National Healthy Skin Month: 5 myths worth retiring
The first of November marks the start of National Healthy Skin Month and serves as a gentle reminder that our skin, the body's largest organ, deserves year-round care, not just occasional pampering.
The thing is: myths spread quickly when it comes to skincare. So this month, we're setting the record straight as part of the National Healthy Skin Month celebration.
Here are five common skincare myths it's time to leave behind... and the healthy facts to fill their place.
Myth 1: Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser
Truth: every skin type needs hydration. Yep, even oily skin.
Makes sense to think oily = moisturised, right? Wrong! Your oily skin can actually be crying out for water. And when it's thirsty? It cranks up the oil production even more. Talk about counterproductive.
The fix? A lightweight moisturiser that won't clog your pores. It'll give your skin the hydration it craves without being too heavy.
Try our Symmetry anti-ageing face cream or our Eternal anti-ageing face cream.
Myth 2: Expensive products work better
Truth: it's what's inside that matters, not how much you paid.
Pretty bottles and eye-watering price tags don't automatically mean better skin. Sometimes, natural skincare companies can go overboard with prices because they feel they're products are unique. But what actually counts? The stuff inside!
Some of the most effective skin-helping ingredients, like Vitamin E, Beeswax, and Shea Butter, show up in both budget-friendly and luxury products. Flip that bottle over and check what you're actually putting on your face!
At The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company, we keep it simple. Every product has exactly what your skin needs, nothing more, nothing less.
Myth 3: Sunscreen is just for sun days
Truth: This one I preach every single day - UV rays don't care about the weather!
As a child, I got sun-burned really bad and my skin has been sensitive to the sun ever since. So I know, that even on cloudy days, UV rays are still there. The sun has the worst aging magic and damages your skin without you noticing.
Daily SPF is honestly one of the best things you can do for your skin, rain or shine, summer or winter. Get yourself some 50SPF protection and reapply frequently if you're outside.
Trust me, future you will be so grateful.
Myth 4: You can shrink your pores
Truth: Pore size is in your genes but you can make them look smaller.
You can't actually shrink your pores. Not with ice cubes, not with fancy serums, not even if you wish really hard.
But here's what you can do: Keep them clean! When dead skin and oil build up, they stretch your pores out over time. Gentle cleansing is your friend here.
My favourite is the Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil Super Cleanser but any of our cleansers will do just fine.
Myth 5: Harder scrubbing cleans your skin
Truth: Your skin is not a dirty pan, be gentle!
Going at it too hard messes with your skin's protective barrier, stripping away oils it actually needs.
All you need is a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water and soft fingertips or a washcloth. That's plenty to get rid of the day's grime without upsetting your skin.
Remember, healthy skin isn't about being squeaky clean. It's about finding that sweet spot of balance.
What is healthy skin, anyway?
The skin experts at the American Academy of Dermatology say healthy skin feels smooth, looks even, stays hydrated, and just feels... comfortable. It's skin that feels like you, not dry, not irritated, not constantly breaking out.
And guess what? You don't need some crazy 10-step routine.
You need:
- Ingredients you trust.
- Products that work with your skin, not against it.
- A routine that feels like self-care, not homework.
We're all about keeping it simple and intentional. We use nature's best, honor tradition, and belief that real skincare is taking care of your skin without overwhelming it.
Handmade in Scotland. Crafted with purpose. And always, always with nature at its heart.