Busted: The Skincare Tips That Do More Harm Than Good

The internet is full of skincare advice. Some of it is genuinely brilliant. Some of it could genuinely damage your skin. In the spirit of April Fools' Day, we're calling out the myths that just won't die — and telling you what to actually do instead.

Myth #1: Toothpaste dries out spots overnight 

Perhaps the most enduring skincare myth of all time. The logic seems sound — toothpaste has antibacterial properties, spots need drying out — but this is one tip you should absolutely ignore.

Toothpaste is formulated for your teeth, not your face. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate, fluoride, and menthol can seriously irritate your skin, causing redness, flaking, and inflammation. In some cases, leaving it on overnight can even cause a chemical burn. The spot might look a little drier — but the skin around it will be angry, irritated, and worse off than before.

What to do instead: Our Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches (£9) are clinically proven to visibly reduce spots in just 4 hours. Made with 99% hydrocolloid, they draw out impurities and flatten blemishes while you sleep — no irritation, no redness, no minty side effects. Virtually invisible on all skin tones, so you can wear them during the day too.

Myth #2: You should skip moisturiser if you have oily skin

This one sounds logical on the surface. Your skin is already producing lots of oil — why would you add more? Surely moisturising oily skin just makes things worse?

Actually, it's the opposite. When your skin is dehydrated — meaning it lacks water, not oil — it overcompensates by producing more sebum. Skipping moisturiser doesn't reduce oiliness; it can actually make it worse. Your skin is trying to protect itself, and without proper hydration, it'll keep reaching for the only tool it has: oil.

What oily skin needs isn't less moisture — it's the right moisture. Lightweight, oil-free hydration that works with your skin barrier, not against it.

What to do instead: Our Omega Water Cream (£11) is a non-comedogenic water cream clinically proven to balance excess oil and hydrate skin without clogging pores. Powered by 5% Niacinamide, 5% Glycerin, and an Omega Fatty Acid Complex, it absorbs instantly and never feels greasy. 95% of users said their skin tone looked more even after 28 days.

Myth #3: Lemon juice gives you a natural, brighter-looking glow

Natural! Brightening! Already in your fridge! It sounds perfect. It isn't.

Lemon juice has a pH of around 2 — roughly the same as vinegar. It's highly acidic and photosensitising, meaning it increases your skin's sensitivity to UV light and can cause serious sun damage. There's even a condition called phytophotodermatitis — essentially a chemical burn triggered by citrus on skin exposed to sunlight — that can result in blistering, dark patches, and long-term pigmentation. The cruel irony? It can actually cause the hyperpigmentation you were hoping to fix.

What to do instead: Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum (£15) delivers real, clinically proven brightening without any of the risk. Formulated with 15% stable Ascorbyl Glucoside and 1% plant-derived EGF, it targets hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone. In an independent trial, 87% of users agreed their skin looks brighter and 88% saw a visible improvement in tone and texture. Apply in the morning, follow with SPF, and leave the lemons for your water.

The Real Tips (Since We're Being Honest Now)

Look, skincare myths are funny — until someone ends up with a toothpaste burn on their chin. The truth is, great skin doesn't require kitchen experiments or skipping the steps your skin actually needs. It requires a little knowledge and the right ingredients.

At INKEY, knowledge is quite literally our thing. So here's what we actually stand behind:

• Spots? → Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches — clinically proven results in 4 hours. £9.
• Oily skin that needs moisture? → Omega Water Cream — oil-free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven to balance excess oil. £11.
• Want to brighten your skin? → 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum — stable Vitamin C + EGF, not lemon juice. £15.

No toothpaste. No citrus fruits. No skipping the moisturiser.

Happy April Fools' Day. Now go wash your face.