Back to Basics: 8 Common Skincare Myths

Partnership

Words by Nasreen Osman


With so much skincare advice available to us at a single swipe, it can be hard to curate a routine that follows all the ‘rules’. Some people grow up learning that you don’t need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days (but you do); people with oily skin might have been taught to stay away from oil-based cleansers but – spoiler alert – it’s quite the opposite.


From quick soundbites to age-old advice handed down by our mums, we’ve all been caught up in TikTok trends or enduring skincare myths at one point or another. Here we’ll clear up some of the most common skincare misconceptions, so you can feel confident in your routine and get back to glowing.

Myth: Ageing-focused skincare is only needed for mature skin


La Prairie Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream, 60ml, £1,550


A common misconception when it comes to youth-boosting skincare is that only people with mature skin need it. However, your skin can age prematurely due to sun exposure, stress, environmental damage and lifestyle choices, so, rather than waiting for obvious signs of ageing to take hold, it’s worth taking a preventative approach instead. Look to La Prairie’s Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream to both get ahead of unwanted wrinkles and fine lines. This brand-new innovation contains a powerful Exclusive Matrix Complex of actives combined with botanical extracts, helping to reset cells to a youthful state and enhance your overall skin health. Prepare for your skin to feel firmer, look smoother and be future-proofed from within.

Shop Now

Myth: You need a lot of products to achieve ‘good’ skin


Clé de Peau Beauté The Serum, 75ml, £295


In the age of 10-step skincare routines and acid alphabets, many beauty enthusiasts get caught up in building a complicated regimen when often, less is more. Enter Clé de Peau Beauté’s The Serum to prove this point. This luxe elixir features the brand’s proprietary Skin-Empowering Illuminator – a blend of Platinum Golden Silk Essence and Japanese Pearl Shell Extract – which boosts radiance, improves texture, and strengthens your skin. Its silky, lightweight, and fast-absorbing texture makes it a dream to apply, delivering concentrated hydration and leaving your skin prepped for a moisturiser or SPF that might follow. Here’s your proof that one expertly crafted product can achieve the results of many (and save you time).


Shop Now

Myth: You need clinical treatments to transform your skin


Element Eight 02 Growth Factor Eight Active Cream, 50ml, £230


Don’t get us wrong, we love a visit to the aesthetician, but more than that, we love science-led skincare that works its magic at home on a daily basis. And Element Eight’s 02 Growth Factor Eight Active Cream is proof that professional-grade results can happen at home. Using oxygen technology (a natural source of healing cells in the body) and a Growth Factor Complex, this moisturiser accelerates cell renewal, deeply hydrates, and supports your skin’s natural repair mechanisms, building collagen and elasticity along the way. By combining biomimicking innovation with protective packaging (you can actually hear the satisfying hiss of oxygen with every pump), you can count on this cream to bestow an instant glow to your skin with long-lasting results.

Shop Now

Myth: You don’t need to have a separate night cream


Helena Rubinstein Replasty Age Recovery Night Cream, 100ml, £613.25


While this is not a myth per se, it is widely understood that you can use your average daily moisturiser at night and vice versa. Although true, a specifically formulated night cream can go way further than an extra dose of hydration, taking your beauty sleep to the next level. Case in point, Helena Rubinstein’s Replasty Age Recovery Night Cream. Using a blend of powerful peptides – complex chains of proteins and amino acids that provide structural support – and hyaluronic acid, along with skin-barrier activity recovery that works while you sleep. It also helps to increase collagen production and enhance skin repair and rejuvenation, accelerate the recovery of damaged skin. By morning, expect your complexion to look smoother, firmer and more youthful-looking.

Shop Now

Myth: You don’t need to have a separate night cream


La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, 100ml, £530


Another must-have that will change your mind about night creams is the latest from La Mer: The Rejuvenating Night Cream. This luxurious formula infuses La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth with 4mRA-3 Marine Retinol Alternative – a new ingredient that helps to ease the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well cell turnover overnight (without any irritating effects). On days when your skin is lacking a certain oomph, simply apply this cream to awaken a smooth, plump radiance and complexions before you can even hit the snooze button.


Shop Now

Myth: Eye creams are watered-down versions of face creams


BIOEFFECT EGF Power Eye Cream, 15ml, £115


A prevalent idea is that eye creams are just lighter moisturising formulas that offer little beyond what a regular face cream provides. However, we know that the skin around our eyes is extremely delicate and if you really want to target its unique challenges – dark circles, puffiness etc. – a specially formulated solution could be a game-changer. The BIOEFFECT EGF Power Eye Cream is just that as it contains a high concentration of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), along with caffeine and bakuchiol to stimulate cell regeneration, reduce fine lines, and brighten dark circles.


Shop Now




Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream, 30 x 0.3ml, £244


Another powerhouse reshaping this narrative is Noble Panacea’s The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream. It leverages the brand’s revolutionary OSMV™ (Organic Super Molecular Vessel Technology) to deliver active ingredients in a precise, sustained-release manner, incorporating the peptide Argireline to minimise fine lines and horse chestnut extract to reduce puffiness. Moreover, it provides intense nourishment and brings out a natural luminosity to this fragile area. Whether your concern is around signs of ageing or a lack of sleep showing, this rejuvenating formula ticks all the boxes.


Shop Now

Myth: Masks are only for pampering


EviDenS de Beauté The Special Mask, 50ml, £200


EviDenS de Beauté’s bestselling The Special Mask proves that a luxury mask can go beyond a one-night wonder. Infused with Triple Collagen, La Foux Spring Water and the brand’s latest star ingredient, Glucoskin X3 this comforting formula deeply hydrates, firms, and smooths your skin. Not to mention it has an icy-fresh effect that instantly claims inflammation while illuminating your skin. A sensorial mask of elegance and visible effects – it’s a win-win.


Shop Now

Myth: Ageing-specific products are reserved for the face only


Cellcosmet CellEctive CellLift Neck & Décolleté, 50ml, £290


The reality is that your neck, hands, and décolletage are also prone to showing signs of ageing at the same time as your face. While you may be inclined – and should always endeavour – to take your moisturiser or serum down to your neck, why not take it one step further? Cellcosmet’s CellEctive CellLift Neck & Décolleté boasts a specialised formula enriched with CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts (highly concentrated peptides that stimulate cellular renewal) alongside hyaluronic acid to target and visibly firm, lift, and hydrate these areas. It also addresses concerns of crepiness or sagging skin. Make this a staple in your routine and future-you will thank you.


Shop Now

Myth: You need rich formulas if you have dry, dehydrated skin


Lancôme Absolue Rose 80 Micro-Diffusion In Emulsion, 100ml, £140


Lancôme’s Absolue Rose 80 Micro-Diffusion In Emulsion challenges the idea that you need a thick, heavy formula if you’re seeking intense hydration. Infused with Grand Rose Extracts and 80% rosewater, this lightweight emulsion meets the need for deep replenishment and radiance without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin. Its carefully designed texture means that it penetrates rather than sitting on your skin, leaving it plump and glowing. Whether your skin is averse to rich textures or you simply enjoy featherlight formulas in the summer, this emulsion proves hydration comes in many forms.



Shop Now

Shop Skincare

PARTNERSHIP Helena Rubinstein, La Prairie, Element Eight, Clé de Peau Beauté, La Mer, BIOEFFECT, Noble Panacea, EviDens de Beauté, Cellcosmet, Lancôme

Harrods Stories

Bringing you a weekly dose of everything from pro-approved beauty buys to the season's must-try trends

Read All Beauty Stories