Common Skincare and Makeup Myths That Persist for No Good Reason

This is one of the most repeated myths in skincare. Pores are follicle openings — they don't contain muscle tissue, so they literally cannot dilate or contract the way a blood vessel might. Steam can help soften sebum and debris, making cleansing feel more effective, but it isn't mechanically "opening" anything. Similarly, a cold rinse feels refreshing but does not shrink pores. Pore size is primarily determined by genetics and skin elasticity — not water temperature. For more on how the skin's structure actually works, see the science behind your skin barrier.

Poison ivy is natural. So is latex, a common allergen. Many plant-derived extracts — citrus oils, essential oils, certain botanical extracts — are among the most frequent triggers of contact dermatitis. Conversely, many synthetic ingredients have been extensively safety-tested and are well-tolerated by most skin types. The word "natural" on a label is a marketing descriptor, not a clinical safety guarantee. Always assess ingredients on their own merits, and patch-test new products regardless of how they're positioned. The research on fragrance in skincare is a useful case study in how "natural" scents can cause real sensitivity issues.

Oiliness and hydration are not the same thing. Sebum (the skin's natural oil) and water content are separate systems. When skin is dehydrated — even oily skin — it can signal the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to compensate. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps maintain the skin barrier without adding greasiness. If your routine is leaving your skin feeling tight, stripped, or reactive, that's a signal worth paying attention to. Our article on signs your skincare routine is doing more harm than good walks through exactly those warning signs.

Packaging, brand prestige, and fragrance can all drive up the cost of a product without improving its performance on your skin. What matters is whether a product contains the right active ingredients at effective concentrations, has a stable formulation, and is suited to your skin type. A drugstore retinol or niacinamide serum may perform just as well as a luxury equivalent — sometimes better, because budget-oriented brands invest heavily in core ingredients rather than packaging. That said, very cheap formulations may cut corners on stability or preservation. Look at ingredient lists, not price tags, as your primary guide.

SPF ratings on makeup products are tested at a specific application thickness — roughly 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin — which is much more product than the average person uses. In practice, most people apply a fraction of what's needed to replicate the labeled protection. This doesn't mean SPF in makeup is useless, but it shouldn't be your only line of defense. Dermatologists widely recommend applying a dedicated sunscreen underneath makeup for reliable daily protection. The evidence behind this recommendation is examined in detail in why sunscreen is the one step dermatologists agree on.

Primer can create a smoother base, extend wear, and help control shine for those who need it. But for people with dry skin or well-balanced skin, a good moisturizer may do the same job, and adding primer can sometimes cause pilling or uneven texture depending on formulation compatibility. Whether primer works for you depends on your skin type, the foundation formula you use, and what you want from your makeup. If you're curious about building a toolkit that's truly suited to your needs, see our breakdown of every basic makeup kit tool.