Beauty Myths Busted: Fact vs. Fiction in Skincare

Hello, beautiful souls!

After more than 30 years behind the camera as a beauty photographer, I’ve seen it all—the glowing, flawless skin, the over-the-top beauty regimens, and yes, the countless skincare myths that clients and models swear by. It’s incredible how many misconceptions there are when it comes to skincare, especially considering how much science and research have gone into understanding what really works.

In my years of working with top models, actors, and influencers, I’ve learned that skincare isn’t just about using the most expensive products or following the latest trends. It’s about understanding your skin, what it truly needs, and, just as importantly, debunking the beauty myths that have been passed down through the years.

Today, I want to take you on a journey through some of the most common skincare myths and give you the facts to separate fiction from reality. Let’s dive in!

Myth 1: “Expensive Products Are Always Better”

The Fact: Price does not necessarily equate to effectiveness.

I’ve worked with countless beauty brands, from high-end luxury lines to drugstore favorites, and let me tell you—sometimes the best results come from the simplest products. What truly matters is the ingredient list and how your skin responds to it, not the price tag.

Many luxury brands often charge a premium for fancy packaging or exclusive branding, but the active ingredients inside may not be significantly different from more affordable alternatives.

For example, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol are all well-known and proven skincare ingredients. Whether you buy them from a high-end brand or a more budget-friendly one, it’s how these ingredients are formulated and how they’re absorbed by your skin that makes the difference.

Myth 2: “Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer”

The Fact: Oily skin still needs hydration.

I’ve seen it time and time again during photoshoots—models with oily skin skipping moisturizer because they think it will make their skin more greasy. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

The misconception comes from the idea that oil and moisture are the same thing. They’re not. Oily skin needs hydration to maintain a healthy moisture balance. When your skin is dehydrated, it may actually produce more oil in an effort to compensate, leading to a cycle of excess shine and breakouts.

The solution? Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer or one with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Your skin will thank you for it!

Myth 3: “You Don’t Need Sunscreen On Cloudy Days”

The Fact: Sunscreen is essential every day, no matter the weather.

As a beauty photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot in various natural light conditions—indoors, outdoors, sunny, cloudy, you name it. And one thing I’ve learned over the years is that UV rays can penetrate through clouds, windows, and even the car windshield. The sun’s rays are always there, even when it doesn’t feel warm or sunny outside.

Whether it’s a cloudy day, winter, or you’re indoors most of the time, UV radiation is still a threat to your skin. Long-term exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. So, make it a habit to apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection every day—rain or shine!

Myth 4: “You Should Exfoliate Every Day”

The Fact: Over-exfoliating can damage your skin.

Exfoliation is important, but like anything else in skincare, it’s about balance. Over-exfoliating—especially with harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants—can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even long-term damage to the skin’s barrier.

From a photographer’s perspective, one of the worst things you can do before a photoshoot is to over-exfoliate. It can leave the skin looking red, irritated, and uneven, which we definitely want to avoid when capturing those perfect shots!

For most people, exfoliating 2–3 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) is enough to keep your skin smooth and radiant without causing harm. But listen to your skin—if it feels sensitive or irritated, scale back and give it time to recover.

Myth 5: “More Products = Better Results”

The Fact: A simple, consistent routine is often the most effective.

The beauty industry loves to sell us on the idea that more is more. But the truth is, using too many products—especially ones with conflicting ingredients—can actually do more harm than good.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many models who have tried every new product on the market only to experience breakouts, dryness, or dullness from all the layers of skincare. It’s about quality, not quantity. A simple skincare routine with a few essential products can be just as, if not more, effective.

Your basic skincare routine should consist of a cleanser, toner (if needed), moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can add targeted treatments like serums or masks based on your skin’s needs. But remember, consistency is key—stick with what works for your skin and avoid constantly jumping from one new product to the next.

Myth 6: “Drinking More Water Will Cure Dry Skin”

The Fact: Hydration from within is important, but it’s not a cure-all.

I’ve heard this myth countless times during shoots: “I’m just going to drink more water to fix my dry skin.” While staying hydrated is important for overall health, drinking more water alone won’t necessarily hydrate your skin.

Hydration for the skin happens topically. That’s why you need a good moisturizer with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated from the outside in.

Water helps to maintain bodily functions, but when it comes to dry skin, you need to apply hydrating products directly to the skin to improve its moisture balance.

Myth 7: “Natural Ingredients Are Always Better for Your Skin”

The Fact: Not all natural ingredients are skin-friendly.

It’s true that natural ingredients can be amazing for the skin—think aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil. But there are also natural ingredients that can cause irritation or allergic reactions, like certain essential oils or citrus extracts.

As someone who’s been in the beauty industry for over three decades, I’ve learned that natural doesn’t always equal better. The key is knowing what works for your skin and what doesn’t, regardless of whether the ingredients are “natural” or synthetic. Always patch-test new products and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach to Skincare

After working in the beauty photography world for more than 30 years, one thing has become clear to me: skincare isn’t about following every new trend or adopting every myth out there. It’s about consistency, understanding your skin, and using products that actually work for your unique needs.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare. Everyone’s skin is different, so take the time to experiment with what works best for you. And most importantly, don’t fall for myths that could end up doing more harm than good.

Stay beautiful—inside and out! 🌟

Until next time,
Jamie Goode
Beauty Photographer

Model: Leslee Marler

Jewelry: The Watchmaker

Hair & Makeup: Meagan Brown

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about any of these myths!