Skincare Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

When it comes to skincare, misinformation abounds. With new trends and viral skincare hacks appearing every day, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. At Alchimie Forever, our values include integrity, and being accountable to science. Here, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most persistent skincare myths. Let’s dive into what’s true, what’s false, and why understanding the difference matters for your skin.

Myth 1: “Clean beauty” means “chemical-free.”

Fact: The term "chemical-free" is a misleading marketing phrase. Everything, including water and air, is made up of chemicals. In skin care, it’s important to differentiate between safe, beneficial chemicals and harmful ones. At Alchimie Forever, we prioritize clean formulations by avoiding harsh, unnecessary ingredients while including those that deliver real results, like synthetic Vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid.

Myth 2: Natural ingredients are always better for your skin.

Fact: While plant-based ingredients have many benefits, not all natural substances are safe or effective for skincare. Poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn’t want it in your moisturizer! Conversely, some lab-made ingredients, are both safe and helpful to the skin (an example is hyaluronic acid, both hydrating and plumping). At Alchimie Forever, we harness both the power of botanicals and scientifically developed actives to deliver safe, visible results.

Myth 3: Exfoliating every day is the key to glowing skin.

Fact: Over-exfoliation can increase inflammation and damage the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and breakouts. Instead, exfoliating 1-3 times a week (based on your skin type) is sufficient to remove dead skin cells and boost radiance. For those looking for a gentle exfoliation that’s effective yet kind to the skin, our Gentle Refining Scrub is a perfect choice, formulated to brighten and smooth without causing damage or micro skin wounds.

Myth 5: If you have oily skin, you don’t need moisturizer.

Fact: Even oily skin needs hydration. In fact, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more sebum. The key is choosing the right formula. Lightweight, non-comedogenic options like our Kantic Light Clarifying Cream provide essential hydration without clogging pores, helping to balance the skin's natural sebum production and control shine.

Myth 6: You don’t need sunscreen indoors or on cloudy days.

Fact: UV rays penetrate through windows and clouds, so wearing sunscreen daily is non-negotiable. Even if you’re indoors, UVA rays—responsible for premature skin aging—can still reach your skin. Our Protective Day Cream SPF23, formulated with Swiss Edelweiss, provides both protection and hydration for all-day defense against UV damage.

Myth 7: Pores open and close.

Fact: Despite popular belief, pores don’t have muscles and therefore cannot “open” or “close.” What you can do is minimize their appearance by keeping them clean and free of debris. Proper cleansing, using our Purifying Gel Cleanser for example, can help clear out impurities and reduce the look of enlarged pores.

Myth 8: Expensive products are always better.

Fact: The price of a product doesn’t necessarily indicate its effectiveness (indeed, sometimes it just indicates how much money a brand spends on marketing!). What matters most is the quality of the ingredients and how well they suit your skin’s needs. Alchimie Forever formulations are highly concentrated in high-quality, scientifically-backed ingredients. We don’t use fillers in our products. A little bit goes a long way, and so does your money!

Navigating the world of skincare can be challenging. We’re here to help you cut through the noise, offering clean, clinically proven solutions that work. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to skin care. Don’t fall for the myths—stick with the facts.