6 Skincare Myths: Fact vs. Fiction Explained by Experts

6 Skincare Myths: Fact vs. Fiction Explained by Experts

The skincare industry is flooded with information—and unfortunately, not all of it is accurate. From well-meaning advice passed down through generations to viral TikTok trends promising miraculous results overnight, it’s increasingly difficult to separate skincare facts from fiction. At The Ordinary Maroc, we believe that informed choices lead to better skin, which is why we’re dedicating this comprehensive guide to debunking the most persistent skincare myths circulating in Morocco and beyond.

Whether you’re a skincare novice just starting your journey or a seasoned enthusiast refining your routine, understanding the truth behind these common misconceptions will help you make smarter decisions, save money, and most importantly, achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.

Myth #1: « You Should Feel a Tingling Sensation for Products to Work »

The Myth

Many people believe that if a skincare product doesn’t tingle, burn, or create some kind of sensation on the skin, it’s not working. This myth has been perpetuated by marketing campaigns that equate sensation with efficacy, leading consumers to seek out products that « feel like they’re doing something. »

The Truth

Tingling, burning, or stinging sensations are not indicators of effectiveness—they’re actually signs of irritation. While certain active ingredients like chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) or retinoids may cause mild, temporary tingling as your skin adjusts, persistent or intense sensations indicate that your skin barrier is being compromised.

Healthy, effective skincare should feel comfortable on your skin. The most powerful ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, work silently beneath the surface without causing any sensation whatsoever. These ingredients deliver transformative results through consistent use, not through immediate sensory feedback.

The Science

Your skin’s barrier function is crucial for maintaining hydration, preventing environmental damage, and keeping harmful bacteria out. When products cause persistent tingling or burning, they’re often disrupting this barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dehydration, and inflammation—the opposite of what healthy skincare should achieve.

What to Do Instead

Focus on how your skin looks and feels over time rather than immediate sensations. Effective skincare products should leave your skin feeling comfortable, hydrated, and gradually improve texture, tone, and radiance over weeks of consistent use. If a product consistently stings or burns, it’s likely too strong for your skin or you’re using it incorrectly.

The Ordinary’s philosophy centers on functional beauty—ingredients that work effectively without unnecessary irritants. Products like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% deliver powerful results without any tingling sensation, proving that comfort and efficacy can coexist.

Myth #2: « Natural Ingredients Are Always Better and Safer »

The Myth

There’s a widespread belief that natural, plant-based ingredients are inherently superior to synthetic ones, and that « chemical-free » products are safer and more effective. This myth has gained tremendous traction with the rise of clean beauty movements.

The Truth

The terms « natural » and « synthetic » tell you nothing about a product’s safety or efficacy. Some of nature’s most potent toxins are entirely natural (poison ivy, anyone?), while many synthetic ingredients are perfectly safe and highly effective. What matters is the specific ingredient, its concentration, formulation, and how it interacts with your skin.

Natural ingredients can be wonderful, but they can also be highly allergenic, unstable, or irritating. Essential oils, for example, are entirely natural but are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Conversely, many synthetic ingredients are designed specifically to be gentler, more stable, and more effective than their natural counterparts.

The Science

The term « chemical-free » is scientifically meaningless—water is a chemical (H₂O), as is every substance that exists. What we should focus on is whether an ingredient is safe, effective, and appropriate for our skin type and concerns.

Synthetic ingredients often undergo rigorous testing and quality control, ensuring consistency and purity. Natural extracts can vary wildly in composition depending on growing conditions, harvest time, and extraction methods, making them less predictable.

What to Do Instead

Evaluate ingredients based on scientific evidence, not their origin. Look for ingredients with proven efficacy and safety profiles, whether they’re derived from nature or created in a laboratory. The Ordinary exemplifies this evidence-based approach, using both natural and synthetic ingredients chosen purely for their effectiveness and safety.

For example, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 uses synthetically produced hyaluronic acid, which is actually vegan-friendly and more consistent than animal-derived versions. Their 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil represents the natural side of their range, chosen for its proven benefits, not simply because it’s natural.

Myth #3: « You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days or Indoors »

The Myth

Many people believe that sunscreen is only necessary when it’s sunny outside or when they’re planning to spend extended time in direct sunlight. They skip sunscreen on cloudy days, during winter, or when staying indoors.

The Truth

This is perhaps the most damaging skincare myth because UV damage is the primary cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging) can pass through windows. Every day you skip sunscreen, you’re accumulating invisible damage that will manifest years later as wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity.

The Science

There are two types of UV radiation that affect your skin:

UVB rays cause sunburn and are strongest during summer and midday hours. These rays are partially blocked by clouds and glass.

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing long-term damage like wrinkles, age spots, and collagen breakdown. These rays maintain relatively constant intensity year-round, can penetrate clouds and windows, and are present from sunrise to sunset.

The damage from UV exposure is cumulative. Even if you’re not burning, you’re still experiencing photoaging and DNA damage that increases your cancer risk. Studies show that daily sunscreen use can significantly slow the signs of aging and reduce skin cancer risk.

What to Do Instead

Make broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UVA and UVB) the final step in your morning skincare routine, every single day, regardless of weather, season, or whether you’re going outside. If you’re sitting near windows or spending time in a car, you’re still exposed to UVA rays.

In Morocco, where sun exposure can be intense year-round, this is particularly crucial. Whether you’re in the coastal cities or the desert regions, UV protection should be non-negotiable.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. If you’re indoors all day, one application in the morning is generally sufficient, though reapplication is ideal if you’re near windows.

While The Ordinary doesn’t currently offer sunscreen, this is one area where you should invest in a quality product that you’ll actually use daily. Look for at least SPF 30, broad-spectrum protection, and a formula that works well under makeup if you wear it.

Myth #4: « Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer »

The Myth

People with oily or acne-prone skin often believe that adding moisturizer will make their skin greasier and cause more breakouts. They think skipping moisturizer will help control oil production and keep their skin clear.

The Truth

This myth creates a vicious cycle of skin problems. When you skip moisturizer, your skin becomes dehydrated (lacking water, not oil). In response, your skin often overproduces sebum to compensate, making you even oilier. Additionally, many acne treatments are drying, and without proper moisturization, they can damage your skin barrier, leading to more sensitivity and breakouts.

Oily skin needs hydration just as much as dry skin—it just needs the right type of moisturizer. The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without adding excess oil.

The Science

There’s an important distinction between dehydrated skin and dry skin. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks oil. You can have oily, dehydrated skin—and this is actually very common. Dehydrated skin appears dull, feels tight, shows fine lines, and can be simultaneously oily and flaky.

A healthy skin barrier requires adequate hydration to function properly. When your barrier is compromised due to dehydration, it becomes more susceptible to bacteria, inflammation, and irritation—all of which can trigger acne.

What to Do Instead

Choose moisturizers with lightweight, water-based formulas that contain humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to draw moisture into the skin, and include ingredients that support barrier function without heavy oils.

The Ordinary offers excellent options for oily skin:

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This lightweight formula mimics your skin’s natural moisturizing components, providing hydration without greasiness. It’s perfect for oily skin types who need moisture without the weight.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: While technically a serum, this provides excellent hydration that can be layered under a light moisturizer or used alone for very oily skin types.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This serum helps regulate sebum production while providing hydration, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone skin when used before moisturizer.

Marine Hyaluronics: An ultra-light hydrating formula perfect for layering under moisturizer or using alone in humid climates.

The goal isn’t to eliminate all oil—your skin needs some natural oil to stay healthy. The goal is balanced, well-hydrated skin that produces appropriate amounts of sebum.

Myth #5: « You Need Dozens of Products for Good Skin »

The Myth

The rise of elaborate 10-step skincare routines and bathroom shelfies featuring hundreds of products has created the misconception that you need an extensive, expensive collection of products to achieve good skin.

The Truth

More products don’t equal better skin. In fact, using too many products, especially without understanding how they interact, can overwhelm your skin, disrupt your barrier, and make it impossible to identify what’s actually helping or hurting.

Effective skincare is about choosing the right products for your specific concerns and using them consistently and correctly. A simple, well-chosen routine with a few effective products will always outperform a chaotic collection of dozens of products used haphazardly.

The Science

Your skin barrier can only absorb so much at once. Layering too many products can prevent proper absorption, cause pilling (where products ball up on your skin), and increase the risk of ingredient interactions that could irritate your skin.

Additionally, when you use many products simultaneously, it’s impossible to identify which ones are beneficial and which might be causing problems. This makes troubleshooting skin issues extremely difficult.

What to Do Instead

Build a focused routine based on your specific skin concerns. A basic, effective routine includes:

Morning:

1. Gentle cleanser (optional if your skin feels clean)
2. Treatment serum targeting your main concern
3. Moisturizer
4. Sunscreen

Evening:

1. Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup/sunscreen)
2. Treatment serum(s)
3. Moisturizer

From this foundation, you can add targeted treatments as needed, but each product should serve a clear purpose. If you can’t articulate why you’re using a product, you probably don’t need it.

The Ordinary’s philosophy of offering single-ingredient or focused formulas makes it easy to build a streamlined routine. Rather than buying products that claim to do everything, you can select specific ingredients that address your actual concerns:

• Concerned about aging? Add retinol or peptides
• Dealing with hyperpigmentation? Include vitamin C or alpha arbutin
• Fighting acne? Use niacinamide or salicylic acid
• Need hydration? Layer hyaluronic acid

This targeted approach is more effective and more affordable than buying multiple multi-purpose products that try to do everything and often excel at nothing.

Myth #6: « Expensive Products Work Better Than Affordable Ones »

The Myth

There’s a persistent belief that you get what you pay for in skincare—that expensive, luxury products with beautiful packaging and prestige branding are inherently more effective than their affordable counterparts.

The Truth

Price doesn’t determine efficacy. What determines a product’s effectiveness is its formulation: the quality and concentration of active ingredients, the stability of the formula, the pH level (for certain actives), and how well the ingredients can penetrate your skin.

Many luxury skincare products charge premium prices for beautiful packaging, extensive marketing campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and prestige positioning—not necessarily for superior ingredients or results. Conversely, many affordable products contain the same active ingredients at effective concentrations, formulated by skilled chemists, at a fraction of the price.

The Science

Ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C work the same way regardless of whether they’re in a $200 jar or a $10 bottle. What matters is:

Concentration: Is the active ingredient present at an effective percentage?

Formulation: Is it stable? Can it penetrate the skin? Is the pH appropriate for the ingredient to work?

Quality: Are the ingredients pure and properly preserved?

These factors aren’t determined by price. A well-formulated affordable product can be just as—or more—effective than a luxury alternative.

What to Do Instead

Focus on ingredients, not branding. Read ingredient lists, understand what you’re looking for, and compare active ingredient concentrations. Look for brands that prioritize transparency about their formulations.

The Ordinary revolutionized the skincare industry by proving this very point. Their products contain clinical-grade active ingredients at effective concentrations, formulated in research-backed vehicles, at remarkably affordable prices. They eliminated unnecessary packaging, celebrity endorsements, and marketing fluff, passing the savings to consumers.

For example, compare The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane (containing pure retinol in a stable, skin-friendly base) to luxury retinol products costing ten times more. The results? Comparable, if not superior, because The Ordinary focuses purely on what matters: ingredient quality and formulation integrity.

This doesn’t mean all expensive products are overpriced or that all affordable products are great—it means price alone is a poor indicator of quality. Evaluate products based on their merits, not their price tags.

Building Your Evidence-Based Routine

Now that we’ve dispelled these common myths, let’s discuss how to build a skincare routine based on facts, not fiction:

Start Simple

Begin with the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once these are working well, add targeted treatments one at a time, waiting 2-4 weeks to assess each product before adding another.

Focus on Proven Ingredients

Stick with ingredients that have strong scientific backing:

• Retinoids for anti-aging and acne
• Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection
• Niacinamide for barrier support, oil control, and multiple benefits
• Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
• AHAs/BHAs for exfoliation
• Peptides for collagen support

Be Consistent

Results take time. Most active ingredients require 6-12 weeks of consistent use before you’ll see significant improvements. Patience and consistency trump constantly switching products.

Listen to Your Skin

Your skin will tell you what it needs. If it feels tight and dry, add hydration. If it’s congested, consider gentle exfoliation. If it’s irritated and sensitive, simplify and focus on barrier repair.

Adjust for Climate and Season

Morocco’s diverse climate—from coastal humidity to desert dryness—means your skin’s needs may change based on your location and the season. In drier regions or during winter, increase hydration. In humid coastal areas, you might need lighter formulations.

The Role of Professional Guidance

While understanding these myths empowers you to make better choices, there’s no substitute for personalized advice when dealing with persistent skin concerns. If you’re struggling with severe acne, unexplained skin reactions, or conditions like rosacea or eczema, consult a dermatologist.

For product recommendations and routine building, the team at The Ordinary Maroc is here to help. We understand both the products and the unique skincare challenges faced in Morocco’s varied climate.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Your Best Skincare Tool

The skincare industry thrives on myths, trends, and misinformation because confusion sells products. But informed consumers make better choices, save money, and achieve better results. By understanding the science behind skincare and questioning popular myths, you can build a routine that truly works for your skin.

Remember these key principles:

1. Effective products should feel comfortable, not irritating
2. Both natural and synthetic ingredients can be safe and effective
3. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable for healthy skin
4. All skin types need appropriate hydration
5. Simple, focused routines outperform overcomplicated ones
6. Ingredient quality and formulation matter more than price

Your skin is unique, and what works for others might not work for you. Use these facts as a foundation, but always pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust accordingly. Skincare isn’t about following rules blindly—it’s about understanding the principles and applying them intelligently to your individual needs.

At The Ordinary Maroc, we’re committed to transparency, education, and providing access to effective, science-backed skincare at honest prices. Because everyone deserves good skin, and no one deserves to be misled by myths and marketing.

Ready to build your evidence-based skincare routine? Visit www.ordinary-maroc.com to explore our complete range of authentic The Ordinary products, or contact us on WhatsApp at 0764469471 for personalized recommendations based on your specific skin concerns. We deliver throughout Morocco, bringing clinical-grade skincare directly to your door.

Because when it comes to your skin, facts matter more than fiction.