As an esthetician, you hear a lot of wild skincare myths, questionable advice, and let’s be honest—some downright painful statements. While we love our clients and want the best for their skin, there are moments when we have to take a deep breath, force a smile, and calmly explain why their latest beauty belief might be sabotaging their skin.
Here are three of the most common, head-scratching things we hear in the treatment room—along with what we wish we could say.
1. "I drink tons of water—why do I still have acne?"
Ah, the classic belief that drinking gallons of water is the cure-all for acne. While hydration is essential for healthy skin, it’s not a magical fix for breakouts. Acne is a complex issue that can stem from hormones, diet, stress, and even poor skincare habits. If water alone could prevent pimples, we’d all be glowing 24/7.
What we say: "Hydration is definitely important for skin health, but acne can have many causes beyond just water intake. Let’s take a look at your routine and lifestyle to see what might be contributing."
What we want to say: "Water won’t undo the three slices of pizza, sugary cocktails, and skipping your nighttime cleanse, bestie."
Let’s get real—if glowing skin were as easy as chugging a few extra glasses of water, skincare wouldn’t be a billion-dollar industry. Instead of relying on hydration alone, focus on consistent skincare, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Your skin will thank you.
2. "I think I’ll just use coconut oil as my moisturizer!"
Oh, the coconut oil dilemma. Somewhere along the way, the internet convinced people that slathering thick, pore-clogging oil onto their face was the secret to flawless skin. Spoiler alert: for most skin types, it’s not. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it can block pores and lead to breakouts, especially for those prone to acne.
What we say: "Coconut oil can work for some skin types, but for many, it can clog pores and cause breakouts. Let’s find a moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated without increasing the risk of congestion."
What we want to say: "Your pores are screaming for help. I beg you to reconsider."
If you’re using coconut oil and your skin is thriving, then great! But if you’re dealing with unexpected breakouts or congestion, it might be time to swap it out for a non-comedogenic alternative like jojoba oil, squalane, or a well-formulated moisturizer designed for your skin type.
3. "I saw this skincare hack on TikTok…"
Oh boy. If we had a dollar for every time a client mentioned a bizarre TikTok skincare trend, we’d be lounging in a spa in Bali. While social media is a great way to share beauty tips, not everything that goes viral is safe—or even remotely effective. From DIY lemon juice masks (ouch) to people literally slathering glue on their face to ‘remove’ blackheads, we’ve seen it all.
What we say: "Some trends can be helpful, but others can do more harm than good. Let’s break down what works and what might be risky for your skin."
What we want to say: "If it involves toothpaste, glue, or rubbing raw garlic on your face, I’m begging you to step away from TikTok immediately."
Not all skincare hacks are bad, but it’s crucial to differentiate between expert-backed advice and viral nonsense. If you see a trend that looks interesting, ask your esthetician before trying it. Your skin deserves better than DIY disasters.
Final Thoughts
Estheticians hear it all—from skincare myths to client confessions that make you laugh, cringe, or shake your head. But at the heart of it all, you’re the experts who educate, guide, and help clients achieve their best skin. We understand that misinformation is everywhere, which is why your role is more important than ever in setting the record straight.
So, if you’ve ever had to smile through a client’s questionable skincare choices, just know you’re not alone! We’re here to support you with the resources, tools, and education you need to keep your clients glowing—and to keep your sanity intact.
What’s the wildest skincare myth you’ve ever heard? Share it in the comments!
