12 Common Skin Care Myths—Debunked by Dermatologists
There’s a lot of advice out there about skin care—some of it helpful, some of it downright misleading. From overpriced creams to well-meaning home remedies, it can be tough to separate fact from fiction. That’s why we’ve rounded up the most common skin myths and brought in expert insights to set the record straight.
1. Expensive Creams Can Keep Your Skin Young Forever
It sounds tempting, but it’s simply not true. In the U.S. alone, prestige skincare raked in $1.1 billion in just three months in 2020—even after a drop from 2019. Yet experts agree: no cream, no matter the price, can stop aging in its tracks.
Dr. Phillips calls the forever-young claim “a marketing ploy.” Prof. Williams adds that while moisturizers and retinoids can help with signs of aging, there’s no miracle cream that halts time.
Dr. Goldstein highlights that 90% of skin aging is due to sun damage. The most effective solution? A good, broad-spectrum sunscreen—which doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
2. Drinking Water Keeps Skin Hydrated
Only partly true. While hydration helps your body overall, there’s no strong evidence that drinking extra water directly improves skin appearance.
Prof. Williams notes that unless you’re severely dehydrated, drinking more water won’t change your skin. Dr. Goldstein agrees: the benefit to your skin is indirect.
3. Antibacterial Soap Is Best for Skin
Actually, it might do more harm than good. Our skin has a natural microbiome—a mix of bacteria that helps keep it healthy.
“Antibacterial soaps can disrupt that balance,” says Prof. Williams, adding that they’re often harsher than pH-neutral options.
Dr. Goldstein explains that unless you’re in a high-risk environment (like healthcare), it’s better to avoid constantly killing both good and bad bacteria.
4. A Dirty Face Causes Acne
Nope. Acne has more to do with hormones and how your skin functions than how clean your face is.
“Dirt isn’t the problem,” says Prof. Williams, unless it involves oily substances like pomades or makeup.
Dr. Goldstein adds that clogged pores are due to keratin, not grime, and over-washing can make acne worse by irritating your skin.
Dr. Phillips also mentions a modern concern: “cell phone acne.” Constant phone contact can cause breakouts due to heat, bacteria, and friction. Cleaning your screen regularly helps.
5. Chocolate Causes Acne
Another myth. Prof. Williams says there’s no scientific basis for this one.
Acne is complex, and chocolate doesn’t directly cause it.
6. All Sun Exposure Is Bad
Not quite. While UV rays do age the skin and raise cancer risks, some sun is essential for vitamin D production.
“The sun has benefits,” says Dr. Phillips, especially for conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Still, overexposure is dangerous.
Dr. Goldstein warns that UV exposure causes most skin cancers and stresses sun safety: use high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.
7. Spray Tans Protect Against UV Rays
Wishful thinking. Unless a spray tan specifically includes SPF, it won’t shield you from the sun.
“Color doesn’t equal protection,” warns Prof. Williams. Dr. Phillips agrees: spray tans should never replace sunscreen.
8. Vitamin E Helps Scars Fade
Popular belief says yes, but research says otherwise. Prof. Williams calls the evidence “unconvincing,” and Dr. Goldstein agrees.
In fact, Dr. Phillips warns that vitamin E can sometimes worsen scars. He recommends silicone gel as a safer, more effective option.
9. Natural Products Are Always Better
Not necessarily. The term “natural” is more of a marketing label than a safety guarantee.
“Arsenic is natural,” says Prof. Williams. He adds that many expensive “natural” products offer no extra benefits and can even have stability issues.
Dr. Goldstein points out that poison ivy is also natural—but you wouldn’t rub it on your face. Natural ingredients can still cause allergies and irritation.
10. Wounds Need Air to Heal
This old-school advice is outdated. Research shows that wounds heal faster in a moist, protected environment.
“A covered wound promotes healing,” says Prof. Williams. Dr. Goldstein recommends using an ointment like Aquaphor and keeping it bandaged (unless infected).
11. Daily Exfoliation Is Essential
It might feel nice, but daily exfoliating can actually harm your skin.
“It smooths skin temporarily,” says Prof. Williams, “but overdoing it damages the skin barrier.”
Less is more when it comes to exfoliating. Stick to 1–2 times per week, max.
12. Black Salve Cures Skin Cancer
Dangerous myth alert. Black salve, often sold online as a natural cancer cure, is harmful.
Prof. Williams says its active ingredient can destroy healthy tissue and often fails to eliminate cancer cells.
Dr. Goldstein has seen tragic results from self-treatment. Dr. Phillips adds that the FDA labels black salve as a fake cancer cure and strongly warns against its use.
FAQs: Quick Answers from Dermatologists
Q: Can drinking more water clear up my skin?
A: Not directly. It helps overall hydration, but won’t solve skin issues on its own.
Q: Are natural products safer than synthetic ones?
A: Not always. “Natural” doesn’t mean better, and many natural ingredients can cause irritation or allergies.
Q: How can I best prevent wrinkles?
A: Use sunscreen daily, moisturize, and avoid smoking. Retinoids can help, too.
Q: Is daily exfoliating good for skin?
A: No. Too much exfoliating weakens your skin’s barrier. Stick to 1–2 times a week.
Q: Do I need to spend a lot on skincare to see results?
A: Absolutely not. Affordable products can be just as effective if they’re well-formulated.
Conclusion: Smarter Skincare Starts with Facts
With so much misinformation out there, it’s easy to fall for skincare myths. But the truth? Most of what your skin needs is simple: sun protection, gentle cleansing, and smart product choices.
Don’t be swayed by price tags or buzzwords like “natural.” Focus on what’s backed by science. That way, you can build a routine that works—and saves your skin (and wallet) in the long run.
Protect your skin, trust the science, and skip the hype.