Debunking Beauty: Ten Common Myths and Truths About Skincare

July 23, 2022

A few of the common myths and truths in clean beauty explained:

Beauty advice can feel noisy—especially when you’re seeing new shifts in texture, dryness, sensitivity, or tone. Skin Alchemy cuts through the hype with simple guidance and evidence-based botanicals that rebuild resilience and deliver comfortable radiance—no fear-based “anti-aging” talk.

Below, ten common myths—what’s true, what to try, and how to keep your routine graceful and effective.

Myth 1: “Tight skin after cleansing means it’s really clean.”

Truth: Tightness = a stressed barrier. It usually means your cleanser is too alkaline or too stripping.
Try this: Choose pH-balanced, non-foaming cleansers (balm, milk, or melt). After rinsing, skin should feel soft and comfortable, not squeaky.

Myth 2: “The order doesn’t matter.”

Truth: Order helps ingredients do their job.
Try this (fewer, smarter steps):
Cleanse → Mist/Toner → Serum (if you use one) → Moisturizer or Balm → Oil (or Oil-rich Cream) → SPF (AM).
Go from thinnest to richest; think “hydrate, then seal.”

Myth 3: “Facial oils are only for dry skin.”

Truth: The right oil supports every skin—oily included—by strengthening the barrier and reducing water loss.
Try this: Pick lightweight, non-comedogenic options (think squalane, jojoba, Kalahari melon seed, milk thistle seed) and use a few drops over damp skin or moisturizer to lock hydration in.

Myth 4: “Drinking water fixes dry or dehydrated skin.”

Truth: Internal hydration is essential, but skin is the last to receive it. You still need topical hydration + a seal.
Try this: Layer a hydrating mist/toner (humectants) and follow with emollients and occlusives (oils/balms) to keep that water in.

Myth 5: “If it stings, it’s working.”

Truth: Ongoing stinging or burning often signals barrier irritation.
Try this: Press pause on strong actives; return to soothing, barrier-supportive care (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, calm botanicals). Re-introduce actives slowly, if at all.

Myth 6: “You don’t need to exfoliate.”

Truth: With age, cell turnover slows. Gentle exfoliation smooths texture and boosts glow—but over-doing it backfires.
Try this: Enzymes or low-strength AHAs/BHAs 1–2× weekly max. If you’re reactive, go milder and less often.

Myth 7: “Sunscreen is only for sunny days.”

Truth: UVA (aging rays) passes through clouds and glass.
Try this: Make broad-spectrum SPF your final AM step, year-round. Mineral filters pair beautifully with sensitive, evolving skin.

Myth 8: “The more you cleanse, the better.”

Truth: Over-cleansing disrupts pH and barrier function—leading to dryness and sensitivity.
Try this: Most do well with PM cleanse, AM gentle refresh (rinse/mist, then moisturize + SPF). Double-cleanse only when wearing heavier makeup or sunscreen.

Myth 9: “Expensive products work best.”

Truth: Results come from formulation and dosage, not price.
Try this: Read the INCI list; look for well-studied actives paired with supportive botanicals—and skip the fear-based marketing.

Myth 10: “Rubbing alcohol kills acne.”

Truth: Isopropyl alcohol overdrys and triggers more oil.
Try this: Choose evidence-based options for congestion—like salicylic acid (BHA), azelaic acid, sulfur, plus soothing botanicals to keep the barrier calm.

The Skin Alchemy POV

Your skin is evolving—and that’s a privilege. Our approach is guidance, not guesswork: evidence-based botanicals and streamlined rituals that rebuild resilience, reduce reactivity, and reveal a steady, comfortable radiance you can feel day after day.

Next step: Discover Your Ritual—choose a simple, two-to-three-step routine for morning and night that supports your barrier and honors where your skin is right now.