15 Misconceptions About Facial Skin Care

Facial skin is one of the main indicators of a person's health and beauty. Proper cosmetic procedures help keep it firm, smooth, and radiant. However, there are common mistakes and misconceptions that can nullify even the most diligent efforts.

In this article, we will discuss popular myths about skin care, find out why they are incorrect, and learn how to care for your face properly.

1. Wiping your face with lotion is enough before applying cream

One of the most common misconceptions is thinking that using lotion or milk for the face completely replaces thorough cleansing. In a big city with a high level of environmental pollution, the skin needs more careful washing. Dust particles, exhaust gases, and microbes that settle on the face during the day can clog pores and cause inflammation, blackheads, or dull skin.

How to properly cleanse your face

1. Double cleansing. First, remove makeup and surface impurities using special cleansing oil, micellar water, or milk, and then wash your face with a gel or foam cleanser.
2. Gentle products. Choose cosmetics with a neutral pH level to avoid drying out the skin and disrupting its protective barrier.
3. Regularity. Cleanse your face twice a day: in the morning before applying skincare products and in the evening before bed.

2. Rubbing your face with ice cubes is always beneficial

There is an opinion that daily rubbing your face with ice cubes has a strengthening effect on the skin and blood vessels. However, dermatocosmetologists note that cold can cause excessive stress on the skin. Frequent constriction and dilation of vessels from regular ice use can lead to capillary networks, puffiness, and enlarged pores.

What to consider

1. Sparse and measured use. If you like cryotherapy (ice, cold compresses), do not use them daily. A couple of times a week is enough.
2. Temperature balance. Remember that extreme temperatures (both cold and hot) should not become a regular skincare measure.
3. Alternatives. Instead of ice, you can use cool compresses or slightly chilled fabric masks, which tone the skin without the risk of vascular damage.

3. A good cream solves all skin problems

A common misconception is expecting a "miracle" cream to remove wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and make the skin perfectly healthy without any effort. Experts believe that skin condition is directly related to overall health: diet, stress levels, hormonal balance, sleep, and lifestyle.

Practical recommendations

1. Comprehensive approach. Proper nutrition, sufficient water intake, physical activity, and quality sleep are crucial components of skin health.
2. Maintain hygiene. Use a clean face towel and minimize touching your skin with dirty hands.
3. Limit aggressive effects. Too frequent washing, overuse of peels, and using inappropriate products can harm even with a "magical" cream.

4. Creams and masks should be left on the skin until they are fully absorbed or dried

Many believe that the longer you leave cream or a mask on your face, the more effective the result will be. However, cosmetologists warn: excessive contact with the product (more than 10–15 minutes without specific medical indications) can block the skin from "breathing." Clogged pores can lead to puffiness, enlarged pores, and reduced skin tone.

How to use creams and masks

1. Follow instructions. If the manufacturer recommends keeping the mask on for 5–10 minutes, do not extend the procedure time.
2. Remove excess. If the cream is not absorbed within 10 minutes, gently blot your face with a tissue to avoid overloading the skin.
3. Exception — medicinal products. Some masks and creams prescribed by a dermatologist may require longer exposure, but this should be explicitly stated.

5. Cream should be "patted" into the skin

It is believed that to improve the absorption of cream, it should be "patted" into the skin with fingertips. However, excessive mechanical action can injure the epidermis, stretch the skin, and provoke irritation.

What is better to do

1. Gentle movements. Apply the cream gently with circular massaging or stroking motions, trying not to stretch the skin.
2. Massage as needed. If you want to improve blood circulation and increase skin tone, consider special massage techniques or use facial massagers, but with individual features and a doctor's recommendations in mind.

6. Masks can be done every other day

Additional care in the form of masks is very useful, but not all masks are the same. Natural ones (made from fresh fruits, berries, vegetables) are usually softer and can be used more often — several times a week. Chemical or ready-made industrial masks enriched with active components are recommended only once a week to avoid overloading the skin.

What to pay attention to

1. Skin sensitivity. If you have thin or sensitive skin, avoid frequent procedures even with natural products.
2. Seasonality. In winter, the skin needs more nourishment and protection, while in summer — hydration and UV protection.
3. Check for allergens. Before using a new store-bought or homemade mask, test it on a small area of skin to avoid unwanted reactions.

7. Special creams are needed for the eye area

The market offers numerous products "under the eyes," "on the eyes," "for the lower eyelid," etc. Cosmetologists agree that the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, but in many cases, you can use the same cream as for the whole face if it suits your needs.

When to choose a separate product

1. Super-sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to allergies or you have specific issues (dark circles, puffiness), special formulas may be more effective.
2. Anti-aging care. Some eye creams contain ingredients (e.g., caffeine or peptides) that help combat puffiness and fine lines.
3. Specialist consultation. For serious issues or pathologies (e.g., constant morning puffiness, pronounced dark circles), it is better to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

8. The more cream you apply, the better

A popular mistake: generously "smearing" the face with a thick layer of cream, believing that the skin will receive more nutrients this way. In fact, cosmetic compositions contain active components that, in large doses, can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis.

Moderation principle

1. A small amount is enough. Usually, a pea-sized amount of cream is enough to cover the entire face with a thin layer.
2. Test before buying. Test a new product on a small area of skin (e.g., behind the ear) to ensure there are no irritations or allergic reactions.
3. Follow instructions. If the product contains acids, retinol, and other active ingredients, it is crucial not to exceed the manufacturer's recommended usage amount.

9. Scrubs are necessary for removing dead skin cells

Many believe that regular (almost daily) use of scrubs is the key to smooth and renewed skin. However, remember that the upper layer of the epidermis exfoliates naturally, and harsh mechanical cleaning can disrupt the protective barrier, causing irritation and dehydration.

How to approach exfoliation

1. Consult a dermatocosmetologist. A specialist will advise whether you need a scrub, which type, and how often to use it.
2. Gentle formulas. Most people benefit from mild enzymatic peels that gently dissolve dead cells without mechanical trauma.
3. Monitor reactions. If your skin is irritated, peeling, or excessively red after a scrub, reduce the frequency or change the product.

10. Night creams are applied before bedtime and left on all night

A common myth: night creams should be left on the face from evening until morning. In fact, specialists recommend applying nourishing and moisturizing creams 2–3 hours before bedtime and removing excess to avoid overloading the skin. Leaving the product on the skin all night can lead to puffiness, under-eye bags, and intensified wrinkles.

Evening skincare recommendations

1. Time of application. Apply the cream in advance so it has time to absorb and not interfere with the skin's nighttime regeneration.
2. Remove excess. If necessary, remove residue with a tissue 10–15 minutes after application.
3. Gentle massage. Light massaging motions when applying the cream (without stretching the skin) improve microcirculation and enhance the product's beneficial effect.

11. Moisturizers prevent wrinkles

It is believed that moisturizers help fight the first signs of aging. In reality, they only temporarily improve the skin's appearance and elasticity by providing moisture. Truly effective wrinkle treatments contain anti-aging and sunscreen components (e.g., SPF, antioxidants, peptides) that slow down the aging process.

What really helps against wrinkles

1. Sunscreens (SPF). Ultraviolet light is the main enemy of young and healthy skin, so daily sun protection is essential year-round.
2. Antioxidants. Products with vitamins C, E, and niacinamide can reduce oxidative stress and prevent premature cell aging.
3. Retinoids. Retinol-based products promote cell renewal, smooth microrelief, and reduce wrinkle visibility.

12. Natural cosmetics are better than synthetic ones

For many years, there has been a debate about which products are more effective and safer — those with natural ingredients or synthetic ones. It's important to understand that synthetic ingredients are often developed to be identical to natural ones but are purified of potential allergens and impurities. In some cases, "pure" synthetic analogs reduce the risk of negative reactions.

What to consider when choosing products

1. Allergenicity. Natural extracts may contain pollen, essential oils, and other substances that cause allergies.
2. Production quality. Many brands working with natural raw materials strive to ensure a high degree of purification, but a 100% guarantee of allergen-free products is difficult to provide.
3. Individual approach. The choice of cosmetics depends on your personal characteristics and preferences. There is no universal answer to what is better — natural or synthetic; the main thing is to monitor the skin's reaction.

13. Moisturizing creams are necessary for everyone

It is believed that absolutely everyone should use a moisturizing cream. In practice, it is primarily necessary for those with skin prone to dryness, flaking, or tightness, as well as in mature age, when natural hydration mechanisms weaken.

When moisturizing products are truly needed

1. Dry and dehydrated skin. In cases of pronounced dryness or after aggressive procedures (peels, lasers), a moisturizing cream restores the hydro-lipid balance.
2. Mature skin. With age, the production of natural moisturizing factors decreases, so additional hydration helps maintain firmness and tone.
3. Seasonal changes. During the heating season, indoor humidity drops, and the skin may experience moisture deficiency. In such cases, moisturizing creams are very relevant.

14. Cosmetics detoxify the skin

Some manufacturers claim their products "detoxify" the skin, removing harmful substances. In reality, toxins produced by the body are naturally eliminated through the liver, kidneys, and sweat glands. The task of cosmetics is to cleanse the skin of external pollutants (dust, sebum, makeup residues) and dead cells.

Why cleansing procedures are important

1. Removing dirt and excess sebum. Helps prevent clogged pores and inflammation.
2. Preparing for care. Active components of subsequent products (serums, creams, masks) penetrate better on clean skin.
3. Healthy appearance. Regular cleansing prevents a dull complexion, making the skin more even and radiant.

15. If the skin gets used to one cream, you’ll have to use it for life

There is a belief that if you use the same product for a long time, the skin "gets used to" it and cannot function normally without it. In reality, no product can "reprogram" the skin to become dependent.

Why it's worth changing products

1. Familiarity with the formula. For some people, the skin may "tire" of a certain formula over time, resulting in irritation, allergies, or reduced effectiveness.
2. Seasonal changes. At different times of the year, the skin requires different care (more hydration in winter, more sun protection in summer).
3. Changes in the body. Hormonal fluctuations, age-related changes, stress, or diet changes can affect the skin's condition and require adjustments to care routines.

Choosing cosmetics

• Specialist consultation. A professional cosmetologist or dermatologist can help choose optimal products without hidden advertising of specific brands.
• Self-monitoring. Pay attention to the skin's reaction, rashes, signs of dryness, or oiliness; if unusual symptoms occur, consider changing the product or seeking advice.
• Reasonable experiments. Changing cosmetics is possible but should be done cautiously, gradually introducing new products into the routine. Allergy testing is recommended.

Facial skin care is a whole science that requires a combination of reliable information and common sense. Many myths related to the "magical" properties of certain products or techniques arise from a misunderstanding of the skin's nature and its true needs. The key principle is moderation, regularity, and a competent choice of products considering individual characteristics.

Don’t rely solely on one cream or radical procedures: the key to healthy and beautiful skin is a comprehensive approach, including proper nutrition, absence of bad habits, sufficient sleep, and quality cosmetics in reasonable amounts.

If you are unsure whether certain care methods are suitable for you, do not hesitate to consult specialists. Professional dermatologists and cosmetologists can help you navigate the variety of the modern cosmetic industry and select products that truly benefit your skin.