Myths About Cleansing and Skincare: What Teens (and Parents) Need to Know
Why Busting Skincare Myths Matters
With so much skincare advice floating around on TikTok, YouTube, and in the locker room, it’s easy to get confused about what’s actually good for your skin. Myths and misinformation can lead to bad habits, wasted money, and more breakouts or irritation than you started with. At Prep U, we believe teens (and their parents) deserve real, science-backed answers—so you can build a routine that actually works for you.
Top Cleansing and Skincare Myths—Busted!
Myth #1: “Bar Soap Is Bad for Your Face”
The truth:
Not all bar soaps are created equal! Old-school body bars can be harsh and drying, but modern facial bars—like Prep U’s—are made with gentle, plant-based ingredients that cleanse without stripping or irritating. If it’s formulated for the face, bar soap can be just as good (or better) than liquid cleansers.
Not all bar soaps are created equal! Old-school body bars can be harsh and drying, but modern facial bars—like Prep U’s—are made with gentle, plant-based ingredients that cleanse without stripping or irritating. If it’s formulated for the face, bar soap can be just as good (or better) than liquid cleansers.
Myth #2: “The More You Wash, the Better”
The truth:
Washing your face more than twice a day can actually make things worse by stripping your skin’s natural oils. This can cause dryness, irritation, and even more oil production. Stick to cleansing morning and night, plus after sweating or sports.
Washing your face more than twice a day can actually make things worse by stripping your skin’s natural oils. This can cause dryness, irritation, and even more oil production. Stick to cleansing morning and night, plus after sweating or sports.
Myth #3: “If It Burns or Tinges, It’s Working”
The truth:
That burning or tingling feeling isn’t your cleanser “deep cleaning”—it’s a sign of irritation. Gentle, non-stripping cleansers work best for teen skin. If a product stings, it’s time to switch.
That burning or tingling feeling isn’t your cleanser “deep cleaning”—it’s a sign of irritation. Gentle, non-stripping cleansers work best for teen skin. If a product stings, it’s time to switch.
Myth #4: “You Need a 10-Step Skincare Routine”
The truth:
More steps don’t mean better results! For most teens, a simple routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and spot treatment if needed—is all you need. Overcomplicating things can actually stress out your skin.
More steps don’t mean better results! For most teens, a simple routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and spot treatment if needed—is all you need. Overcomplicating things can actually stress out your skin.
Myth #5: “Natural Ingredients Can’t Cause Breakouts”
The truth:
Even natural ingredients can irritate or clog pores for some people. Always patch test new products, and look for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas—like all Prep U cleansers and bars.
Even natural ingredients can irritate or clog pores for some people. Always patch test new products, and look for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas—like all Prep U cleansers and bars.
Myth #6: “Scrubbing Hard Gets Rid of Acne”
The truth:
Scrubbing too hard can damage your skin’s protective barrier, cause redness, and make acne worse. Use gentle, circular motions and let your cleanser do the work.
Scrubbing too hard can damage your skin’s protective barrier, cause redness, and make acne worse. Use gentle, circular motions and let your cleanser do the work.
Myth #7: “If You Have Oily Skin, Skip Moisturizer”
The truth:
Oily skin still needs hydration! Skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce even more oil. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer after every cleanse.
Oily skin still needs hydration! Skipping moisturizer can actually make your skin produce even more oil. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer after every cleanse.
Myth #8: “You Need Strong Chemicals to Fight Acne”
The truth:
Harsh chemicals can irritate and dry out teen skin, sometimes making acne worse. Gentle, plant-based ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, and clays can help keep skin clear without the harsh side effects.
Harsh chemicals can irritate and dry out teen skin, sometimes making acne worse. Gentle, plant-based ingredients like tea tree oil, charcoal, and clays can help keep skin clear without the harsh side effects.
Myth #9: “If a Product Is Sold in the US, It Must Be Safe”
The truth:
The US allows hundreds of skincare ingredients that are banned in Europe due to health and safety concerns—including certain parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and phthalates. Prep U follows the strictest global standards, so you’ll never find those ingredients in our products.
The US allows hundreds of skincare ingredients that are banned in Europe due to health and safety concerns—including certain parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and phthalates. Prep U follows the strictest global standards, so you’ll never find those ingredients in our products.
Myth #10: “Skincare Is Only for Girls”
The truth:
Everyone’s skin deserves care—no matter your gender! Acne, oil, and sensitivity affect all teens, and a healthy skincare routine is for everyone.
Everyone’s skin deserves care—no matter your gender! Acne, oil, and sensitivity affect all teens, and a healthy skincare routine is for everyone.
How to Spot Skincare Myths
- Double-check advice from social media—look for science-backed sources or dermatologist recommendations.
- If it sounds too good (or too harsh) to be true, it probably is.
- Trust your skin: irritation, redness, or breakouts are signs something isn’t right.
Prep U’s Skincare Truths
- Simple, gentle routines are best for teen skin.
- Plant-based, non-toxic ingredients work for all skin types.
- We never use parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, or any of the 1,700+ ingredients banned in the EU.
- Skincare is self-care—for everyone.
FAQs: Busting Cleansing & Skincare Myths
Can bar soap really be good for my face?
Yes! If it’s made for facial skin, like Prep U’s, it’s gentle and effective.
Yes! If it’s made for facial skin, like Prep U’s, it’s gentle and effective.
What if my skin gets worse when I start a new routine?
Give it a couple of weeks, and don’t add too many new products at once. If irritation continues, switch to something gentler.
Give it a couple of weeks, and don’t add too many new products at once. If irritation continues, switch to something gentler.
Is it okay to use my mom’s or dad’s products?
Only if they’re gentle and non-comedogenic—adult products can sometimes be too harsh for teen skin.
Only if they’re gentle and non-comedogenic—adult products can sometimes be too harsh for teen skin.
Related Resources
- How to Cleanse Your Face Properly
- Cleansing for Different Skin Types
- Ingredient Spotlights & What to Avoid
- Nighttime vs. Morning Skincare Routine
Get the Facts—Not the Fads
Prep U is here to help you cut through the noise and build a skincare routine that’s safe, simple, and effective.
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