When it comes to skincare, there’s a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is worth listening to. In fact, some of the most common beliefs around blemishes and congestion could actually be making things worse.

Dean and I recently sat down (podcast-style) to talk through it all: what’s true, what’s not, and what actually works when it comes to clearer, more balanced skin. Here are some of the biggest myths we covered (and what you should know instead).

1. “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser”

This one comes up all the time and it’s just not true. Oily skin still needs hydration. If anything, skipping moisturiser can make things worse, as your skin will often produce more oil to make up for it. It’s all about using the right kind: think lightweight, balancing formulas that hydrate without feeling heavy.

2. “You should scrub your skin to clear clogged pores”

We get the logic, but scrubbing isn’t the answer. Harsh exfoliation can actually irritate the skin and make congestion worse, especially if you’re already dealing with breakouts. A gentle cleanse is enough on the surface, as the real work comes from ingredients that can get deeper into the pores, not aggressive scrubbing.

3. “The more products you use, the better your skin will be”

Honestly? No. Using loads of products at once can overwhelm your skin and make it harder to figure out what’s actually helping. A simple, consistent routine will always win over a complicated one. That’s exactly why we built our edit around three steps: daily skin health, targeted treatments and makeup application & removal.

4. “Hot water opens pores”

Pores aren’t doors, they don’t open and close. Warm water can help soften the skin and make cleansing easier, but very hot water can actually dry and irritate your skin, which isn’t ideal if you’re prone to breakouts.

5. “If a product tingles, it’s working”

Not necessarily. Some ingredients (like acids) can cause a slight tingle, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s doing a better job. Sometimes, it’s just a sign of irritation and that’s not what we’re going for.

6. “Acne is just a teenage problem”

Definitely not. Breakouts don’t magically stop after your teens. A lot of people experience blemishes well into their 20s, 30s and beyond, thanks to hormones, stress, lifestyle and everyday habits.

7. “More active ingredients = better results”

It sounds right, but it’s not. Throwing loads of actives at your skin can do more harm than good. It’s much more effective to keep things simple, introduce ingredients gradually, and actually give them time to work.

8. “If it’s expensive, it must be effective”

Price doesn’t equal performance. What really matters is how well a product is formulated and whether it suits your skin. Some of the best results come from simple, well-thought-out products used consistently.

9. “Makeup wipes are enough to cleanse your skin”

They’re really not. Makeup wipes tend to just move product around rather than properly removing it, often leaving residue behind. And that build-up? It can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. A proper cleanse makes all the difference.

10. “Sleeping in makeup once won’t matter”

It might not seem like a big deal, but it can catch up with you. Leaving makeup, oil and daily build-up on your skin overnight creates the perfect environment for congestion, especially if it becomes a habit.

11. “You need a 10-step routine for clear skin”

You really don’t. More steps don’t always mean better results. In fact, keeping things simple and consistent is usually far more effective.

12. “You should change your skincare all the time”

No, you should not. Switching products constantly makes it really hard to know what’s actually working. Your skin needs time, so sticking to a routine and letting it do its thing is key.

SO, WHAT DOES WORK?

When you strip it all back, clearer skin is actually pretty simple:

• Target breakouts when they appear

• Properly remove makeup and daily build-up, and cleanse your makeup tools (like brushes)

• Look after your skin consistently

That’s exactly the thinking behind our Blemishes & Congestion Edit. It’s a routine designed to keep things simple, effective and easy to stick to.

WATCH THE FULL BREAKDOWN

We go into all of this (and more) in our video, where we properly get into the myths, the facts, and what we actually recommend.