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The Worst 5 Skincare Advice I Ever Received and Why You Should Avoid It

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When it comes to skincare, following the worst skincare advice can lead to more harm than good. Over the years, I’ve received plenty of tips that didn’t work, and some even caused damage to my skin. In this post, I’m sharing the worst 5 skincare advice I ever received and explaining why you should avoid these common skincare mistakes.

1. “Use Toothpaste on Pimples for Quick Results”

A woman applying toothpaste on a pimple, showcasing the misconception of using toothpaste for acne treatment.

This was the worst skincare tip that anybody ever shared with me. I really just remember someone telling me to put toothpaste on a pimple and leave it overnight; it will dry out and disappear. Of course, it does contain baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which has an effect of drying the spots. But this is not something made for skin.

Why It’s Bad:
This product, though, will only irritate skin and make it turn red, swollen, and dry. It might shrink one pimple by using some ‘harsh’ ingredients, but then it can strip the skin of the natural protective layer for moisture, leading to more breakouts and long-term damage. Instead, try using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in a spot treatment formula that’s meant to fight acne.

2. “Skip Sunscreen on Cloudy Days”

A modestly dressed woman, wearing a hijab, applying sunscreen on her face on a cloudy day

Probably the most misguided advice I got from anyone was not to use sunscreen when the sun is not brightly shining. Behind that advice lay the rather illogical reasoning that if one cannot see the UV rays directly, no damage could occur. In truth, that couldn’t be further from the fact.

Why It’s Bad:
Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. So, even on gray days, your skin is still vulnerable to sun damage, early skin aging, and skin cancers. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is a daily habit.

3. “DIY Lemon and Baking Soda Mask for Glowing Skin”

A split-screen image: one side with lemon and baking soda, and the other showing irritated skin, representing the dangers of DIY masks.

DIY skincare is hot, but there are some ingredients that just shouldn’t go on your skin. I once had someone tell me to mix in lemon juice with some baking soda to exfoliate and brighten my skin. What a disaster!

Why It’s Bad:
Lemon is highly acidic-it has a pH of about 2-whereas the baking soda happens to be highly basic with a pH of 9. Using the two upsets your skin’s natural pH and could actually lead to irritation and burning, even chronic sensitivity. Instead, go for gentle exfoliators with known active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids.

4. “Oily Skin? Use Harsh Cleansers to Strip Away the Oil”

A drying, cracked face next to a foaming cleanser, highlighting the risk of using harsh products for oily skin.

When I first started developing an oily complexion, I was told to use strong, foaming cleansers to rid my skin of extra oil. The concept was that sans oil, the skin wouldn’t breakout and would stay matte all day.

Why It’s Bad:
Actually, stripping your skin of its natural oils can send the sebaceous glands into a tailspin, generating even more oil to compensate for how dry and parched it must feel. Of course, this leads only to further breakouts, irritation, and weakened skin barriers. Use a mild, oil-free cleanser, then follow up with a light, oil-free moisturizer to strike a balance.

5. “Exfoliate Every Day for Smoother Skin”

A before-and-after image showing skin irritation from over-exfoliation, emphasizing the danger of daily exfoliation.

Exfoliation is great, sloughing away at skin cells and revealing a fresh, brilliant complexion; however, I got that ages-old advice from someone to exfoliate every day-keep your skin smooth. It wasn’t long before I realized it was far too harsh on my poor skin.

Why It’s Bad:
Too much exfoliation can really cause redness, irritation, and even micro-tears in the skin that may result in long-term damage. All in all, your skin needs some time between exfoliating sessions to regenerate. Just exfoliate 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type, and opt for methods that are gentler and non-abrasive in nature.

Conclusion: Skincare Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Skincare is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it’s essential to avoid these widely circulated myths and adopt practices that are supported by science. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist who can guide you based on your unique skin needs.

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Do you have any skincare advice you’ve received that you wish you hadn’t followed? Share your story in the comments below!

 

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