When it comes to skincare, it’s simply not a one size fits all. With endless shades of skin tone, levels of skin sensitivity and ranges of skin type, we all have different routines that suit our faces and bodies the best. While I’m no dermatologist, below are five universal skincare myths I’ve debunked:

1. “What works for me should work for you”

First and foremost, everyone’s skin is unique, so it shouldn’t come as a huge shock that everyone’s skin will react differently to key ingredients, even for those that suffer from the same skin conditions (oily skin, stubborn acne, etc). There’s always comfort in knowing that a product worked really well for a friend before trying it out yourself, but be sure to “listen” to your skin…it’s all about trial and error!

2. “Ditch the SPF when it’s not sunny”

UV rays can still penetrate the skin when it’s cloudy. Applying SPF 30+ daily as the last part of your morning skincare routine will reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Not all SPF products work well on your face, so ensure you pick a product specifically made for it. Better yet, find a trusted moisturizer or foundation with SPF to avoid the extra step and make sure you never forget.

3. “Good quality skincare products are expensive”

Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it works well, and just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it won’t do its job. Here’s a skincare hack: look at the key ingredients in that coveted, fancy skincare product with a high price tag. Then, find yourself a less expensive alternative from another brand with some of the same ingredients. You’d be surprised how well some reliable drug store skincare products work at a fraction of the cost.

4. “Only those with dry skin need to moisturize”

It seems counterintuitive to moisturize oily skin, but skipping moisturizer can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. Acne treatments and cleansers can dry out your skin, so it’s important to follow up with moisturizer to bring hydration back, even if your skin already appears hydrated. Moisturizer also acts as a barrier, which can protect your skin from pollution and bacteria. Whether you have dry or oily skin (or something in between), don’t skip moisturizer.

5. "You can skip your nightly face washing on makeup-free days”

Washing your face at night with your dependable makeup remover wipe is not only removing makeup; it’s also unclogging pores and ridding your face of the dirt and sweat it’s accumulated throughout the day. Some say that washing your face at night can also prevent wrinkles. So even if you skip makeup, don’t skip on cleansing in the evening.