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True or False: Is Your Skincare Knowledge Up to Par?

Think you know everything about skincare? With so much information out there—from viral TikTok hacks to old wives’ tales—it’s easy to believe you’re doing all the right things for your skin. But what if some of the advice you follow is actually hurting your skin?

It’s time to put your skincare knowledge to the test! We’re busting some of the biggest skincare myths—some you may already know, and others that might surprise you. Grab a pen (or just keep count in your head) and see how many you get right!

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True or False: Pores Can Shrink

Answer: False!

Hate to break it to you, but pores don’t actually shrink. Pore size is primarily determined by genetics, so no product or procedure can permanently make them smaller. That said, you can minimize their appearance by keeping them clear and supporting your skin’s overall texture and elasticity.

Skincare Truth:

  • Pores appear larger when they’re clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

  • Regular, gentle exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep pores clear and less noticeable. Our Tonic was specifically formulated with pore-refining in mind—it blends six gentle yet powerful acids to unclog pores, smooth texture, and clarify skin overnight.

  • For long-term results, ingredients like retinoids and niacinamide help improve skin elasticity and texture. Our RET+ delivers a potent dose of 0.12% retinaldehyde—one of the strongest forms available—paired with peptides, vitamin C, bakuchiol, and more to refine the look of pores over time.

True or False: Drinking Water Hydrates Your Skin

Answer: Mostly False!

While drinking water is essential for your overall health, simply increasing your water intake isn’t the secret to glowing, hydrated skin. If you’re severly dehydrated, yes—your skin can appear dull, tight, or less plump, and drinking enough fluids can help restore that baseline. But for most people who are already reasonably hydrated, chugging more water won’t make a visible difference. That’s because the stratum corneum (the outer layer of your skin) doesn't hydrate directly from water intake—it’s more influenced by topical moisturizers that trap water in the skin.

Skincare Truth:

  • While water is a key player in your skin’s overall function, true skin hydration happens on the surface, with the right skincare products that support and protect your skin barrier.

Topical hydration—with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides—has a more immediate and targeted effect on skin’s moisture levels. For deep, lasting hydration, we recommend:

  • Crème de la Blair – Our ultra-rich, peptide-infused moisturizer loaded with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane to deeply nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

  • Hydrating Serum – A lightweight serum packed with two forms of hyaluronic acid, peptides, honey, and fruit extracts to provide long-term and short-term moisture. 

  • Antioxidant Mist – A refreshing, antioxidant-rich mist with green tea, white tea, chamomile, and sea minerals to gently hydrate and calm the skin throughout the day.

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True or False: "Natural" Skincare Is Always Better for Your Skin

Answer: False!

We all love the idea of “natural,” but when it comes to skincare, natural doesn’t always mean better—or safer. In fact, synthetic ingredients are often more stable, less irritating, and better researched than their natural counterparts. Perfect example—poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn’t rub it on your face, right?!


Skincare Truth:

  • Nature is Unpredictable. Natural ingredients (like plant extracts or essential oils) can vary based on how and where they’re grown—soil quality, climate, even the time of harvest. That means each batch can behave differently, leading to inconsistent results or surprise irritations.

  • Synthetic ingredients are designed for purity and consistency. Scientists can replicate or improve upon natural compounds in a lab, removing allergens, impurities, and unstable elements. That means fewer side effects, longer shelf life, and more predictable performance.

  • Instead, look for clinically studied ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and bakuchiol. Lab-made ingredients go through rigorous testing and are backed by clinical data, so we know how they interact with skin. Many “natural” ingredients, on the other hand, sound nice but lack strong evidence or regulation.

True or False: Your Skin Repairs Itself While You Sleep

Answer: True!

Your skin goes into repair mode at night, working to regenerate and recover from daily environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution. This is why your nighttime skincare routine is just as important—if not more—than your morning one.

Skincare Truth:

  • Cell turnover is highest at night, meaning your skin is actively repairing and renewing itself while you sleep.

  • Ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid work best at night when your skin is focused on recovery.

  • Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep supports healthy skin function and can reduce signs of aging and inflammation.

  • Did you know your skin does its best work while you sleep? Make sure your nighttime routine supports its natural repair process!

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True or False: Retinoids Should Be Avoided If You Have Sensitive Skin

Answer: False!

Retinoids have a reputation for being harsh, but that doesn’t mean they’re off-limits for sensitive skin. The key is choosing the right formulation and introducing it gradually. Retinaldehyde is often a better starting point than retinol for sensitive skin types—it delivers powerful results with less irritation.

Skincare Truth:

  • Retinaldehyde only requires one conversion to retinoic acid, whereas retinol requires two. Fewer conversions mean it’s more effective and better tolerated by sensitive skin.

  • Buffering with moisturizer or using it every other night can help ease your skin into a retinoid routine.

  • Our RET+ combines 0.12% retinaldehyde with soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients—formulated to deliver high-impact results without overwhelming the skin.

  • If RET+ is too strong for you, our Bakuchiol is a great plant-based alternative that offers similar benefits. It’s safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding.  

How Did You Do? Is Your Skincare Knowledge Up to Par?

4-5 Correct: Skincare expert! You know your stuff and your routine is likely on point.
2-3 Correct: Solid knowledge, but there’s room to fine-tune your routine.
0-1 Correct: Time for a skincare reset! Now that you know the truth, you can start making better choices for your skin.

Skincare myths can hold you back from achieving your best skin—but now you know the facts! 

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