In every home, skincare advice carries forward through generations — from Dadi’s desi ghee and mustard oil massages to Maa’s coconut water for scars and neem for every breakout.
Many such beliefs may not align with what our skin actually needs today. Between tradition and trend, we’ve picked up a mix of half-truths, quick fixes, and misunderstood remedies. Add to that the flood of social media “hacks,” and skincare becomes more confusing than comforting.
At C’nor Skincare, we believe good skincare starts with clarity, not complexity.
Let’s untangle some of the most common Indian skincare myths that might be holding your skin back — gently, with both science and sense.
Myth: “Oiling is enough — you don’t need moisturisers.”
Truth:
Oils seal in hydration but don’t provide water. If you apply oil to dry skin, you're just locking in dryness.
For healthy skin, you need both:
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Hydration: water-based layers like rose water, aloe, or milk/yogurt.
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Moisture lock: oil-based layers like coconut oil or shea butter.
Myth: “Oily skin doesn’t need oils.”
Truth:
Oily skin can still be dehydrated — that is, lacking water. When you avoid oils completely, your skin may overproduce sebum to compensate.
Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like almond, safflower, karanj, or jojoba can actually help regulate oiliness and reduce acne triggers.
Myth: “Oils clog pores and cause pimples.”
Truth:
Not all oils are pore-clogging. Coconut oil can be comedogenic for some, but oils like almond, safflower, and sunflower are anti-inflammatory and help acne-prone skin.
The key is formulation and balance, not banning oils.
Myth: “Traditional oils like desi ghee, mustard, or coconut are always good for the face.”
Truth:
While traditional oils have benefits, not all are suitable for facial skin. Mustard oil, for instance, can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Modern Ayurveda-based skincare blends like C’nor cold process soaps use skin-safe oils tailored for daily use that suit all skin types.
Myth: “Avoid oil in summer — it makes skin worse.”
Truth:
Summer skin still loses water due to heat and evaporation. A light oil layer after bathing can prevent moisture loss, especially in dry AC environments.
Choose fast-absorbing oils like safflower or aloe-infused butters.
Myth: “Coconut oil is all you need for everything.”
Truth:
While coconut oil is a household staple, it can clog pores for some skin types, especially on the face.
Oils should be chosen based on comedogenic rating and skin needs, not family tradition alone.
Myth: “Fairness equals beauty.”
Truth:
Deeply embedded in our psyche, this myth fuels the use of harsh creams and bleach-based products that harm the skin and self-image.
Modern skincare focuses on skin health, radiance, and tone uniformity, not changing your natural complexion.
Myth: “If it tingles or burns, it must be working.”
Truth:
The “no pain, no gain” mentality is dangerous in skincare. Tingling or burning may indicate skin barrier damage, not product efficacy.
Myth: “Natural means no side effects.”
Truth:
Natural isn’t always gentle. Lemon juice, baking soda, or undiluted essential oils can disrupt pH, cause photosensitivity, and irritation.
Even Ayurvedic ingredients need proper formulation and balance.
Myth: “I don’t need skincare; I drink enough water.”
Truth:
Internal hydration is vital, but skin also needs external care — humectants, emollients, and occlusives — especially in Indian weather and pollution.
Myth: “Using soap on the face is bad.”
Truth:
Most commercial soaps are harsh — yes.
But cold process soaps (like C’nor) retain glycerine and use gentle botanicals, making them safer and more hydrating than detergent-based face washes.
Myth: “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.”
Truth:
Skipping moisturiser can make oily skin produce more oil.
A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser or soap with natural emollients helps regulate sebum.
Myth: “Men don’t need skincare.”
Truth:
Skin doesn’t care about gender. Men’s skin is often thicker and oilier, but still needs cleansing, hydration, and barrier protection—especially due to shaving, pollution, and sun exposure.
Myth: “More products = better skin.”
Truth:
Layering too many actives leads to barrier overload.
A minimalist routine with hydration + barrier support (like C’nor Ubtan Soaps) often works better.
Myth: “Ubtan is too messy and time-consuming.”
Truth:
Traditional ubtan is effective but inconvenient for daily use.
C’nor Skincare brings the potency of ubtan in a convenient, handcrafted cold process bar, offering daily Ayurvedic care in one mindful step.
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