle\u201d.\u00a0
Faced with this avalanche of products and claims, knowing what truly works is difficult.\u00a0
Social media amplifies this: a viral tip can reach millions whether true or completely false.<\/p>\n

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Myth no.1: \u201cThe longer my skincare routine, the better my skin\u201d<\/h2>\n

The 10-step routine trend imported from K-beauty (Korean cosmetics) made an impression. But more products do not guarantee better skin.<\/p>\n

Fact: skin primarily needs consistency and simplicity.\u00a0
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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Myth no.2: \u201cAn expensive cream is necessarily more effective\u201d<\/h2>\n

People often believe price reflects quality and effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Fact: cost depends on packaging, marketing and brand image among other factors.\u00a0
Some very expensive products offer no more than a pharmacy equivalent.
Composition and, above all, consistent use matter.\u00a0
A 20 CHF moisturiser used daily gives better results than luxury cream applied monthly.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Myth no.3: \u201cIf my skin is shiny, I do not need moisturiser\u201d<\/h2>\n

Many people with oily skin avoid cream, fearing more shine.<\/p>\n

Fact: oily skin can be dehydrated.\u00a0
If lacking water, it produces more sebum to compensate.\u00a0
The result: enlarged pores, blemishes and dullness.
Choose oil-free or gel moisturiser supplying water without greasiness.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Myth no.4: \u201cThe sun improves acne\u201d<\/h2>\n

This belief remains widespread because spots seem to dry faster in summer.<\/p>\n

Fact: sun has a deceptive effect. Short term, it dries lesions.\u00a0
Long term, it thickens skin, stimulates sebum and encourages recurrent breakouts.\u00a0
Sun exposure also worsens post-acne pigmentation scars.
Sun increases skin cancer risk and causes premature ageing. Always use suitable, non-comedogenic sunscreen.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Myth no.5: \u201cPores can open and close\u201d<\/h2>\n

Many products promise to \u201ctighten\u201d or \u201cclose\u201d pores.<\/p>\n

Fact: pores have no muscles; they do not open or close.\u00a0
Visibility varies with sebum, age or elasticity.
Products \u201creducing\u201d pores actually address excess sebum (gentle cleansers, salicylic acid), skin thickness (retinoids) or collagen stimulation (peels, laser).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\nMyth no.6: \u201cNatural products are always better\u201d<\/h2>\n

\u201cClean beauty\u201d and returning to nature appeal to many consumers.<\/p>\n

Fact: natural does not mean harmless. Some essential oils irritate or cause allergy.\u00a0
Conversely, synthetic ingredients can be extremely safe and effective (e.g. hyaluronic acid in cosmetics or aesthetic procedures).
Dermatology relies on scientific evidence, not \u201corganic\u201d or \u201cnatural\u201d labels.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Myth no.7: \u201cMen do not need skincare\u201d<\/h2>\n

Another persistent misconception.<\/p>\n

Fact: men's skin is thicker, oilier and more prone to shaving irritation.\u00a0
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.<\/p>\n

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Myth no.8: \u201cAge alone determines skin condition\u201d<\/h2>\n

Youth is often associated with good skin, maturity with wrinkles and dullness.<\/p>\n

Fact: although ageing is inevitable, severity strongly depends on lifestyle (sun, smoking, diet, sleep, stress).\u00a0
A 50-year-old who protected skin lifelong may therefore have a brighter complexion than a 30-year-old who never protects from sun.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\nMyth no.9: \u201cMake-up damages skin\u201d
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Many women fear make-up \u201csuffocates\u201d skin.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Medical focus: star skincare ingredients, myths and facts<\/h2>\n

Beyond beliefs, some ingredients are essential. The secret is not multiplying them but gradual, skin-type-adapted introduction.
Yet misconceptions circulate here too.<\/p>\n

Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant<\/h3>\n

It protects against free radicals and brightens complexion
Common myth: \u201cit makes skin photosensitive\u201d.\u00a0
Fact: it is photoprotective and can be used in the morning before sun protection.<\/p>\n

Retinol (vitamin A): the ultimate anti-ageing ingredient<\/h3>\n

It stimulates renewal and collagen production
Myth: \u201cit should only be used after 40\u201d.\u00a0
Fact: it may be introduced from 25\u201330 to prevent early ageing, at low concentration under medical supervision.<\/p>\n

\nNiacinamide (vitamin B3) <\/h3>\n

It regulates sebum, soothes redness and strengthens the barrier.\u00a0
Myth: \u201cit is only for oily skin\u201d.\u00a0
Fact: it also benefits dry and sensitive skin.<\/p>\n

Hyaluronic acid<\/h3>\n

This star hydrating molecule retains up to 1000 times its weight in water.\u00a0
Myth: \u201chyaluronic acid cream acts like an injection\u201d.\u00a0
Fact: cosmetics hydrate the surface; medical injections treat volume, wrinkles and fine lines.<\/p>\n

AHA\/BHA (fruit acids, salicylic acid)<\/h3>\n

Effective chemical exfoliants for smoothing and blemishes.\u00a0
Myth: \u201cthey are too harsh for regular use\u201d.\u00a0
Fact: at the correct concentration, they safely improve quality.<\/p>\n

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A medical approach to skincare<\/h2>\n

Beyond myths, remember each skin is unique.\u00a0
Needs vary with age, type, environment and medical history.
Solutions complementing cosmetics now include peels, mesotherapy, laser and hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections.\u00a0
Performed in practice, these aim to durably improve quality.<\/p>\n

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Article written by Dr Romano Valeria<\/a><\/p>\n

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