I have to get something off my chest. The skincare myths floating around on the internet right now are genuinely sending me. And I say that as someone who loves that people are more interested in their skin than ever, because that is a wonderful thing. But with that interest has come a wave of trends, ingredient hype, and flat-out misinformation that ranges from slightly misleading to completely made up. After more than 20 years in this industry, I just feel like it’s my job to set the record straight.
So let’s talk about a few of the biggest skincare myths I keep seeing… and what’s actually true instead.
Skincare Myths, Debunked: Vitamin E Will Fade Your Scars
This one has been around forever and I still hear it constantly. The idea that dabbing vitamin E oil directly onto a scar will help it fade is one of those beauty myths that absolutely refuses to die, and I wish I could tell you it was true because it sounds so simple and appealing.
The reality is that research has actually shown the opposite. Studies have found that topical vitamin E can cause contact dermatitis in a significant number of people, and in many cases it makes the appearance of scars worse, not better. The American Academy of Dermatology is a great resource if you want to dig into what the evidence actually says about scar treatment. Vitamin E is a wonderful antioxidant when it’s part of a well-formulated product, but applying it straight from a capsule onto a scar is not the move.
If you’re genuinely concerned about scarring, the most effective treatment I’ve seen in my career is microneedling. It works by stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production to remodel scar tissue over time, and the results are real. It’s not a quick fix, but nothing effective ever is. You can learn more about how it works at our microneedling page.
“Natural” Does Not Mean Safe or Effective
This one comes up constantly, especially with the rise of clean beauty, and I genuinely understand the appeal. Wanting to know what’s in your products and where it comes from is not a bad instinct. But the assumption that natural always equals gentle and effective, and synthetic always equals harmful, is just not how skin chemistry works.
Poison ivy is natural. Fragrant essential oils are natural, and they are one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Certain plant extracts can be incredibly sensitizing, especially for anyone with reactive or compromised skin. Meanwhile, some of the most effective, well-researched, and well-tolerated skincare ingredients out there are made in a lab. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides… all synthetic, all genuinely great for skin.
The ingredient list matters. The origin story does not. When you’re evaluating a product, look at what’s in it and what the evidence says, not just whether it has the word “natural” on the label.
You Cannot Actually Shrink Your Pores
I’m sorry. I know this is not what anyone wants to hear. But any product claiming to permanently shrink your pores is overselling itself, and this is one of the skincare myths I want to retire forever.
Pore size is largely determined by genetics and skin type. You cannot change the physical size of a pore any more than you can change your bone structure. What you can do is keep pores clean and clear so they appear smaller, and that is genuinely worth doing. Ingredients like niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids are great for this because they help with oil control, cell turnover, and keeping buildup out of pores. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, consistent cleansing, non-comedogenic products, and certain active ingredients can all help minimize the appearance of pores over time.
So the goal isn’t to shrink them. It’s to keep them clean and your skin healthy, and over time that actually does make a visible difference in how your skin looks and feels.
More Products, More Steps, More Actives… Is Not More
This is honestly one of the most damaging skincare myths circulating right now, and I think it’s doing real harm. The idea that more products, more steps, more active ingredients equals better skin has led so many people to over-strip, over-exfoliate, and seriously compromise their skin barrier in the process. And then they wonder why their skin is so reactive, so sensitive, so angry all the time.
Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defense. When it’s healthy, it keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s damaged, everything gets harder: your skin becomes more reactive, products that used to work stop working, and you can end up in a cycle of breakouts and sensitivity that’s really frustrating to get out of. The National Eczema Association has good information on barrier function if you want to understand more about why this matters.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for your skin is simplify. Strip your routine back to the basics, give your skin a chance to recover, and then thoughtfully add things back in one at a time. If you’re not sure where to start, that is genuinely one of my favorite conversations to have with clients.
A Signature Facial is actually a really great way to reset, because it gives us a chance to assess where your skin is, what it actually needs, and what you might want to adjust in your routine at home. No guessing, no trending ingredient of the week. Just a real conversation about your skin.
Let’s Cut Through the Noise Together
I know it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to actually believe when everyone online has a strong opinion and the algorithm keeps serving you a new skincare secret every other day. That’s genuinely why I love having these conversations with clients. Getting back to what actually works, and letting go of what doesn’t, is kind of my favorite thing.
If you want to talk through your routine, ask about ingredients you’re thinking about adding, or just get a clear-eyed read on where your skin is right now, we’re always here. Book your next appointment at dollfaceboston.com.
