We recently asked you—our SkinShop community—what’s the best skincare advice you’ve ever received. And wow, did you deliver. From age-old tips to trending tools, your responses came flooding in (with a few clear fan favourites).
We’ve rounded up your best skincare advice and added our take: whether it’s a dermatologist-backed truth or more of a myth. Let’s dive in...
1. “Retinol, retinol, retinol.”
Verdict: Truth — but tread carefully.
Retinol is often hailed as the gold standard in skincare and for good reason. It speeds up cell turnover, smooths texture and helps reduce fine lines and breakouts. But it’s powerful stuff. Start with a low concentration and use it just a few times a week until your skin builds tolerance. And always follow with SPF the following morning, retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Try it: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
2. “Three words: RED LIGHT THERAPY.”
Verdict: Absolutely valid.
Red light therapy (RLT) stimulates collagen production, calms inflammation and accelerates healing. It’s great for reducing redness, improving elasticity and evening out skin tone. Devices like the Omnilux Contour Face Mask or Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro make professional-level results possible at home.
Try it: Omnilux Contour Face Mask
3. “SPF every single day.”
Verdict: No-brainer truth!
Sunscreen isn’t just for holidays — it’s your skin’s daily armour. UV damage contributes to premature ageing, pigmentation and even breakouts. Rain, shine or snow: SPF is a non-negotiable.
Try it: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50
4. “Dipping your face in icy water.”
Verdict: Mostly myth — with a splash of truth.
While dunking your face in ice water won’t replace your skincare routine, it can reduce puffiness and tighten pores temporarily. It’s a popular hack for a quick refresh (and a great base before make-up), but long-term benefits are minimal. Think of it as skincare’s morning espresso shot — energising, not essential.
5. “Introduce new products slowly and one at a time.”
Verdict: 100% true.
This is one of the most underrated yet important pieces of skincare advice. Trying multiple new products at once can lead to irritation or breakouts — and you won’t know what’s to blame. Introducing one product every 1–2 weeks helps you track what works for your skin.
6. “Vitamin C every day.”
Verdict: Glow-up guaranteed.
Vitamin C brightens skin, fades pigmentation and offers antioxidant protection. Daily use can even boost the effectiveness of your SPF. Look for stabilised forms like L-ascorbic acid for maximum results.
Try it: Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%
7. “Consistency and routine!”
Verdict: Skincare’s ultimate secret weapon!
The best product in the world won’t work if you only use it once a week. Building a consistent morning and evening routine — even a simple one — is more effective than jumping on every new trend. Bonus points for patience: most ingredients take 6–12 weeks to show results.
8. “Clean pillowcase = clear skin.”
Verdict: Surprisingly true.
Dirty pillowcases can harbour oil, bacteria and residue from hair products — all of which can transfer to your face. Change them at least once a week (more often if you have acne-prone skin) and opt for silk or satin if you want to be extra gentle on your skin.
9. “You can't manifest clear skin while sleeping in your make-up!”
Verdict: Mic drop truth.
Sleeping in make-up is one of the quickest routes to clogged pores, breakouts and dull skin. No matter how tired you are, cleansing at night is non-negotiable and double cleansing is your skin’s best friend.
Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away make-up, SPF and impurities, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to deeply purify the skin. Trust us, your future self (and your pillowcase) will thank you.
Try it: Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil
10. “Trust Korean skincare!”
Verdict: A wise call.
K-beauty focuses on hydration, prevention and gentle formulations. With innovation at its core, it offers some of the most effective (and affordable) skincare in the world. Plus, layering lightweight steps can customise your glow.
Try it: Shop our K-Beauty favourites
Bonus Advice We Love
Here are a few other tips we couldn’t ignore and absolutely agree with:
- “Hydration is key.” Drink water, moisturise often and don’t skip hydrating serums (hello, hyaluronic acid).
- “Double cleanse at night.” Especially if you wear SPF or make-up — an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one = a clean canvas.
- “Don’t pop your spots.” It spreads bacteria and can scar. Use targeted treatments instead.
Final Thoughts
Skincare is personal, but some truths are universal and our community clearly knows their stuff. Whether you’re all about red light tech or simply switching your pillowcase more often, these tips are small shifts that can lead to major skin wins.
Got more advice to share? Let us know!
