Following the success of our first set of Truth Bombs (find the article here), our Dermatologist founder, Dr. Mazin, is back debunking four more myths around how best to care for sensitive, problematic skin.
Truth Bomb 1: Constant exfoliation will not give you clearer skin (and can even worsen it)
Spots, oily skin, flaky eczema, psoriasis scales… those suffering any of these know very well how tempting it is to scrub them away. The initial skin clarity comes quick; more often than not though, your condition flares again soon and it’s usually worse than before.
Why does this happen? Over-exfoliating, especially with physical scrubs, strips away natural barrier oils and damages the epidermis (outer layer). This further weakens defences of already compromised skin, leaves it open to irritants and triggers inflammation — setting healing back.
The best approach: Gentle support, not constant assault. Think balance and nourishment over blitzing skin and let skin repair and renew at its own rhythm (more of this in Truth Bomb 2).
Get off to the best start by choosing soap- and SLS-free washes for your face, body and scalp. Honeysuckle Cleanser, Soothing Bath & Shower Oil and Softening Scalp Shampoo are designed for those with eczema, psoriasis or acne. They contain herbs with antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities like Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Calendula and Huang Bai (Amur Cork) to calm acne- or eczema-inflamed skin and clear scales or flakes without tightness or irritation.
Once skin’s cleansed, follow with the ideal topical for your concern. These are top picks for getting a gentle, damage-free exfoliating action:
- Oily and acne-prone: Blemish Rescue Mask
- Psoriasis-prone: Softening Indigo Ointment
- Eczema-prone: Soothing Cream
“Strong, calm skin is built slowly – not sanded into submission.”
Truth Bomb 2: Consistency (not quick fixes) delivers your best skin health
Social channels and beauty store shelves are bursting with brands promising overnight skin miracles, even for conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne or psoriasis. While we all like quick fixes and fast results, the products promising them often really just mean they’ll suppress symptoms.
The best approach: With chronic skin conditions, there are no shortcuts. True healing takes time and patience, barriers can’t rebuild overnight (or even over days): it’s slow, steady, deliberate… but it lasts.
Chinese herbal medicine sees skin as reflecting your internal balance of immune, digestive and circulatory health. The best care doesn’t just add a layer of moisture — it stimulates the system to produce key barrier substances like ceramides. With our skin concern topicals, while they do swiftly soothe and soften, their ultimate effects aren’t instant as they’re designed to gently and naturally promote lasting repair.
“Don’t believe the hype. Choose authentic formulas, be patient and let skin heal from the inside–out — you’ll find lasting skin health and strength, not just a temporary topical band-aid.”
Truth Bomb 3: Heavy, petroleum-based emollients are not best for eczema-prone skin
The dry, itchy skin suffered by those with atopic eczema signals a defective barrier. This allows allergens, bacteria and irritants to enter more easily, which worsens the condition.
Heavy, mineral-oil laden emollients are commonly prescribed to tackle this — their thick, oily layer traps water under the skin’s surface, preventing irritants from getting in to reduce flare-ups. The idea is that skin uses oxygen and nutrients from blood vessels underneath to heal. The reality? Quite different. Smothering the barrier can actually slow healing.
Why does this happen? Up to 80% of the oxygen used by the epidermis for repair and renewal is absorbed directly from air, not blood vessels. Aqueous creams packed with petroleum or paraffin block this diffusion, suffocate the barrier, trap sweat or irritants, hinder natural function and trigger increased inflammation.
The best approach: Formulations that harness breathable, natural oils and extracts. They absorb into skin, support barrier repair without suffocating it and allow oxygen flow to continue — aiding that all-important renewal cycle.
“My no.1 tip for eczema is never let skin dry out. Instead of slugging with petroleum jelly like you see on TikTok, apply Nourishing Cream through the day. Zi Cao, Shea and Safflower deeply soothe, moisturise and protect — but crucially don’t stifle skin.”
Truth Bomb 4: Bakuchiol really is as effective as retinol — just without the side effects
Retinol might be the poster child of anti-ageing routines, but it comes with a price: redness, peeling, irritation and sun sensitivity. For many, it’s too harsh to use long-term.
The best approach: Bakuchiol — a gentler, plant-based retinol alternative extracted from the seeds of Bu Gu Zhi. Clinical trials show that 0.5% Bakuchiol (our products contain 1%) used twice daily smooths skin, reduces wrinkles and fades pigmentation as effectively as retinol but with no irritation. It’s so well tolerated that even sensitive skin types can use it safely.
Bakuchiol helps stimulate collagen production, prevent collagen breakdown, brighten tone, improve elasticity and soothe inflammation. Unlike retinol, it’s safe in daytime routines, as it doesn’t break down in UV or increase sun damage risk.
Find Bakuchiol in:
- Bakuchiol Face Oil
- Rose Otto Face Cream
- Dark Spot Brightening Cream
- Blemish Rescue Face Oil
- Blemish Rescue Face Cream
“While retinol demands caution and thick barrier creams, Bakuchiol delivers results gently, safely and naturally — morning and night, year after year. It’s a no brainer.”
Heard about any more dubious ‘fixes’ for skin concerns? We’d love to hear from you and add to this article. In the meantime, we hope you find Mazin’s advice empowering… and remember — if we can help with any other questions about your skin concerns, our expert team is here.
