Skin Care Mythbusters: What You Need to Know
At our Houston-based med spa, we’re passionate about helping clients achieve their best skin. However, with so much skincare advice floating around, it’s easy to get confused. That’s why we’re here to bust some of the most common skincare myths and provide you with expert-backed insights.
Key Takeaways:
- Sunscreen is a daily essential, even on cloudy days.
- Oily skin still needs moisturizer to maintain balance.
- Start anti-aging products early to prevent wrinkles.
- Pore size can’t be shrunk, but you can minimize their appearance.
- Price doesn’t always reflect quality—focus on ingredients.
- Regular exfoliation (2-3 times a week) keeps skin smooth, but avoid overdoing it.
- Acne isn’t just for teens—adult acne is common and treatable.
Myth #1: You Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days
This is one of the most widespread myths out there. The truth is, you should be wearing sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. Even on cloudy or cold days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin, causing premature aging, sun damage, and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to keep your skin protected year-round.
Myth #2: Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, thinking it will make their skin even shinier. However, this can actually have the opposite effect. When skin lacks moisture, it can overcompensate by producing more oil. The key is to choose an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Proper hydration helps balance oil production and keep your skin healthy.
Myth #3: Anti-Aging Products Are Only for Older Skin
Starting anti-aging products before wrinkles appear can actually be a great preventative step. Ingredients like retinol, peptides, exfoliants and antioxidants help maintain skin elasticity, boost collagen and elastin, and prevent the signs of aging. You don’t have to wait for wrinkles to start using anti-aging skincare—early prevention is key to keeping skin looking youthful longer. And don’t forget that sunscreen!
Myth #4: You Can Shrink Your Pores
While it’s possible to minimize the appearance of pores, you can’t physically shrink them. Pore size is largely determined by genetics. However, you can reduce their visibility by keeping them clean and clear. Regular exfoliation, using products with salicylic acid, and opting for non-comedogenic Skin Care can help your pores look smaller and skin smoother.
Myth #5: Expensive Products Are Always Better
It is more important to focus on quality and trustworthiness than price tag. Although many affordable products also contain effective, science-backed ingredients, products sold at our Medical Spa have undergone an additional rigorous medical review and a higher level of scrutiny by our in-house scientific experts and our Medical Director. Our expert technicians can help you find the right products based on your specific skin concerns and needs.
Myth #6: You Only Need to Exfoliate Once in a While
Exfoliation is an essential step in maintaining smooth, radiant skin. While you don’t need to exfoliate daily, doing it regularly (around 2-3 times per week) helps remove dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. On the other hand, over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, so it's important to find the right balance for your skin type.
Myth #7: Acne Only Affects Teenagers
Acne can affect people at any age, and adult acne is more common than many think. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and even skincare products can trigger breakouts. If you're struggling with adult acne, our customized treatment options—like chemical peels, laser therapy, and medical-grade products—can help manage and improve your skin's appearance.
Myth #8: Natural is always better
While some natural ingredients can offer skin benefits, some are also irritating or worse, can cause allergies. No matter their source, it is more important to focus on ingredients that have been proven effective and safe in several peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Myth #9: Exfoliating acids are bad for the skin barrier
Irritation and barrier disruption can accompany exfoliating acids, especially those used for in-office peels. However, expert estheticians know how to keep this disruption controlled and temporary to ensure maximum efficacy and minimum irritation. Most over-exfoliation occurs with excessive use of at-home leave-on exfoliating products or devices. Consult with our expert estheticians for best usage directions.
Myth #10: Physical exfoliants are terrible for your skin
Physical exfoliants are not all created equal. While rounded wax beads and loofah particles are perfectly suited for daily use, other particles can do more harm than good. Stay clear of pit fragments (Apricot is the most infamous) or rough crystals, they induce uncontrolled micro-tears that don’t heal well and create inflammation, which in turns accelerates skin aging.
Myth #11: You Don’t Need Sunscreen If You Have Darker Skin
A common misconception is that those with darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen. While melanin provides some natural protection from UV rays, it’s not enough to completely shield your skin from sun damage. People of all skin tones are susceptible to UV-related skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, no matter your skin tone. Our Houston med spa offers professional-grade sunscreens tailored to your specific skin needs to provide optimal protection.
Myth #12: Drinking More Water Will Hydrate Your Skin
While staying hydrated is important for your overall health, simply drinking more water won't directly hydrate your skin. Skin hydration is affected by your skin barrier and how well it retains moisture. Using a good-quality moisturizer is key to locking in hydration and keeping your skin plump and radiant. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help draw moisture into your skin. At our med spa, we recommend customized hydrating treatments and products to keep your skin nourished from the outside in.
Myth #13: Skincare Results Are Immediate
One of the most persistent myths is that skincare products or treatments will provide immediate results. While some improvements can be seen relatively quickly, such as reduced redness or increased hydration, most skincare products and treatments require consistent use over time to deliver long-term benefits. It typically takes several weeks of regular use to see noticeable changes in your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health. Patience and consistency are key. At our Houston med spa, we work with clients to develop personalized skincare plans designed for lasting results.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts, Not the Myths
Skincare myths can prevent you from achieving the best results, but by understanding what really works, you can take better care of your skin. At our Houston med spa, we believe in providing you with the tools and knowledge to build an effective, personalized skincare routine that targets your unique needs. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back—schedule a consultation with us today to learn how we can help you achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.
How Our Houston Med Spa Can Help You Achieve Real Results
At our Houston med spa, we’re committed to helping you achieve healthy, radiant skin by offering evidence-based treatments and products that deliver real results. Our team of skincare professionals is here to guide you through the confusion of skincare myths and provide you with a personalized approach that works for your unique skin type and concerns. From anti-aging solutions to acne treatments, we use advanced medical-grade products and techniques to help you reach your skincare goals.Let’s put these skincare myths to rest and help you achieve the radiant, healthy skin you deserve!