Skincare Myth Challenge: Fact or Myth?

Twelve common beliefs. Say fact or myth for each and see the reason right away. No sign-in.

Written by the Oliareen editorial teamDermatologist review: pendingLast updated: 6 November 2026How we write

Question 1 / 12

Hot water opens pores and cold water closes them.

Your answers stay on this device; we do not store them.

This is for learning, not a diagnosis. For a skin problem, see a dermatologist.

Read every question and answer

1. Hot water opens pores and cold water closes them.
Answer: Myth. Pores have no muscle to open or close. Warm water softens oil a little and cold makes skin feel tighter for a while, but pore size does not change.
What pores actually do
2. Oily skin needs moisturiser too.
Answer: Fact. Oil and water are different things. Oily skin can still lack water, especially with harsh cleansers or acne treatments. A light gel or lotion is usually enough.
Understand oily skin
3. Sunscreen still matters on cloudy days and by a window.
Answer: Fact. Much of the UVA light passes through clouds and window glass. Sitting by a window or stepping out for a short while still counts.
Sunscreen basics
4. SPF 50 protects twice as much as SPF 30.
Answer: Myth. Applied properly, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB and SPF 50 about 98%. Using enough and reapplying every two hours matter more than the number.
How to read SPF
5. Scrubbing and washing often can make acne worse.
Answer: Fact. Acne is not about a dirty face; it comes from oil, blocked pores, bacteria, inflammation and hormones together. Scrubbing and washing often irritates skin and can make it worse.
Understanding acne
6. If a product stings, it means it is working.
Answer: Myth. Stinging, redness or itching are signs of irritation. Stop the product, and patch test new ones on a small area first.
How to patch test
7. Lemon juice or toothpaste is a good home fix for marks and pimples.
Answer: Myth. Lemon is very acidic and can cause burns on skin in sunlight. Toothpaste irritates skin. Both can leave marks darker than before.
Home remedies to avoid
8. A "natural" ingredient is always safe for skin.
Answer: Myth. Many plant oils and fragrances cause allergies. How much is in there and whether your skin tolerates it matter more than where it came from.
What to know about fragrance
9. Niacinamide and vitamin C can be used in the same routine.
Answer: Fact. The worry came from an old study done in conditions unlike today's products. Modern formulas work together. If they sting, split them morning and night.
Which ingredients go together
10. Dark marks after acne and acne scars are the same thing.
Answer: Myth. A flat brown or red mark is a colour change and usually fades with time and sunscreen. A dip or raised scar is damage to the skin's structure and needs medical treatment.
Mark or scar
11. Melasma can get worse with sun, visible light and heat.
Answer: Fact. Melasma can darken with visible light and heat, not only UV. Tinted sunscreen, shade and a doctor's advice work together.
Understanding melasma
12. Fair skin means healthy skin.
Answer: Myth. Healthy skin is comfortable, not irritated, with a working barrier, whatever its colour. Creams that promise fast whitening often contain harmful ingredients.
Healthy skin is not about fairness