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Skincare has never been short of rules. You should never skip toner. Oily skin does not need moisturiser. Your pores need to “open” before they can be cleaned. A product that tingles must be doing something. Start anti-ageing as early as possible, preferably before your face has had the chance to age at all.
Spend enough time on TikTok, beauty forums or even product packaging and it becomes difficult to tell where useful advice ends and skincare folklore begins.
The problem is not simply that some of these ideas are wrong. They can also make perfectly manageable skin much harder to look after. Someone with oily skin starts stripping it several times a day. Someone with clogged pores scrubs harder. A person with sensitive skin assumes the burning sensation from an acid means it is working particularly well. Before long, the routine meant to improve the complexion becomes another source of irritation.
Good skincare is usually much less dramatic. Most people need a handful of products that suit their skin, used consistently, with stronger treatments added because there is a reason for them rather than because social media has declared them essential.
About This Guide
This guide looks at some of the skincare misconceptions we hear most often at My Cozy Room, from exfoliation and moisturiser to sunscreen, pores, anti-ageing and extraction.
It is not intended to prescribe one perfect routine for everyone. Skin varies enormously, and acne-prone, sensitive, oily, dry and mature skin may all need different things. The aim is simply to separate a few persistent myths from the advice that is actually useful.
Who Is This Guide For?
This is especially useful if your skincare routine seems to become longer every year, if your complexion is regularly irritated despite using products marketed for your skin type, or if you have been following beauty advice without being entirely sure why.
It may also help anyone dealing with blackheads or acne who has fallen into the familiar cycle of cleansing more, exfoliating more and squeezing more whenever the skin becomes congested.
Key Takeaways
Healthy skin does not need to feel squeaky-clean, tingly or freshly scrubbed to prove that a product is working. Oily skin can still need moisturiser, pores do not physically open and close like doors, and more skincare does not automatically produce better skin.
Daily sunscreen remains one of the most useful things you can do for long-term skin health, while “starting anti-ageing early” should mostly mean protecting the skin from unnecessary UV exposure and maintaining a sensible routine rather than loading a 20-year-old complexion with aggressive treatments.
Most importantly, skincare needs to respond to the condition of your skin. There is no fixed exfoliation schedule, facial frequency or ten-step routine that everyone needs to follow.
Myth 1: You Need to Exfoliate Every Day
Exfoliation can be useful, particularly when rough texture or clogged pores are concerns, but the idea that everyone needs to exfoliate daily creates more problems than it solves.
How often your skin tolerates exfoliation depends on the ingredient, its strength, the rest of your routine and the condition of your complexion. A gentle exfoliating cleanser used regularly is very different from layering a strong acid toner, peel and retinoid within the same week.
This is also where advice such as “exfoliate exactly twice a week” becomes unhelpful. Some skin may tolerate more; sensitive or already irritated skin may need considerably less.
Watch the complexion rather than the calendar. Persistent tightness, stinging, redness, unusual flaking or suddenly finding that normally comfortable products burn when applied may indicate that the skin is being pushed too far.
And if you already use several active ingredients, remember that their effects can add up. The skin does not care whether the salicylic acid came from your cleanser and the glycolic acid came from your toner. It experiences the routine as a whole.
Myth 2: Oily Skin Does Not Need Moisturiser
It is easy to understand why someone with an oily forehead would question the wisdom of adding moisturiser.
Oiliness and hydration, however, describe different things. Skin can produce plenty of sebum while still feeling dehydrated, tight or irritated, particularly when strong cleansers and acne treatments are involved.
A moisturiser helps support the skin barrier and reduce water loss. For oily or acne-prone complexions, the answer is usually to find a texture that feels comfortable rather than eliminating moisturiser altogether.
This does not mean moisturiser somehow teaches oily skin to stop producing oil. Sebum production is influenced by factors such as genetics and hormones, and the popular idea that skin always “compensates” for dryness by pumping out extra oil is an oversimplification.
Choose moisturiser because your skin benefits from hydration and barrier support, not because you expect it to switch off your sebaceous glands.
Myth 3: If Your Skin Feels Squeaky-Clean, Your Cleanser Is Working
“Squeaky-clean” sounds appealing in advertising. On an actual face, it is not necessarily something to aim for.
A cleanser needs to remove sweat, sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and everyday debris without leaving the complexion feeling stripped every time you wash.
If your skin consistently feels tight immediately after cleansing, that does not prove the cleanser has done an exceptionally thorough job. It may simply mean the formula or cleansing routine is too harsh for your skin.
This is particularly relevant for acne-prone skin, where there is often an instinct to remove as much oil as possible. Acne is not caused by failing to wash hard enough, and repeatedly stripping an irritated complexion will not extract an established blackhead from inside a follicle.
Clean skin should still feel like skin.
Myth 4: Pores Open With Steam and Close With Cold Water
This one has survived remarkably well.
Pores do not have little muscles that swing them open when exposed to steam and shut them again after a splash of cold water.
Warmth and professional pore preparation can soften surface material and make suitable congestion easier to work with during extraction, which is probably where some of this language comes from. But the pore itself is not literally opening and closing.
Similarly, no toner, ice cube or cold facial tool can permanently seal a pore shut.
The appearance of pores can change. They may look more noticeable when they are congested, oily or when changes in the surrounding skin make them more visible. Clearing an established blockage can therefore make a pore appear cleaner and less prominent.
That is different from physically shrinking it.
Myth 5: Blackheads Are Dirt Trapped in Your Pores
If blackheads were simply dirt, they would disappear every time you washed your face particularly well.
A blackhead forms when oil and dead skin cells collect inside a follicle while its opening remains exposed to the air. The material at the surface oxidises, giving the blockage its characteristic dark appearance.
It is therefore entirely possible to have very clean skin and still develop blackheads.
This also explains why scrubbing them harder rarely ends well. An established blockage sits within the follicle rather than merely on top of the skin.
Consistent skincare containing appropriate pore-clearing ingredients can help reduce congestion over time, while stubborn established blackheads may sometimes benefit from careful professional extraction.
Neither approach requires treating the skin as though it is dirty.
Myth 6: A Painful Extraction Means the Facial Is More Thorough
This misconception is particularly common among clients who have had extraction facials before.
Manual extraction can involve pressure, and certain areas naturally feel more sensitive than others. Some stubborn pores may be uncomfortable to clear.
What does not follow is that the more painful the extraction, the better the therapist must be.
Preparation matters enormously. When suitable congestion has been softened and the therapist is working with controlled technique, it may be possible to remove blackheads and whiteheads without using excessive force.
There is also skill in knowing when to stop. A pore that does not clear readily may not be ready for extraction, while a painful inflammatory lesion should not simply be attacked because it looks like a large pimple.
At My Cozy Room, this is why we describe our extraction approach as thorough and gentle, rather than turning pain into a selling point.
Myth 7: Every Pimple Should Be Extracted
Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts all get called “pimples” in everyday conversation, but they are not interchangeable.
Professional extraction is most straightforward when dealing with suitable blackheads and whiteheads. Inflamed acne requires much more judgement, while deep nodules and cystic lesions should not simply be squeezed during a facial.
Trying to force every bump out can create more inflammation and increase the likelihood of lingering marks or skin damage.
The same applies at home. A blemish becoming visible does not automatically mean it has reached the stage where squeezing it is helpful.
Sometimes good acne care involves doing less.
Myth 8: You Only Need Sunscreen When It Is Sunny
Singapore makes this myth particularly easy to challenge because bright sunshine is hardly the only weather we experience.
Ultraviolet radiation does not disappear simply because the sky looks grey or you are moving between buildings rather than spending the day at the beach.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen remains one of the most useful habits for reducing cumulative UV damage. It is relevant not only to visible signs of ageing but also to anyone dealing with post-acne pigmentation, since sun exposure can make lingering marks more noticeable.
That does not mean one morning application provides infinite protection regardless of what you do for the rest of the day. Outdoor exposure, sweating, swimming and how long you are in the sun all affect whether reapplication becomes necessary.
But “the weather looks cloudy” is not particularly useful sunscreen guidance.
Myth 9: You Need to Start an Aggressive Anti-Ageing Routine in Your 20s
There is nothing wrong with thinking about skin ageing early. The problem is what the beauty industry sometimes means by “starting early”.
Someone in their twenties does not necessarily need a complicated collection of firming serums, strong retinoids, exfoliating acids and lifting treatments because fine lines might eventually appear.
The most useful early anti-ageing habits are rather ordinary: use sunscreen consistently, avoid deliberately tanning, maintain the skin barrier, moisturise where needed and do not spend years irritating the complexion in the name of prevention.
Retinoids and antioxidants can have a place when they suit the individual, but there is no prize for beginning the strongest possible routine at the youngest possible age.
Professional anti-ageing facials can likewise support hydration, radiance and the appearance of fine lines without needing to promise that they stop biological ageing or reproduce the results of surgery.
At My Cozy Room, our BeKind Pro Signature Anti-Aging Facial is approached in this way, focusing on hydration, skin comfort, massage and the visible appearance of firmness and fine lines rather than pretending a facial can permanently restructure the face.
Myth 10: Everyone Needs an Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is thinner than many other areas of the face and can become dry or show fine lines readily, but this does not mean everyone needs a completely separate eye product.
For some people, an eye cream is useful because they enjoy the texture, want additional hydration in that area or prefer a formulation created specifically for use around the eyes.
Others do perfectly well using a suitable moisturiser carefully around the orbital area.
What matters more is what the product actually contains and whether your skin tolerates it. The word “eye” on the jar does not automatically make the formulation essential, nor can an eye cream guarantee that wrinkles, genetic dark circles or under-eye bags will disappear.
This is one area of skincare where optional really can mean optional.
Myth 11: If a Product Tingles or Burns, It Must Be Working
A mild sensation can occur with certain active ingredients, but discomfort is not a measure of effectiveness.
Persistent burning, strong stinging or increasing redness is your skin giving you information, not congratulating you on buying a powerful product.
This mindset becomes particularly problematic with acids and acne treatments. People sometimes continue using something that clearly irritates their complexion because they have been told the “burn means it is working”.
A treatment does not need to hurt in order to change the skin.
If a normally comfortable product suddenly begins stinging as well, look at the routine as a whole. The problem may be cumulative irritation rather than that individual moisturiser or serum suddenly becoming unsuitable.
Myth 12: More Skincare Gives Better Results
A long routine can be enjoyable, and there is nothing inherently wrong with using several products when each one serves a purpose.
Problems start when every concern produces another layer.
A blackhead appears, so an acid is added. A spot follows, prompting a drying treatment. The skin becomes flaky, so several hydrating serums join the routine. Then a retinoid is introduced for ageing while another exfoliant is kept for “texture”.
At some point, nobody knows what is helping.
A good routine can be surprisingly short. Cleansing, moisturising and daytime sun protection provide a reasonable foundation for many people. Targeted products can then be introduced according to an actual concern rather than because they appear on somebody else’s shelf.
Your skin does not know how many steps you completed. It only experiences the ingredients you applied.
Does “Natural” Skincare Mean Gentler Skincare?
Not necessarily.
Plants contain biologically active compounds too, and botanical ingredients can irritate or sensitise skin just as synthetic ingredients can. Essential oils are an obvious example: being derived from a plant does not automatically make them suitable for every sensitive complexion.
Likewise, a laboratory-made ingredient is not automatically harsh or harmful.
Formulation, concentration, stability and the way ingredients interact matter far more than whether the front of the packaging uses words such as “natural”, “clean” or “chemical-free”.
Everything you apply to your skin is made of chemicals, including water.
Is Expensive Skincare Always Better?
Price can reflect better packaging, more expensive ingredients, research, texture, branding or simply luxury positioning. It does not guarantee that the formula will suit your skin better.
A relatively inexpensive moisturiser that keeps your complexion comfortable can be considerably more useful than a S$300 cream that irritates you.
The same applies to cleansers and sunscreens. A sunscreen you genuinely enjoy wearing every day has practical value even if it is not the most luxurious bottle on the shelf.
Skincare works on skin, not receipts.
Do You Need a Ten-Step Skincare Routine?
No.
If you enjoy ten steps and your skin is happy, there is no reason you must reduce it simply for the sake of minimalism. But ten steps are not inherently healthier than four.
The essentials are remarkably unglamorous: cleanse appropriately, keep the skin comfortable with moisturiser when needed, protect it from UV exposure and add targeted treatment for specific concerns.
Everything beyond that should earn its place.
This is particularly worth remembering when acne or sensitivity is involved. The more products you introduce, the more difficult it becomes to work out what is triggering irritation if something goes wrong.
Can Facials Replace a Good Home Skincare Routine?
A facial can provide something home skincare cannot easily reproduce, particularly professional assessment, meticulous extraction of suitable congestion and more intensive treatment steps.
It still only occupies a couple of hours of your month.
What happens during all the days between appointments matters far more to the long-term condition of the skin. A thorough extraction facial cannot permanently compensate for repeated picking, an excessively irritating routine or inconsistent sunscreen use.
We see professional facials as complementary to good home care rather than a replacement for it.
For clients dealing specifically with blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores, our 22-Step Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial provides careful pore preparation followed by manual extraction and soothing post-extraction care.
For visible signs of ageing, dehydration and loss of radiance, the BeKind Pro Signature Anti-Aging Facial focuses on hydration, massage and the appearance of smoother, more refreshed skin.
The treatment should follow the concern, rather than the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare Myths
Is it bad to exfoliate every day?
Not automatically, because exfoliating products vary enormously in strength and formulation. However, daily exfoliation is unnecessary for many people and can cause irritation when combined with other active ingredients. Your skin’s response is more useful than following a fixed frequency.
Does oily skin really need moisturiser?
Oily skin can still benefit from moisturiser, particularly when acne treatments, cleansing or environmental factors leave the complexion dehydrated or irritated. Choose a texture that feels comfortable for your skin.
Can cold water close pores?
No. Pores do not physically open and close in response to temperature. Their appearance may change depending on congestion, oiliness and the surrounding skin, but cold water cannot permanently close them.
Can you permanently shrink pores?
No skincare product or facial can permanently change the genetically determined physical structure of every pore. Clearing congestion and improving the condition of the surrounding skin may make pores appear less obvious.
Does tingling mean skincare is working?
Not necessarily. Certain ingredients can produce mild sensations, but strong or persistent burning is not proof of effectiveness and may indicate irritation.
Do blackheads mean your face is dirty?
No. Blackheads form when material inside a clogged follicle is exposed to air and oxidises. The dark colour is not simply dirt.
Does extraction have to hurt?
Some discomfort is possible, particularly with stubborn congestion, but excessive pain is not proof of a more effective extraction. Skin preparation and controlled technique make a considerable difference.
Is eye cream essential?
No. Some people enjoy or benefit from a dedicated eye product, but a suitable moisturiser may provide enough hydration around the eye area for others.
What skincare products does everyone actually need?
There is no identical routine for every person, although a gentle cleanser, suitable moisturiser and broad-spectrum daytime sunscreen provide a useful basic framework for many people. Specific concerns can then be addressed with targeted products.
How do I know if I am using too many skincare products?
If your skin has become persistently red, tight, flaky or sensitive, or several active ingredients overlap in your routine, it may be worth simplifying things and reassessing what each product is contributing.
Good Skincare Usually Requires Less Drama Than the Internet Suggests
Most skincare myths survive because they contain just enough truth to sound convincing. Exfoliation can help, therefore more must be better. Warmth can make extraction easier, therefore pores must open. Eye-area skin is delicate, therefore everyone must buy a separate cream. Professional treatments can make skin look better, therefore one facial must be able to transform everything.
Skin is rarely that tidy.
A useful routine does not need to punish the complexion, involve ten products or follow the latest set of rules circulating online. It needs to suit the way your skin behaves, address the concerns that actually exist and be comfortable enough that you can stick with it.
The same principle guides our facials at My Cozy Room. We have been treating clients in Singapore since 2010, and one thing those years have made very clear is that two people who describe exactly the same concern can need very different treatment once you actually look at their skin.
For stubborn blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores, our Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial focuses on careful pore preparation, meticulous manual extraction and soothing post-extraction care rather than aggressive squeezing. For ageing concerns, dehydration or loss of radiance, our BeKind Pro Signature Anti-Aging Facial takes a different approach.
Good skincare becomes much easier once you stop asking what everybody is supposed to use and start asking what your own skin actually needs.
My Cozy Room @ Claymore
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road #02-09
Singapore 238879
My Cozy Room @ Devonshire
125 Devonshire Road
Singapore 239884
WhatsApp: +65 8666 0030
