Clear the Clutter. Keep the Science.
With the rise of TikTok, Instagram, and viral skincare hacks, it’s never been harder to separate fact from fiction. Some trends are harmless — others can damage your skin barrier or cause breakouts. At Naturaliste Skin Clinic, we believe in evidence-based skincare that actually works. Here’s our myth-busting guide to spring cleaning your routine and saying goodbye to outdated or misleading trends.
Myth #1: Beef Tallow as a Moisturiser
The Trend: Using beef tallow (animal fat) as an “all-natural” face moisturiser.
The Truth: While tallow contains fatty acids, it’s heavy, pore-clogging, and not formulated for facial skin. As this changes the skin’s PH Level making it more alkaline, increasing skin sensitivity and impairment. Worsen breakouts and irritation, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser is a far safer choice.
Myth #2: Castor Oil for Lashes, Brows & Skin
The Trend: Applying castor oil to grow lashes, brows, and treat dry skin.
The Truth: Castor oil is very thick and can clog pores, causing milia or breakouts. There’s little scientific evidence to support lash or brow growth benefits. Instead, opt for dermatologist-approved serums or medical-grade hydrating products that nourish without the risk.
Myth #3: Toothpaste as a Spot Treatment
The Trend: Dabbing toothpaste on pimples to dry them out overnight.
The Truth: Toothpaste contains harsh ingredients (like fluoride and baking soda) designed for teeth — not skin. These can cause redness, chemical burns, and worsen inflammation. Professional spot treatments with salicylic acid are much safer and more effective.
Myth #4: You Need to Cleanse in the Morning
The Trend: Believing your skin must be washed twice daily with a cleanser.
The Truth: Over-cleansing can strip your skin of natural oils and damage the skin barrier. We do all our repairing at night to restore the skin – we don’t want to wash off all our hard work! For many people, a splash of water or gentle wipe in the morning is enough — saving your full cleanse for the evening to remove sunscreen, makeup, and daily buildup.
Myth #5: Manual Exfoliation vs. Chemical Exfoliation
The Trend: Using harsh scrubs or brushes to physically exfoliate for smoother skin.
The Truth: Manual exfoliation can create microtears, irritate sensitive skin, and worsen redness. Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs and BHAs) dissolve dead skin cells more evenly and gently, supporting cell turnover without damaging the barrier. For most skin types, chemical exfoliation is safer, more effective, and gives long-term glow.
Myth #6: Natural Ingredients Are Always Better
The Trend: Assuming “natural” = safer and more effective.
The Truth: Natural products can be irritating (think lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or DIY scrubs). These types of products change the skin’s PH level over time, which increases skin sensitivity and impairment. Medical-grade skincare is formulated with proven ingredients at safe concentrations to deliver results without compromising skin health.
How to Spring Clean Your Skincare Routine
1. Declutter Your Shelf
Toss products that are expired, irritating, or based on unproven trends.
2. Focus on the Basics
Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and one or two targeted actives (like Vitamin C or retinol) are all most people need.
3. Invest in Evidence-Based Care
Medical-grade skincare and professional treatments (like HydraFacials, microneedling, or PicoSure laser) deliver real, visible results.
4. Get Personalised Advice
Everyone’s skin is unique — what works for a TikTok influencer may not work for you. Our Dermal Therapists can create a tailored plan that cuts through the noise.
Ready for a Skin Reset?
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your routine and let go of skincare myths that don’t serve you.
✔️ Stop wasting money on ineffective trends
✔️ Protect your skin barrier
✔️ Choose evidence-based treatments that work
✔️ Build confidence with healthy, glowing skin
Book Your Skin Consultation
At Naturaliste Skin Clinic, we’ll help you spring clean your skincare and design a routine that’s right for your skin type, concerns, and goals.
Ready to swap trends for truth?
Book your personalised consultation today today and let us guide your skin journey with science-backed care.
