5 Common Skincare Misconceptions Guys Have
Remember during teenage years, when you thought overwashing your face would help clear up hormonal acne? Maybe you avoided the all-too-common mistake of using skin-parching astringent as a means of cleansing, too. (Let’s hope so.) Because in reality, more washing (and certainly any astringent, much less repeated use) will probably cause more acne. Luckily, that’s a misconception most of us bust through eventually. Stick with a gentle cleanser, fellas.
There are many skincare misconceptions that persist amongst adult skincare users, though. Even if you’ve swapped in a gentle cleanser, there is still a lot of ground to cover in order to keep your skin firm, clear, bright, and fortified. Below are five of the most common skincare myths and misconceptions we hear. Read up to make sure you aren’t perpetuating any bad habits.
1. Misconception: A product or regimen is only good if its results are immediate
A lot of people pick up a skincare regimen later in life. It’s never too late to start, so don’t be discouraged if you're coming into this a decade or two after your peers. What is important, though, is that you commit yourself to the regimen moving forward. It’s not likely that you’ll notice a major difference from using SPF moisturizer after a single day or two (unless, of course, you’re shielding your skin from sunburn). Rather, avoiding a decade of UV rays every single day will ensure your skin looks much smoother, firmer, and clearer those 10 years later, as opposed to any lack of sun coverage. The same can be said of a decade of sleeps with night moisturizer protecting skin from drying out, and of using highly concentrated eye cream around those most delicate parts of your face.
Now, that’s not saying that you won’t experience any immediate results. Yes, it feels instantly refreshing to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. And eye cream can quickly brighten and tighten the eye area, to prevent dark circles and puffy under eyes. But there is a long game at play, and the only way to enjoy those major benefits is to stick with it every day. And if you’re worried about breaking the habit, just keep things simple with cleanser and moisturizer. Doing those baseline things will do the majority of the work for you.
We always say to think of a skincare regimen like a life lived healthily: It’s your daily fitness, and in the long run, can do you significant favors.
2. Misconception: Oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer
Many people think that, because oily skin naturally nourishes the skin, those of us with glossy mugs don’t need to layer on moisturizer. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Yes, that sebum is naturally nourishing for skin, so you certainly at risk of dryness. But do you want to look like a bike reflector in every flash-photo taken of you?
No. The real goal should be enjoying the benefits of having naturally nourished skin, while mitigating the overproduction of sebum (not to mention, minimizing the chance for clogged pores due to this overproduction). So, what oily skin really needs is a gentle, pore-expunging cleanser, an oil-balancing toner, as well as lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps to trap moisture inside the deeper layers of the skin while simultaneously blocking toxins and pollutants from breaching the skin barrier. (And, in terms of daytime wear, the moisturizer also shields skin with SPF 30+.) Your skin will never feel dry, but it will also be clearer, more matte, and shielded from photo-aging environmental factors.
3. Misconception: Eye creams are a scam
We would certainly classify eye creams as “advanced-level” skincare, but only because the baseline regimen consists of cleansers and full-face moisturizers. But that doesn’t negate the importance of eye creams, which many people mistake for tiny versions of moisturizer (which, if you look at the cost per volume, might feel like a joke—why pay just as much for your eye cream as for your entire moisturizer? However, remember that eye creams are targeting the thinnest, most delicate, most easily “aged” part of your face. This is why we get dark circles (the thin skin is translucent), crow’s feet (from decades of expression), and puffy bags (due to loss of resilience which causes fat deposits under the eyes to sink below the sockets).
An everyday moisturizer exists to help preserve your skin’s moisture levels while also blocking outside threats from entering the skin. A great eye cream, on the other hand, is like a highly concentrated serum which packs specific ingredients like peptides to specifically preserve the firmness and density of the skin in this area. So, don’t write it out of your regimen. That little vessel is the Napoleon of skincare.
4. Misconception: Dark skin tones don’t need SPF
If you don’t burn easily due to your naturally darker skin tone, then that’s great; nobody wants to fry! (Sorry, pale pals.) But that doesn’t minimize the importance of SPF, because UV rays are still just as damaging to your skin as they are to lighter tones. UV rays exist in multiple forms: Some of them burn the skin (UVB rays), and while you may avoid this experience, those rays are still able to mutate your cells’ DNA and eventually cause skin cancer. The second type of UV rays, UVA, penetrate deeper into the skin and cause it to visibly “age” faster, by causing a loss of resilience in the skin. You’ll sooner experience rough patches, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (even if its contrast is less noticeable on your tone).
Wear SPF whenever you go out into the sun, no matter how naturally shielded you may think you are. That includes wearing an SPF30+ moisturizer every single day, no matter how cloudy or gray it is.
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Daily SPF + Moisturizer
$22.00
5. Misconception: ‘Skincare’ only refers to your vanity regimen
The same way your wellness regimen doesn’t solely pertain to your gym time, your skincare wellness doesn’t solely refer to the time spent in the shower and in front of your mirror. Rather, it can be easily undone by other daily habits. If you routinely go on late-night benders, getting far less sleep than is advised (and ingesting far more “bad for you” things like alcohol, sugary and processed foods, drugs and cigarettes, etc… well, then you’re going to have to taper your skincare expectations accordingly. We’re not here to shame anyone for their decisions, but we do want to remind you that a daily application of moisturizer can’t keep you looking youthful if you aren’t making other decisions to support the effort. Nor can an eye cream undo those five shots of tequila on a Tuesday night, nor a cleanser preventing acne if you regular take hormone-altering steroids, or even non-vegan whey. (Both are known to cause breakouts.)
Again, no preaching here. Just an awareness effort, if anything. Be consistent, stay realistic about what to expect, and never give up on your regimen—because doing it at all will make a difference in the long haul.
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Beginners
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
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Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
seller
Anti-Aging Skincare Set
good for:
Life comes at you fast. That’s why we developed our Anti-Aging Skincare Set full of just what you need to tackle fine lines, rough texture, and other signs of aging in the skin.
From protecting skin all day long to boosting its ability to repair and rebuild overnight, your past, present, and future selves will thank you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Anti-Aging Skincare Set
good for:
Life comes at you fast. That’s why we developed our Anti-Aging Skincare Set full of just what you need to tackle fine lines, rough texture, and other signs of aging in the skin.
From protecting skin all day long to boosting its ability to repair and rebuild overnight, your past, present, and future selves will thank you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Hair + Body Shower Set
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! The Hair + Body Shower Set has everything you need for an invigorating showertime routine, going beyond cleansing to strengthen, repair, and soothe your hair and skin. You—and your houseguests—will thank you for ditching the 3-in-1 for this trio.
*Vital Body Wash – winner of the 2022 GQ Grooming Awards
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 03 Vital Body Wash
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Hair + Body Shower Set
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! The Hair + Body Shower Set has everything you need for an invigorating showertime routine, going beyond cleansing to strengthen, repair, and soothe your hair and skin. You—and your houseguests—will thank you for ditching the 3-in-1 for this trio.
*Vital Body Wash – winner of the 2022 GQ Grooming Awards
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 03 Vital Body Wash
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Dark Circles Skincare Set
good for:
All work and no play makes for dull skin.
The Dark Circles Skincare Set is perfect for those looking to brighten and revive dull and tired looking skin. Cleanses debris and grime from the day, depuffs and treats under eye bags, and rehydrates while soothing the skin in your sleep.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
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Dark Circles Skincare Set
good for:
All work and no play makes for dull skin.
The Dark Circles Skincare Set is perfect for those looking to brighten and revive dull and tired looking skin. Cleanses debris and grime from the day, depuffs and treats under eye bags, and rehydrates while soothing the skin in your sleep.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Dry Skin Set
good for:
Skin feeling a bit thirsty? The Dry Skin Set was crafted specifically for those with a dry skin type.
If you deal with flakiness, dull complexion, visible fine lines, red patches, or any combination of the above, this set was made for you. This is all you need to hydrate your skin—and keep it hydrated.
Includes Steps:
- 01
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 05 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
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Dry Skin Set
good for:
Skin feeling a bit thirsty? The Dry Skin Set was crafted specifically for those with a dry skin type.
If you deal with flakiness, dull complexion, visible fine lines, red patches, or any combination of the above, this set was made for you. This is all you need to hydrate your skin—and keep it hydrated.
Includes Steps:
- 01
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 05 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
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NEW
NEW
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
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Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
NEW
NEW
+ Hair
+ Body
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
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EDITION
GIFT BOX
Limited Edition Gift Set
good for:
This gift set is complete with our bestselling anti-aging products to protect skin all day long, while repairing skin overnight. Targets dark circles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging.
*Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
"There is no better present to give an older brother than the gift of perfect skin care. I don't know who will like it more him or his wife. And, of course, I bought more for myself." - David N. | Age: 45-54
Limited Edition Gift Set
good for:
This gift set is complete with our bestselling anti-aging products to protect skin all day long, while repairing skin overnight. Targets dark circles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging.
*Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
"There is no better present to give an older brother than the gift of perfect skin care. I don't know who will like it more him or his wife. And, of course, I bought more for myself." - David N. | Age: 45-54
Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Hair Loss
Healthy Hair Duo
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! Teamwork makes your hair dreams work.
Our highly-rated Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner teams up to get to the root of hair loss, strengthening and nourishing hair starting right at the scalp. Achieve thicker, healthier follicles with the help of our protein and vitamin-packed formula.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
"I love this shampoo and conditioner. After six weeks of use, I can say that this combination really helped my dry scalp and to reduce itch.” - Alex L.
Healthy Hair Duo
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! Teamwork makes your hair dreams work.
Our highly-rated Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner teams up to get to the root of hair loss, strengthening and nourishing hair starting right at the scalp. Achieve thicker, healthier follicles with the help of our protein and vitamin-packed formula.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
"I love this shampoo and conditioner. After six weeks of use, I can say that this combination really helped my dry scalp and to reduce itch.” - Alex L.
NEW
NEW
Cleansing Duo
Hit refresh! The Cleansing Duo gives you the ultimate cleanse with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect duo for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or clay mask treatment. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Cleansing Duo
Hit refresh! The Cleansing Duo gives you the ultimate cleanse with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect duo for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or clay mask treatment. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.