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Skincare myths: What your skin doesn't need – and what really strengthens it
They circulate on TikTok, in magazines, or at the beauty counter: supposed skincare tips that sound good – but often cause more harm than good.
But how do you separate fact from fiction? Above all, it requires one thing: clarity. In this article, Dr. Miriam Rehbein debunks 5 of the most common skincare myths – scientifically classified and dermatologically evaluated.
Myth 1: "The more steps, the better the care."
The reality: Your skin doesn't need a show – it needs a system.
10 Steps, Layering, K-Beauty Hacks: More products promise more effect. But the fact is: the more layers you apply, the greater the risk that active ingredients neutralize each other, overlap, or irritate the skin barrier.
Too many products can…
- Disrupt the microbiome,
- Weaken the skin barrier (e.g. with alcohol, fragrances, peels),
- Promote irritations and perioral dermatitis.
Better: a reduced routine tailored to the skin's needs with a maximum of 3–5 products.
Our recommendation:
Myth 2: "Natural cosmetics are always better"
The reality: natural is not automatically gentle – or effective.
Natural cosmetics have their justification – but the term is not protected. Many products contain essential oils, alcohol, or plant extracts that can be strong allergens. This can be problematic for sensitive skin.
Typical "natural irritants":
- Citrus oils (e.g. Limonene, Citral)
- Lavender, mint, tea tree oil
- Alcohol (often labeled as “bio-alcohol”)
Our focus:
Stable, skin-identical active ingredients – medically proven instead of fashionably formulated. Without fragrances. Without alcohol. Without allergenic plant substances.
Myth 3: "Oily skin doesn't need moisture"
The reality: drying out promotes even more sebum.
Many believe: shiny skin = too much moisture. In fact, bound moisture is often lacking – that is water, not fat. When moisture is removed from the skin, it reacts with increased sebum production.
Typical consequences of incorrect care:
- Dehydrated, oily skin
- Clogged pores & inflammation
- Tightness despite shine
Better:
Moisturizing care with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides – without occlusive fats or drying alcohols.
Our recommendation:
HYDRATE & LIFT SERUM – for an immediate moisturizing and firming effect
Myth 4: "Retinol makes the skin thinner"
The reality: High-quality retinol strengthens the skin structure.
The myth comes from the time when high-dose retinol was often formulated unencapsulated and irritating. Modern retinol products stimulate epidermal cell renewal and promote collagen synthesis in the dermis.
Study situation:
Retinol increases epidermal thickness, improves skin texture, and reduces fine lines. Crucial are stability, concentration, and formulation (e.g., encapsulation).
Our recommendation:
REGENERATING NIGHT CREAM – Our TECMi!® Retinol is encapsulated, stable, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Myth 5: "I only need sun protection in summer"
The reality: UV radiation knows no seasons.
UVA rays are active all year round – even on cloudy days and through window glass. They penetrate deep into the skin and cause photoaging, pigmentation disorders, and collagen breakdown.
UVA is responsible for 80% of skin aging. That’s why daily UV protection is the most important anti-aging step – whether indoors or outdoors.
Our recommendation:
SUN SPF 50+ – light, compatible, antioxidant. Ideal for sensitive, blemished, and demanding skin.
"Skin care doesn't have to be loud, colorful, or complicated. Often less is more – if it's the right thing. What matters to me: debunking myths and focusing on the essentials. Scientifically based care starts with knowledge – not wishes." – Dr. Miriam Rehbein, dermatologist & founder of DOCTOR MI! medical skincare
Skincare begins with knowledge – not with trends
Those who see through myths can rethink skincare: Not as a reaction to problems, but as a preventive, strengthening routine. The skin is not a playground for trends – but a precise, sensitive organ.