Beauty Myths Busted: What Really Works and What’s Just Hype
When it comes to beauty, there’s no shortage of tips, tricks, and products claiming to transform you into a radiant goddess. But for every genuinely helpful beauty hack, there are at least five that are more myth than magic. We’ve all heard them: “Toothpaste can clear up pimples,” or “Coconut oil fixes everything.” (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.)
In this post, we’re going to debunk some of the most popular beauty myths out there and figure out what actually works, what doesn’t, and what’s just plain weird.
Myth #1: Toothpaste Clears Up Pimples
The Myth: If you’ve ever woken up with a zit the size of Mount Everest, chances are someone, somewhere, has suggested dabbing a little toothpaste on it. After all, if it can clean your teeth, surely it can clean your skin, right?
The Truth: Nope. Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol, which can dry out your skin but are too harsh for your face. You might temporarily shrink the pimple, but you’re also likely to irritate your skin, causing redness and potentially more breakouts. So unless you want a rash to match that pimple, keep the toothpaste in the bathroom where it belongs.
Myth #2: Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
The Myth: Ah yes, the old “shaving makes hair grow back thicker” myth. It’s been passed down for generations, striking fear into the hearts of those who pick up a razor for the first time.
The Truth: Shaving doesn’t change the thickness, color, or growth rate of your hair. It might feel like it’s growing back thicker because the razor cuts the hair at the surface, leaving a blunt tip that feels coarse as it grows out. So shave away, folks—your hair isn’t plotting revenge by turning into a jungle overnight.
Myth #3: You Can Close Your Pores
The Myth: “Use cold water to close your pores,” they said. “It’ll make your skin flawless,” they promised. Except, your pores don’t have little doors that open and close whenever they feel like it.
The Truth: Pores don’t actually open or close. They can appear larger when they’re clogged with dirt and oil, but using cold water won’t magically shrink them. Proper exfoliation and cleansing will help keep them looking smaller, but if you’re hoping for a quick fix by splashing some ice water on your face, you’ll be waiting forever.
Myth #4: Rubbing Your Eyes Will Give You Wrinkles
The Myth: If you rub your eyes, you’ll end up looking like a Shar-Pei in a few years. That’s the fear some people have when it comes to eye care.
The Truth: While rubbing your eyes won’t immediately turn you into a wrinkly mess, repeatedly tugging and pulling at the delicate skin around your eyes can cause it to stretch and wrinkle over time. So while the occasional rub won’t hurt, try to be gentle with that sensitive area—and, for the love of all things beautiful, take off your makeup before bed!
Myth #5: Expensive Products Are Always Better
The Myth: If a product costs an arm and a leg, it must be better than the cheaper stuff, right? Right?
The Truth: Not necessarily. Many expensive products are filled with fancy packaging and marketing hype, but the ingredients themselves are often no different from more affordable options. In fact, some drugstore brands use the same labs as luxury brands to create their formulas. What matters most is the ingredients that work for your skin, not how much the product costs. So save your cash and do your research!
Myth #6: Drinking Water Will Completely Clear Your Skin
The Myth: “Just drink more water, and your skin will glow like you’ve been kissed by angels!” Sure, hydration is important, but is it really a one-stop solution for perfect skin?
The Truth: While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can improve your skin’s appearance, it’s not a cure-all for breakouts or skin problems. Your skin’s health depends on a variety of factors, including your skincare routine, diet, hormones, and environment. So, yes, drink your water—but don’t expect it to be a miracle cure.
Myth #7: Coconut Oil Fixes Everything
The Myth: Coconut oil is hailed as the ultimate beauty elixir. Hair frizzy? Coconut oil. Skin dry? Coconut oil. Got a pimple? Coconut oil.
The Truth: Coconut oil can be great for certain things, like moisturizing dry skin or conditioning hair, but it’s not the all-in-one miracle product it’s made out to be. For some people, especially those with acne-prone skin, slathering coconut oil on their face can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use it wisely and sparingly—because, let’s be real, it can’t literally fix everything.
Myth #8: You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
The Myth: It’s cloudy, so why bother with sunscreen? The sun’s hiding, so you’re safe from those harmful rays, right?
The Truth: Wrong! Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still reach your skin even on cloudy days. If you want to protect your skin from premature aging, sunburns, and the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine—rain or shine.
Myth #9: Natural Products Are Always Better
The Myth: If it’s natural, it must be better for your skin! That’s why people are smearing avocado and honey on their faces, right?
The Truth: Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s automatically better for your skin. Poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn’t want to rub that on your face. Always check the ingredients, and remember that “natural” isn’t synonymous with “safe” or “effective.” Some synthetic ingredients can be incredibly beneficial for your skin, while some natural ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Myth #10: You Need a 10-Step Skincare Routine
The Myth: To have flawless skin, you need a multi-step skincare routine that takes at least an hour every morning and night.
The Truth: While a 10-step skincare routine works for some, it’s not necessary for everyone. A basic routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen can be just as effective. The key is consistency and using products that work for your skin type. Don’t feel pressured to buy a million products just because that influencer said so.
Beauty is About What Works for YOU
At the end of the day, beauty isn’t about following every myth or trend—it’s about finding what works best for you. Some myths might seem tempting, but sticking to science-backed facts and a consistent routine is the real key to glowing, healthy skin. So, skip the toothpaste, leave your pores alone, and always wear sunscreen—no matter what.
