Four familiar pieces of skincare advice and what is worth doing instead.
There is more skincare advice in circulation than ever and plenty of it does not hold up. Trends move quickly, product lists get longer and it can be difficult to know which steps genuinely matter. The reassuring part is that an effective routine does not need to be complicated.
These are four skincare myths that come up again and again, along with the simple habits worth keeping instead.
THE SHORT VERSION: Choose products for your skin rather than their price tag, keep hydration in the routine and pay attention to UV protection - even in Ireland.
Myth 1: Expensive means better
A higher price can reflect particular ingredients, packaging or research, but it does not automatically make a product right for your skin. What matters more is whether the formula suits your skin type, whether it fits comfortably into your routine and whether you will use it consistently.
A well-chosen moisturiser used every day will usually be more useful than an elaborate product left sitting in a drawer. The American Academy of Dermatology makes a similar point: a straightforward routine built around cleansing, moisturising and sun protection can be both effective and budget-conscious.
GOOD'S SKINCARE PICK: Mervue Organics Skincare Miniatures Travel Set - a five-piece introduction to the range, with travel sizes of its cleanser, hydrating floral mist, moisturiser, facial balm and serum.
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Myth 2: Wrinkles only come with age
There is no need to chase every new ingredient. Start with the repeatable basics: cleanse gently, moisturise according to your skin type and use suitable sun protection when the UV index calls for it. Consistency is far more valuable than a crowded shelf.
GOOD'S SKINCARE PICK: Clinique Wrinkle Fighting Routine Set - a three-piece facial skincare set containing a wrinkle-correcting serum, face cream and eye cream.
Myth 3: Oily skin does not need moisture
Oil and hydration are not the same thing. Skin can produce plenty of oil and still feel tight, uncomfortable or dehydrated. Trying to scrub or cleanse every trace of oil away can irritate the skin, so the answer is not necessarily to skip moisturiser.
Instead, look for a texture that feels comfortable: lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas are useful places to start. The AAD's guidance for oily skin likewise recommends gentle cleansing and avoiding harsh, oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. Introduce one change at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
GOOD'S SKINCARE PICK: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - an oil-free facial gel-cream with hyaluronic acid and aloe bio-ferment, designed to deliver hydration in a lightweight texture.
Myth 4: You do not need SPF in Ireland
Cloud cover does not mean there is no ultraviolet radiation. The UV index is the useful measure, not how warm or bright the day feels. The HSE advises protecting your skin when the index reaches 3 or above and notes that this commonly happens in Ireland from April to September, including on cloudy days.
Check the day's UV index and combine sunscreen with shade, clothing and sunglasses where appropriate. For adults, the HSE recommends SPF 30 or higher, applied to exposed skin and reapplied as directed - particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
GOOD'S SKINCARE PICK: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF50 - a lightweight, fast-absorbing facial sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50, hydration and a non-comedogenic formula.
A routine built around your skin
The best routine is one that suits your skin, your budget and the amount of time you actually have. If you are unsure where to begin, start with the basics, introduce one product at a time and give your skin time to respond. A focused routine is easier to follow than a bathroom shelf crowded with products.
Explore moisturisers, hydrating treatments, SPF and more in the Good's online skincare collection.
If you have persistent irritation, acne, pigmentation or another changing skin concern, speak to your GP or a dermatologist.
