Busted: The Skincare Tips That Do More Harm Than Good

The internet is full of skincare advice. Some of it is genuinely brilliant. Some of it could genuinely damage your skin. In the spirit of April Fools' Day, we're calling out the myths that just won't die — and telling you what to actually do instead.

Myth #1: Toothpaste dries out pimples overnight

Perhaps the most enduring skincare myth of all time. The logic seems sound — toothpaste has antibacterial properties, pimples need drying out — but this is one tip you should absolutely ignore.

Toothpaste is formulated for your teeth, not your face. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, and menthol can seriously irritate your skin, causing redness, flaking, and inflammation. In some cases, leaving it on overnight can even cause a chemical burn. The pimple might look a little drier — but the skin around it will be angry, irritated, and worse off than before.

What to do instead: Our Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches ($10) are clinically proven to visibly reduce breakouts in just 4 hours. Made with 99% hydrocolloid plus Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, and Ectoin, they draw out impurities and flatten blemishes while you sleep — no irritation, no redness, no minty side effects. Virtually invisible on all skin tones, so you can wear them during the day too.

If breakouts are a recurring issue rather than a one-off, it's worth understanding acne and breakouts so you can treat the cause, not just the pimple.

Myth #2: You should skip moisturizer if you have oily skin

This one sounds logical on the surface. Your skin is already producing lots of oil — why would you add more? Surely moisturizing oily skin just makes things worse?

Actually, it's the opposite. When your skin is dehydrated — meaning it lacks water, not oil — it overcompensates by producing more sebum. Skipping moisturizer doesn't reduce oiliness; it can actually make it worse. Your skin is trying to protect itself, and without proper hydration, it'll keep reaching for the only tool it has: oil.

What oily skin needs isn't less moisture — it's the right moisture. Lightweight, oil-free hydration that works with your skin barrier, not against it. For a deeper dive, check out why oily skin gets dehydrated too.

What to do instead: Our Omega Water Cream ($15) is a non-comedogenic water cream clinically proven to help balance excess oil and hydrate skin without clogging pores. Powered by 5% Niacinamide, 5% Glycerin, and an Omega Fatty Acid Complex, it absorbs instantly and never feels greasy. 95% of users said their skin tone looked more even after 28 days. Want to know more about the hero ingredient? Here's what Niacinamide actually does for oil control and texture.

Myth #3: Lemon juice gives you a natural, brighter-looking glow

Natural! Brightening! Already in your fridge! It sounds perfect. It isn't.

Lemon juice has a pH of around 2 — roughly the same as vinegar. It's highly acidic and photosensitizing, meaning it increases your skin's sensitivity to UV light and can cause serious sun damage. There's even a condition called phytophotodermatitis — essentially a chemical burn triggered by citrus on skin exposed to sunlight — that can result in blistering, dark patches, and long-term pigmentation. The cruel irony? It can actually cause the hyperpigmentation you were hoping to fix.

What to do instead: Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum ($20) delivers real, clinically proven brightening without any of the risk. Formulated with 15% stable Ascorbyl Glucoside and 1% plant-derived EGF, it targets hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone. In an independent trial, 87% of users agreed their skin looks brighter and 88% saw a visible improvement in tone and texture. Apply in the morning, follow with SPF, and leave the lemons for your water.

Looking for an extra glow step on top of your Vitamin C? Our Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex is clinically proven to help 100% of users achieve more glowing skin*, with 6-in-1 skin rejuvenation that visibly improves radiance, hydration, tone, firmness, elasticity and texture* — clinic-worthy results in just 14 days*. A great next step once your skin has adjusted to actives.

The Real Tips (Since We're Being Honest Now)

Look, skincare myths are funny — until someone ends up with a toothpaste burn on their chin. The truth is, great skin doesn't require kitchen experiments or skipping the steps your skin actually needs. It requires a little knowledge and the right ingredients.

At INKEY, knowledge is quite literally our thing. So here's what we actually stand behind:

• Breakouts? → Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches — clinically proven results in 4 hours. $10.
• Oily skin that needs moisture? → Omega Water Cream — oil-free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven to help balance excess oil. $15.
• Want to brighten your skin? → 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum — stable Vitamin C + EGF, not lemon juice. $20.
• Want extra glow? → Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex — 6-in-1 clinically proven skin rejuvenation in 14 days*. $24.

No toothpaste. No citrus fruits. No skipping the moisturizer.

*4-week clinical study of 26 people