In times of desperation, we often find ourselves scouring the internet for skincare advice on a quest for flawless skin. However, the abundance of information available can often lead to skincare myths that, if followed, can do more harm than good. In this blog, we’ll debunk five common skincare myths to help you maintain healthy and radiant skin. 

Contrary to popular belief, the UV rays that cause fine lines, wrinkles, and skin hyperpigmentation are present year-round, even though they’re not as strong in the winter. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, UV rays penetrate clouds, so you should plan on wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days. 

Acne involves oil production, bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation, with hormones and stress playing a significant role as well. Bacteria thrive in excess oil and an inflammatory response occurs, leading to papules, pustules, and other types of pimples. Although not washing your face may lead to a buildup of certain ane-causing components, it doesn’t directly cause acne.  

While there are claims that certain ingredients in toothpaste reduce the size of pimples, the remedy isn’t scientifically backed and can actually do more harm than good. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, toothpaste contains several ingredients that can clog your pores and irritate your skin, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, alcohol, and methyl. 

Funny enough, less is more. For sensitive or dry skin, using too many products will likely cause more problems than it will solve. An overly complicated skincare routine may actually irritate your skin and disrupt its natural moisturizing and cell-turnover processes. Instead, focus on the basics your skin really needs. Omnia All-In-One Skin Perfector completes 9 steps in 1 product, keeping your skin moisturized, balanced, and bringing out your skin’s natural radiance. 

In simple words, oil skin still needs moisturizer because it helps regulate oil production. Not moisturizing may cause your skin to produce more oil to hydrate itself. Heila Eragi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California, says that “you should be using some kind of moisturizer to keep your skin balanced and nourished."