Debunking Skin Myths (pt. 2)

Leilani W
Nov 30, 2025
5 min read

In my last entry, we learned and debunked 5 of the most common skin myths. Lack of time to research and go really in depth in other subjects led me to continue this series; however, despite these being smaller entries, I believe being aware of these misconceptions and the truth behind them is just as important. So, here we are again. Today, we'll be looking at 5 additional skin myths, most of which are related to skincare.

Myth 6: "You Can Shrink Your Pores"

Your pores are the openings on the skin that release sebum. Naturally, they can appear larger and more noticeable due to the accumulation of oil, sweat, dirt, or dead skin cells.

You've probably seen those skincare products that claim to "shrink your pores", but the reality is that the size of your pores is largely determined by genetics. Other factors, such as age, sun damage, oily skin type, hormones, and your skincare routine, can also affect pores' size. However, it is possible to minimize their appearance through skincare habits, including: - cleansing regularly (twice a day) with a suitable cleanser for your skin type

- exfoliate weekly with a chemical exfoliant (3 times a week). Be careful not to over-exfoliate, which will lead to irritation

- use products containing ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, and salicylic acid

- lean towards oil-free moisturizers, especially for those with oily skin

- using clay masks

- consider professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy

Myth 7: "Expensive Skincare Products Are Always Better"

I mean, you'd think that if it's more expensive, you'll reap the benefits. Luckily for me and many others who can't afford insanely expensive creams, that isn't always true. What really determines the effectiveness of skincare products is the ingredients and how well they suit your skin type. Active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C have proven, through clinical trials and testing, to have beneficial results. The key is to purchase products based on their formulations rather than their price tag.

Myth 8: "Dry Skin is Caused by a Lack of Water"

I was really surprised by this claim cause it makes sense that if you drink more water, which makes up roughly 70% of your body, your skin will also be hydrated. Apparently not, though.

To understand this, we need to distinguish the difference between hydration and moisturization. Hydration is the water content, meaning the water content in skin cells; dehydrated skin shows fine lines, dullness, and a decrease in bounce. Moisturization is lipid support, referring to the skin's oil content and intercellular lipid matrix (fat layer between skin cells that keeps moisture in and protects the skin); lack of moisture leads to dry skin, showing flaking, roughness, and compromised barrier function.

While drinking water is essential for overall health and keeping your skin cells hydrated, to avoid the common side effects of dry skin (e.g., flaking, redness, roughness), we have to address our skin barrier. Using effective skincare that includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides that help lock in the moisture and maintain your skin's hydration. Avoiding harsh products that contain irritating ingredients, alcohol, or drying cleanser formulations is also important to not damage our skin barrier.

Myth 9: "Anti-aging Treatments Should Start Only When Wrinkles Appear"

Wrinkles are a natural occurrence that happens as our skin cells slow production, skin thins, and collagen (the protein that gives skin its structure) and elastin (the protein that gives the skin its stretch) decrease. Most tend to start using anti-aging products when they're in their 50s, around when sagging and wrinkles appear. The truth is that you should start using preventative products as early as your 20s. This is the age when the products will be the most effective in maintaining the skin's youthful appearance. Preventative treatments, including skincare products with hyaluronic acid or retinol (or any topical retinoid), have higher efficacy than trying to reverse the damage later on in life.

Myth 10: "Blackheads are Just Dirt in the Skin"

Blackheads are those clogged pores that look to be filled with a dark substance; just by looking at them, you might imagine that they are formed by dirt or other debris.

The medical term for a clogged pore is a comedone. We have open comedones, which are the ones we'll look at, and closed comedones. Open comedones, what we know as blackheads, mean that the follicular ostium (the pore's opening) has been blocked by impurities. These impurities aren't dirt stuck in your pores; they are a buildup of dead skin cells and sebum underneath the skin, rather. With this blockage, oil is unable to exit through the pore, causing the opening to dilate; as this clog nears the surface of the skin and makes contact with the air, the oil and cellular debris mixture oxidizes and turns black. Factors such as hormones, genetics, and your skin type all play a role here.

Sadly, blackheads can't just be scrubbed away, not completely; using prescribed topical medication over time can effectively help reduce the underlying cause of overproduction of oil and clear them. Exfoliating weekly and opting for skincare products with formulations including salicylic acid, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid can also improve results.