True or False? We dissect common skincare myths.
You only have to Google a skincare question today to be bombarded with advice within seconds. Some of it is helpful – but a lot of it is fast-spreading myths driven by social media. So what’s actually true? Can you really “shrink” pores with cold water? And is it dangerous to use retinol during the day? Below, we break down some of the most common skincare myths and what the science actually says.
Myth: Drinking water hydrates your skin
There is no scientific evidence that drinking more water than usual directly improves skin hydration or acne. Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, but it doesn’t specifically target the skin.
Other factors are far more effective for skin hydration, such as:
Using a mild cleanser
Avoiding products with drying alcohols
Choosing a face cream with well-known moisture binders
Lowering the water temperature in the shower
Myth: Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun
Retinol does not make your skin inherently more sun-sensitive. The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight and breaks down faster when exposed to UV light – which is why retinol products are often packaged in non-transparent bottles.
If you don’t go straight out into the sun right after application, the product has time to be absorbed and won’t be affected as much. That said, you should always use sunscreen during the day, regardless of whether you use retinol or not, to protect your skin from UV damage.
Myth: Natural and organic products are always better for your skin
Not necessarily. Good skincare is about using ingredients that are both effective and safe – whether they are natural or synthetic. Many natural ingredients are great, and many lab-created ones are too. What works best for you depends on your skin’s needs. It’s also worth noting that synthetic ingredients can be just as sustainable and sometimes even a better option for the environment.
Myth: You should only use products from the same range or brand
Not quite. You’re free to mix and match products from different brands as long as they suit your skin and work well together. The main exception is acids. When it comes to exfoliating acids, it can be a good idea to stick to one brand or routine, since different acids have different strengths and effects. Combining too many can either boost results or irritate your skin – depending on how they’re used.
Myth: Cold water shrinks pores and warm water opens them
Not exactly. Water temperature doesn’t actually open or close pores. Warm water can cause slight swelling in the skin, which may make pores appear larger, and it can soften the skin so that dirt and sebum are easier to remove. But be careful – water that’s too hot can lead to dryness and irritation.
Cold water may temporarily make pores look smaller because a tiny muscle near the hair follicle contracts when exposed to cold. This effect is only temporary and does not change the actual size of your pores.
Myth: Expensive products are always better
Price doesn’t always reflect performance. Some luxury products invest heavily in packaging and marketing, while others contain advanced formulas backed by research. It’s impossible to generalize.
In the end, the most important thing is finding the right concentration and combination of ingredients for your skin. Look for brands that are transparent about their formulations, how they work, and what they use – and let that guide your choices more than the price tag.
