Skincare myths debunked: What I’ve learnt the hard way

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to another Wisdom Wednesday. Today, I’m tackling a topic that’s been a personal obsession (and occasional torment): skincare myths. As I approach 40 in just two months, living here in sunny Malta, I’ve had my fair share of skincare blunders. From misguided routines to stubborn misconceptions, I’ve learnt the hard way what works and what doesn’t. So, let’s debunk some common skincare myths, weaving in my own experiences with a dash of expert insight. Grab a herbal tea, and let’s dive in!

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Myth 1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturiser

I used to think my oily T-zone was a free pass to skip moisturiser. Living in Malta’s humid climate, I’d convince myself that adding more hydration was asking for trouble. Wrong move. By avoiding it, my skin became dehydrated, triggering an oil overload that left me shinier than a tourist’s sunburn.

Experts explain this as the “rebound effect”—skip moisture, and your skin overcompensates. After months of this cycle, I caved and tried a lightweight moisturiser. The difference was night and day. Dr Anjali Mahto, a dermatologist I admire, confirms that even oily skin needs hydration to stay balanced. Lesson learnt: don’t let a greasy forehead fool you into ditching this step.

Myth 2: The More You Exfoliate, the Better

Exfoliation and I have a love-hate past. In my twenties, I’d attack my face daily with gritty scrubs, thinking it was the secret to flawless skin. I’d emerge red and raw, smugly satisfied—until the flaking and sensitivity kicked in. Overzealous exfoliation was wrecking my skin barrier, and Malta’s relentless sun didn’t help.

The experts call it a balancing act. Too much—whether physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants like AHAs—strips your skin, leaving it prone to irritation. Now, I stick to a gentle chemical exfoliant once a week, and my skin’s much happier. Dr Sam Bunting advises a “less is more” approach, a mantra I wish I’d adopted before my face staged a revolt.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

Malta’s known for its sunshine, but I used to slack on sunscreen when clouds rolled in. I figured those rare overcast days were a break from UV worries—until I noticed freckles and patchy tone creeping up. Turns out, I was kidding myself.

The British Skin Foundation notes that up to 80% of UV rays pierce through clouds. UVA rays, the ones that age you, don’t care about the weather. With 40 on the horizon, I’m religious about SPF 50 daily. It’s not just vanity; sun damage is a major skin cancer risk, and Malta’s intense rays mean I can’t take chances.

Myth 4: Expensive Products Are Always Better

I’ve splurged on luxury creams promising miracles, only to find they didn’t outshine my affordable vegan staples. One overpriced serum left my skin tacky and irritated, while a budget moisturiser became my hero. Price doesn’t guarantee results—it’s a myth I’ve debunked through trial and error.

Ingredients matter more than the label. Skincare expert Caroline Hirons swears by effective actives—hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—over flashy packaging. My bathroom shelf now boasts practical, cruelty-free picks that suit my skin and my ethics. The takeaway? Research trumps a hefty price tag every time.

Myth 5: Acne Means You’re Not Washing Your Face Enough

Teenage me waged war on acne with endless face-washing. I’d scrub until my skin screamed, yet the spots persisted. It wasn’t until later that I realised over-cleansing was making things worse.

Acne’s often hormonal or stress-related—humid summers don’t help either. Overwashing dries you out, sparking more oil and clogged pores. Now, I use a gentle, vegan cleanser twice daily, adding a spot treatment when needed. The British Association of Dermatologists agrees: moderation, not aggression, wins the acne battle. If only I’d known that before torturing my face!

Myth 6: Natural Ingredients Are Always Safer

As a vegan, I once went all-in on “natural” skincare, thinking it was gentler. Big mistake. A DIY mask which included lemon left my skin scorched—lemons are acidic and phototoxic. Natural isn’t a synonym for safe.

Take essential oils: tea tree’s a breakout buster, but undiluted, it irritated my skin. Dr Justine Kluk warns that some natural ingredients can sensitise or allergise. I’ve since embraced a mix—synthetic retinoids for fine lines, plant-based aloe for calm. It’s about efficacy, not ideology.

Myth 7: You’ll Outgrow Skincare Problems

I hoped adulthood would mean flawless skin—no more spots or dryness. Yet, nearing 40, I still face hormonal breakouts and sun-induced patches. The myth that skincare woes fade with age? Utter nonsense.

Skin evolves—collagen drops, hormones shift, and Malta’s climate adds its own challenges. My routine at 20 flopped by 30, and now I’m adapting again. Experts say consistent care—hydration, SPF, and TLC—is lifelong. Accepting that has freed me from chasing a mythical “perfect” phase.

My Takeaway: Trust Your Skin

Through these mishaps, I’ve learnt to listen to my skin. Malta’s sun and humidity amplify every mistake, but they’ve also taught me resilience. Myths can mislead, but your skin’s signals don’t. Tightness means hydrate; redness means stop. Pair that with expert tips—like SPF daily or vegan-friendly actives—and you’ve got a winning formula.

Skincare’s a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve wasted time on misconceptions, but each taught me something. Now, my routine’s solid, and my skin’s thriving as I head towards 40.

So, lovely readers—what skincare myth have you fallen for, and how did you wise up? Share your tales in the comments—I can’t wait to read them!

Until next time,