Skincare can feel like a world full of conflicting advice, endless product options, and way too many “rules” to keep track of. If you’ve ever thought, “Wait, which tips are actually legit?” you’re not alone. Even your best friend with her color-coded skincare routine has probably fallen for a myth or two along the way. That’s because beauty tips are everywhere—but finding the facts? That’s a little harder.

From old-school advice that refuses to die to viral hacks that seem too good to be true, we’re here to set the record straight. Whether you’re trying to figure out if pores really “open and close” or if oily skin needs moisturizer, this guide has got you covered. Get ready to bust some major skincare myths and elevate your routine in the process!

Myth #1: You Can Shrink Your Pores

Oh, the dream of small, invisible pores. If you’ve been trying every product under the sun to “shrink” them, here’s the scoop: pores don’t actually shrink. Their size is largely determined by genetics, so if you’ve got naturally larger pores, there’s no magic potion to make them tiny.

What you can do, though, is minimize their appearance. Pores tend to look bigger when they’re clogged with oil, dirt, or dead skin cells. Cleansing regularly, exfoliating with a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, and keeping your skin hydrated are all great ways to reduce their visibility. Bonus tip? Products with niacinamide can help tighten and smooth the skin around your pores, making them less noticeable.

Myth #2: Sunscreen Is Only for Sunny Days

If you’ve been skipping sunscreen on cloudy days (or worse, during winter!), we need to talk. UV rays aren’t just a summer thing; they’re always around, even when the sun’s hiding behind the clouds. And yes, those rays can still cause damage to your skin, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer over time.

Make sunscreen your everyday essential no matter the season. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re outside for long periods or touching your face often. Your future self will thank you for it!

Myth #3: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer

If your face tends to shine like a disco ball by noon, you might think skipping moisturizer is the answer. But here’s the catch: oily skin still needs hydration! When your skin isn’t properly moisturized, it can overcompensate by producing even more oil. The result? That dreaded greasy T-zone.

The key is choosing the right kind of moisturizer. Look for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores. Gel-based moisturizers are especially great for oily and combination skin, offering hydration without feeling heavy.

Myth #4: You Don’t Need to Wash Your Face Before Bed

Who hasn’t wanted to skip their nighttime routine after a long, exhausting day? But here’s the thing—even if you’re too tired to keep your eyes open, skipping your evening cleanse could be costing your skin big time. During the day, your face collects makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dirt (not to mention pollution!). If you don’t wash all that off, it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Make cleansing before bed non-negotiable. If you’re really short on time, at least use a gentle micellar water to remove the worst of it. And if you want to take your skincare game to pro level, consider double cleansing. Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup and grime, followed by a water-based cleanser to sweep away the rest.

Myth #5: Expensive Means Better

There’s a common belief that the pricier the skincare, the better the product. But luxury price tags don’t always equal better results. Many affordable brands use the exact same active ingredients (like retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid) as their luxury counterparts.

What really matters is the formulation. A $15 niacinamide serum can work just as well as a $75 one if it’s well-made and suits your skin type. The trick is to focus on the ingredients your skin needs and how they’re delivered in the product, rather than getting carried away by fancy packaging or buzzworthy brand names.

Myth #6: You Should Exfoliate Every Day

Exfoliation is amazing for removing dead skin cells and boosting your glow, but more is definitely not better. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin’s natural barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts.

Most people only need to exfoliate 2–3 times a week. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, stick to the recommended frequency and always follow up with moisturizer. For physical scrubs, choose one with gentle, non-abrasive particles (no rough apricot kernels, please!). And remember, your skin deserves to be treated kindly!

Myth #7: Natural Ingredients Are Always Better

Natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and honey sound amazing, but just because something is “natural” doesn’t automatically make it better for your skin. Poison ivy is natural, too, and you wouldn’t want that near your face!

Some natural ingredients can actually irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. For example, essential oils like lavender or citrus can be harsh on the skin, even though they’re often marketed as gentle. On the flip side, synthetic ingredients are highly researched and formulated to be stable, effective, and safe to use. The best skincare products combine the strengths of both worlds, so don’t be afraid of a little lab magic!

Myth #8: Certain Products Work Overnight

We all love the idea of a “miracle product” that delivers a flawless glow after one application, but real results take time. Skincare isn’t an instant fix; it’s an investment in your skin’s future.

Active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C can take weeks (sometimes months) to show noticeable improvements. Be patient and consistent with your routine, and don’t give up on a product just because it hasn’t worked after a few days. Your skin needs time to adjust and begin reaping the benefits.

Myth #9: Drinking Water Will Hydrate Dry Skin

Don’t get us wrong, drinking enough water is crucial for your overall health. And yes, it does help your skin to a certain extent. But if your skin is screaming for hydration, chugging water alone isn’t going to cut it.

Dry skin often needs topical hydration to replenish what’s missing in the outer layers. That’s where ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane come in. These powerhouses lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

Keep sipping on that water for your overall glow, but don’t forget to level up your topical hydration game too.

Myth #10: You Don’t Need Skincare Until You See Wrinkles

Waiting for signs of aging to show up before starting a skincare routine? Rookie mistake! Preventative care is so much easier (and honestly, way less stressful) than trying to reverse damage later on.

Start with the basics in your teens or early twenties by using sunscreen daily and moisturizing regularly. As you hit your mid-twenties, adding ingredients like antioxidants, retinol, or peptides can help keep your skin firm, smooth, and radiant for years to come. Think of it like planting a skincare garden now, so you have a beautiful bloom later.

Understanding what really works for your skin means cutting through the noise and busting myths left and right. With these tips, you’re not only ahead of the myth-busting game but also on your way to achieving the healthiest, happiest skin yet. And hey, don’t forget to share these gems with your BFF—we’re all in this glow-up together!