-
Timeless Skincare Tips That Work – Many traditional skincare remedies, like using cold water to reduce puffiness, honey for acne, and aloe vera for soothing burns, are backed by modern dermatology. Natural solutions like coconut oil, turmeric, and rose water offer proven benefits for hydration, brightening, and toning.
-
Debunking Common Skincare Myths – Harsh scrubbing damages skin, oily skin still needs moisturiser, and toothpaste is not a safe spot treatment (!). While some natural ingredients are effective, others (like lemon juice) can cause harm. Sunscreen is essential daily, even on cloudy days.
-
Expert Skincare Backed by Science – While Mum’s advice often holds wisdom, professional skincare guidance ensures optimal results. At Temple Skincare & Spa, expert therapists provide personalised treatments for healthy, radiant skin. Book a consultation today!
When it comes to skincare, many of us have grown up hearing advice from our Mums and Grandmothers. While some of their tips might sound outdated, you’d be surprised at how many of them actually hold up under modern dermatological research.
Here are some old-school skincare myths that genuinely work and why you should consider adding them to your routine.
1. Cold Water Tightens Pores
While cold water doesn’t physically shrink pores, it does help constrict blood vessels, which can reduce puffiness and make pores appear smaller. Splashing your face with cold water in the morning can also wake up your skin and give it a refreshed look.
2. Honey Heals Wounds and Acne
Your Grandma might have told you to apply honey on cuts or pimples, and she wasn’t wrong! Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe (not heal) wounds and reduce acne. Raw honey or medical-grade Manuka honey is especially beneficial for soothing irritated skin.
3. Aloe Vera Soothes Burns and Irritations
Aloe vera is often the go-to remedy for sunburns, and science backs this up. It contains compounds that reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and hydrate the skin. Keeping a fresh aloe plant at home is a natural and effective way to treat minor burns and skin irritations. Fresh Aloe is also a fabulous plant to have on hand to cool and calm the skin after laser hair removal.
Try this Pure Fiji After Sun Soothing Gel.
4. Coconut Oil is a Great Moisturiser
Coconut oil has been used for generations as a natural body moisturiser, and it does work for certain skin types. It’s rich in fatty acids that help lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin. However, if you have acne-prone skin, use it cautiously as it can clog pores. Coconut oil is the base for all our Pure Fiji body products.
5. Turmeric Brightens Skin
Many Grandmothers learnt from their grandmothers to swear by turmeric face masks for glowing skin. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce hyperpigmentation and help brighten the complexion. Just be careful—it can stain your skin temporarily!
6. Drinking Water Keeps Skin Clear
While hydration alone won’t cure acne or wrinkles, drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin elasticity, flush out toxins, maintains a healthy lymphatic system, assists in carrying other active ingredients deeper into the skin, keeps organs hydrated and functioning which in turn reflects in the skins healthy appearance, and promote a healthy complexion. If your Mum always reminded you to drink water, she was onto something!
7. Beauty Sleep is Real
Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just an old saying—it’s scientifically proven to benefit your skin. During sleep, your body repairs itself, boosts collagen production, and reduces cortisol levels, which can help prevent premature ageing and breakouts. Good quality sleep is important for all over skin and body health!
8. Rose Water Refreshes and Tones Skin
Rose water has been a staple in skincare for centuries, and it’s still a fantastic natural toner. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps balance the skin’s pH, and provides a burst of hydration. Spritzing some rose water on your face can instantly refresh tired skin.
Now, let’s Debunk Common Skincare Myths
There is some traditional beauty advice that doesn't always stand the test of time (or science!). Let’s separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common skincare misconceptions.
Myth 1: “The harder you scrub, the cleaner your skin.”
Scrubbing your face aggressively might feel satisfying, but it can do more harm than good. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural waters and oils, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and even breakouts. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week with a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant like enzymes or AHAs or BHAs. Ask your Temple Therapist the most suitable type of exfoliating ingredient for your skin and how often suits your skin condition.
Myth 2: “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.”
If you skip moisturiser because your skin is oily, you might actually be making things worse! When your skin is dehydrated, it produces even more oil to compensate. If you suffer from acne, not moisturising can also lead to scarring so choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
Check out this light-as-air moisturiser that's also amazing on acne prone skin.
Myth 3: “Toothpaste is a great spot treatment.”
This old trick has been passed down for generations, but toothpaste contains ingredients that can be too harsh on the skin, causing irritation and dryness. Instead, use a proper spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target breakouts effectively.
Myth 4: “Natural ingredients are always better.”
While natural skincare can be beneficial, not everything from your kitchen belongs on your face. Lemon juice, for example, can cause irritation and make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Natural also doesn't mean it's stable/ safe to use on your face and effective in its results. Instead, choose skincare products that are scientifically formulated for safety and efficacy.
Myth 5: “Tanning clears acne.”
A little sun might temporarily dry out pimples, but UV exposure can lead to long-term damage, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. Always wear SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin while keeping breakouts in check. Instead consider Temple professional strength LED treatments as these LED wavelengths contain NO UV however the perfect wavelength to clear your skin safely!
Myth 6: “You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.”
UV rays penetrate clouds, and also through windows and reflections…meaning your skin is still at risk of sun damage even when the sun isn’t shining. Sunscreen is a daily essential, rain or shine!
These exosome-powered SPF moisturisers are a must!
Trust the Experts (and Mum)!
While some beauty advice from Mum holds up—like drinking water and getting enough sleep—others need a little updating. Nevertheless, using proven-safe and natural at-home remedies and skincare support healthy skin and overall well-being.
At Temple Skincare & Spa, we believe in evidence-based skincare to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. If you’re unsure about your routine, book a consultation with one of our expert therapists today!
Listen to a Deep Dive into Age-Old Skincare Practices
Hit play to listen to this discussion on natural skincare tips that we've learnt from mum and nan.