By Kadiatu A. Turay

In the age of influencers and trending TikTok routines, skincare advice is everywhere, But behind the flashy filters and viral hacks lie common skincare myths that can damage your skin more than help it, to get to the bottom of what truly works, I spoke with dermatologists, nurses, and everyday users across Sierra Leone to uncover the truth behind widespread misconceptions and what to do instead.

Many people with oily or acne-prone skin believe that skipping moisturizer will help reduce shine, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, your skin still needs hydration, even if it’s oily, says Dr. Mariama Sesay, a dermatologist based in Freetown. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to balance oil without clogging pores.

It’s a common belief that sunscreen is only needed on bright, sunny days or during outdoor activities. But UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, causing sun damage even when you’re indoors.

We treat many patients with pigmentation and sun-related skin damage who rarely spend time outside, says Nurse Adama Kamara of Connaught Hospital, in tropical climates like ours, sun protection must be a daily habit, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning even if it’s cloudy or you’re indoors. Reapply every 2–3 hours when exposed to sunlight.

With the rise of clean beauty, many assume that if something is labeled “natural or organic, it must be safer, But not all natural ingredients are good for your skin, we’ve seen many allergic reactions from raw lemon, garlic, and turmeric applied directly to the skin, warns Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, a skin specialist in Bo. Natural doesn’t automatically mean safe or suitable for facial use.

Always patch-test new products natural or synthetic and avoid DIY remedies without professional advice. this harmful myth often leads to harsh scrubbing and over-washing, which damages the skin and makes acne worse.

Acne isn’t caused by dirt, explains Nurse Fatmata Jalloh, a community health nurse, over-washing or using harsh soaps can strip your skin and trigger more breakouts.

Wash your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser, use acne-targeting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but don’t overdo it.

Some believe that skincare is only necessary once wrinkles or dark spots appear but that’s too late for prevention, starting early with a simple routine helps delay signs of aging and prevents long-term skin issues, says Dr. Kadiatu Bangura, a cosmetic dermatologist.

Fix: Build a basic skincare routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in your teens or early 20s. Add serums or anti-aging products gradually.

It’s tempting to believe that higher prices mean better results, but many affordable skincare products are just as effective.

It’s about the formulation, not the price tag, says Dr. Michael Davies, a skincare researcher, vitamin C is vitamin C whether in a 100 Leones serum or a 500 Leones one.

Fix: Focus on active ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, and ceramides that are backed by science. Choose products based on your skin’s needs not marketing.

Over-exfoliating can strip your skin’s natural barrier, causing irritation, dryness, and increased breakouts, daily exfoliation is like sanding your skin it weakens it,” says Nurse Mariatu Koroma, who works with burn and sensitive skin patients.

Exfoliate only 1–2 times per week using gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mantellic acid instead of abrasive scrubs.

Staying hydrated is essential but drinking more water alone won’t cure breakouts or erase wrinkles, skin health depends on many factors like diet, hormones, stress, and environment, says Dr. Isata Pratt, a nutritionist, Drink water, yes but combine it with a balanced diet, proper skincare, and healthy lifestyle habits for real skin improvement.

Hawa Kamara, a university student from Kenema, shared her experience, I used lemon juice every night because I saw it on social media. It gave me dark spots. Now I use sunscreen and a basic routine, and my skin is healing, Musa Kargbo, a Freetown shop owner, admitted, I thought skincare was for women, but after using sunscreen, my doctor said my dark spots faded. I feel better and more confident now.”

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or trendy. What matters most is consistency, knowledge, and science-backed products. Avoid shortcuts and focus on what your skin truly needs.

Your skin is your largest organ, concludes Dr. Mariama Sesay, treat it with care not guesswork, wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, never skip sunscreen even indoors, moisturize daily, regardless of your skin type, Avoid DIY treatments with harsh ingredients, Consult a professional for persistent issues.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,7th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)