MYTH #1: “Everything you apply topically is going to be absorbed.”

There are three different layers in the skin. The first layer that we see on top of the skin is called the epidermis. The second is called the dermis (where collagen and hyaluronic acid are produced) followed by the third layer which is the subcutaneous tissue (or hypodermis).

The truth is that it's a challenge for skincare products to even penetrate beyond the epidermis layer because while your skin barrier protects your skin from losing hydration, it also works to protect your skin from penetrating external substances.

It's VERY hard for most skincare products to actually get past the skin barrier, which is why the delivery system of products and their ingredients is just as important, if not more important than the ingredients themselves when considering efficacy. Think about it like you're using the best dry shampoo in the world with a shower cap on if the product can't get through the shower cap - what's the point?

Look for high-quality, results-driven skincare that actually aims to improve your skin, not just look pretty (like Jacqueline Piotaz).

MYTH #2: “Hot showers are good for your skin and they soften your pores”

Yes, taking a long, hot show might be one of the most relaxing things to do after a long day at work, but while it may feel good in the moment, hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it feeling dry. Not cool. I suggest turning down the temperature and opting for lukewarm water instead.

Bonus tip: Apply your face cream to damp skin to help lock in hydration. Click here to explore our face creams.

MYTH #3 “ If the ingredients are similar, go for the cheaper one.”

The ingredients may be similar but that doesn't mean that the formulas are on par quality-wise. Just because the ingredients are the same, doesn't mean it's the same product. Look at wine, it's just fermented grapes... But it's where the grapes are from, how long they were fermented, in what container they were fermented etc. It works very similarly with skincare. So even if two serums list hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient, the quality can be very different (molecular size, source, vegan or not, etc.)

MYTH #4: “If the active ingredients are at the bottom of the ingredient list, the product is not effective.”

Yes, the ingredient list sorts ingredients by percentage. So of course, active ingredients that are concentrated will not be the first ingredient. It is important to understand the potency of the active ingredient, before judging it's placed in the ingredient list. Take one of our star ingredients, stem cells of the Uttwiler Spätlauber Apple (also known as the Swiss apple). This is a very concentrated ingredient that cannot make up more than 5% of the total formulation. Another example is hyaluronic acid. If a serum was made of 100% hyaluronic acid, you would have chemical burns (since it is an acid). So most serums have 1-2% hyaluronic acid.

MYTH #5: “Make sure you cleanse very, very thoroughly. Get everything off.”

This is one of the most skin damaging advice you could follow. Cleansers contain surfactants which eliminate makeup, dirt, and grime from your skin when you wash your face. But surfactants can't differentiate dirt with your natural moisture and oils, which means it can take away everything if you cleanse too often.

Many people with skin barrier disorders tend to cleanse obsessively, but doing this is likely causing more harm than good. Instead of over-cleansing, look for gentle, non-stripping pH-balanced cleansers that won't strip the good stuff.

MYTH #6: “The stronger the exfoliant, the better.”

This is one of the most skin damaging advice you could follow. Cleansers contain surfactants which eliminate makeup, dirt, and grime from your skin when you wash your face. But surfactants can't differentiate dirt with your natural moisture and oils, which means it can take away everything if you cleanse too often.

Many people with skin barrier disorders tend to cleanse obsessively, but doing this is likely causing more harm than good. Instead of over-cleansing, look for gentle, non-stripping pH-balanced cleansers that won't strip the good stuff.