Welcome to the first edition of The Expert Edit—our new series where industry professionals weigh in on the trends, truths, and traps shaping the skincare conversation today. In a digital age flooded with beauty buzzwords and skincare “hacks,” separating fact from fiction has never been more crucial. This week, we’re setting the record straight with skincare myths debunked by top dermatologists and estheticians. From the surprising benefits of skipping your daily exfoliant to why you still need sunscreen indoors, these expert-backed truths might just change the way you care for your skin.
Exfoliate Less for Healthier Skin
I often hear people say that you need to exfoliate every day to keep your skin feeling fresh and glowy, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, from what I’ve observed in my practice, exfoliating too frequently can actually cause several problems, such as redness, irritation, or even breakouts. The reality is that your skin naturally sheds dead cells and renews itself. So when you overdo it with harsh scrubs or strong acids, you could be stripping away your skin’s protective layer.
For most people, exfoliating two to three times a week is sufficient. If your skin is on the sensitive or dry side, you might even need to reduce the frequency further. Instead of using gritty scrubs that feel like sandpaper, you can try gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs that have the same effect but without the physical abrasion, which can be irritating for some people.
By exfoliating just the right amount and selecting the appropriate products with the help of a dermatologist, you can help your skin stay healthy, protect itself, and look its best.
Dr. Susan Binder, Owner & Dermatologist, Binder Dermatology
Also Read | How to Build Skincare Routine with AHAs and BHAs
Red Light Therapy Benefits Skin
I’ve heard just about every myth in the book. But when it comes to red light therapy, one myth that really needs to go is this:
“Red light therapy is just a trendy gimmick with no real skincare benefits.”
I hear that a lot from people who haven’t tried it—or tried it once and expected instant miracles. But here’s the truth: red light therapy is backed by science, and when used consistently, it can do some amazing things for your skin.
We’re talking stimulated collagen production, reduced inflammation, faded fine lines, and healthier, more radiant skin overall. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a commitment. Just like going to the gym, you won’t see lasting results after one session, but give it a few weeks of regular use, and your skin will absolutely thank you.
At Sundays, we’ve built our entire model around making this kind of wellness technology accessible to everyone—not just spa-goers or skincare professionals. And after seeing thousands of our members glow up with red light, I can say with confidence: it’s not hype—it’s just one of the best-kept secrets in skincare.
Dennis Ligon, Owner, Sundays Sun Spa Shop
Sunscreen Essential Even Indoors
One skincare myth I wish more people would stop believing is: “You don’t need sunscreen if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy.”
The truth is, UV rays, especially UVA, can penetrate windows and clouds, meaning your skin is still exposed to harmful radiation even when you’re not directly under the sun. UVA rays contribute to premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer, and they’re present year-round, regardless of the weather.
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is essential for long-term skin health, even indoors. This is especially important if you spend time near windows, as UVA rays can penetrate glass, or if you’re managing conditions like melasma or post-acne pigmentation, which can worsen with any light exposure, including visible light from screens.
Dr Shamsa Kanwal, Medical Doctor and Consultant Dermatologist, myHSteam
For more expert insight from Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, don’t miss our feature on clean beauty myths—where she unpacks what’s fact, what’s fiction, and why ‘natural’ isn’t always better. Read it here.
Skin Cycling Trumps Product Overload
Skincare Myth: “The more products you use, the better your skin will look.”
The Truth: In reality, using too many skincare products—especially active ingredients like acids and retinoids—can do more harm than good. Overloading your skin can lead to irritation, redness, and even breakouts, particularly if your skin barrier becomes compromised.
A more effective approach is something called skin cycling, where you give your skin time to recover between strong treatments. For example, one night you exfoliate, the next night you use a retinoid, and then you allow one or two “rest” nights using only gentle hydration and barrier-repair products. This rhythm helps your skin respond better to active ingredients without getting overwhelmed.
Bottom line? More isn’t always better. Sometimes, giving your skin space to breathe is the real secret to a healthy, radiant glow.
Dennis Ligon, Owner, Sundays Sun Spa Shop
Men Need Proper Skincare Too
The biggest skincare myth I’ve encountered is that men don’t need a proper routine—just a bar of soap and perhaps some aftershave. I believed this for years.
In my early 30s, I experienced constant redness and irritation. I attributed it to California’s dry climate.
Eventually, I relented and consulted a dermatologist. She informed me that my harsh cleansing habits were actually damaging my skin barrier.
Once I switched to a gentle cleanser, basic moisturizer, and daily sunscreen, everything changed. My skin began looking healthier than it had in a decade.
Colleagues even noticed and inquired about what I’d done differently. That felt surprising, considering how many men my age still just endure skin issues.
Honestly, skincare isn’t about gender or expensive products. It’s about determining what your skin needs and treating it with respect.
Your skin is your largest organ—it’s not just for appearance. Taking care of it now pays dividends later, well beyond your thirties.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
Natural Ingredients Not Always Better
One skincare myth I wish more people would stop believing is that “natural” always means better or safer. Early in my skincare journey, I avoided anything labeled synthetic, thinking natural ingredients were harmless. But after dealing with stubborn irritation, I realized that’s not always true—some natural extracts can trigger allergies or sensitivity just like chemicals. The truth is, effectiveness and skin compatibility matter far more than whether an ingredient is natural or synthetic. What helped me was focusing on proven ingredients backed by research, like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, regardless of origin. Skincare should be about what actually works for your skin type and concerns, not marketing buzzwords. This shift saved me time, money, and frustration, and it’s a nuance I wish more people understood.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Why Debunking Skincare Myths Matters More Than Ever
As we close the first edition of The Expert Edit, one thing is clear: truly effective skincare doesn’t come from viral advice—it comes from understanding your skin and the science that supports it. With these skincare myths debunked by top professionals, it’s evident that small, informed shifts—like dialing down exfoliation or applying SPF even indoors—can lead to healthier, more resilient skin over time.
Getting skincare myths debunked isn’t just about clearing up confusion—it’s about empowering people to make smarter, evidence-based choices in their routines. From the misconceptions around “natural” ingredients to the truth about skin cycling, having skincare myths debunked by those who truly understand skin science is the first step to lasting change.
Craving more skin wisdom? Don’t miss our upcoming Friday Feature, dropping tomorrow. Aesthetician and nutri-dermatologist Preeti Singh shares exclusive insights on Red Light Therapy Masks—why they’re more than a wellness trend, and how to make them work at home. Trust us, you’ll want to light up your routine after reading this.
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