12 Beauty Myths That Experts Say You Should Finally Forget
From social media tips to age-old advice passed down through generations, beauty information is everywhere—but not all of it is accurate. Many widely accepted beauty “truths” have actually been debunked by dermatologists and scientists.
Believing these myths can lead to wasted money, ineffective routines, or even harm to your skin and hair. It’s vital to rely on evidence-backed guidance from professionals instead of popular hearsay. In this article, we’ll expose some of the most persistent beauty myths.
1. Natural Ingredients Are Always Better
Many consumers believe that if a beauty product is labeled “natural,” it must be safer and more effective. However, experts caution that natural ingredients can be just as irritating or allergenic as synthetic ones. For example, essential oils like lavender and citrus can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
In contrast, synthetic ingredients are often developed and tested to ensure safety and consistency. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that both natural and synthetic ingredients can be beneficial or harmful depending on your unique skin type and the formulation.
2. You Can Shrink Your Pores
A common misconception is that skincare products or treatments can permanently shrink your pores. In reality, pore size is largely determined by genetics and cannot be physically reduced.
Dermatologists explain that while topical treatments like retinoids, exfoliants, or clay masks can help minimize the appearance of pores, these solutions do not actually make pores smaller—they help them look less noticeable by keeping them clear of debris and oil. According to Healthline, maintaining a proper skincare routine can help reduce their visibility, but permanent pore shrinkage isn’t possible.
3. Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer
Many people with oily skin avoid moisturizers, fearing they’ll exacerbate shine or cause breakouts. However, dermatologists stress that all skin types—including oily—require hydration. Skipping moisturizer can actually prompt the skin to produce even more oil to compensate for dryness.
The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without clogging pores. According to the Mayo Clinic, moisturizing oily skin can help maintain a balanced complexion and improve overall skin health, rather than making oiliness worse.
4. Toothpaste Clears Up Pimples
Applying toothpaste to pimples is a popular DIY remedy, but dermatologists strongly advise against it. Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and menthol, which can be harsh and irritating to facial skin. Instead of healing acne, toothpaste may cause redness, peeling, or even chemical burns.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using proven treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for safe and effective acne care. It’s always best to rely on dermatologist-approved products rather than household items not designed for skin.
5. Split Ends Can Be Repaired
Despite what many hair products claim, split ends cannot be permanently repaired. Once the hair shaft splits, no conditioner or serum can truly fuse it back together. These products may temporarily smooth the appearance of split ends, but the damage remains.
The most effective way to deal with split ends is by trimming them off and adopting a gentle hair care routine to prevent further breakage. According to WebMD, regular trims and minimizing heat and chemical exposure are key to maintaining healthy hair and avoiding split ends altogether.
6. Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker
Many people believe that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster. However, this is a persistent myth without scientific backing. When you shave, the razor cuts hair at the surface, creating a blunt tip. As the hair grows out, this blunt edge can make it appear coarser or darker, but shaving does not alter the hair’s thickness, color, or rate of growth. The Cleveland Clinic confirms that shaving has no effect on the hair follicle beneath the skin.
7. You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days. In reality, up to 80% of ultraviolet (UV) rays can pass through clouds and reach your skin, leading to damage even when the sun isn’t visible. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes the importance of daily sunscreen use, regardless of the weather. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF every day is a crucial step for protecting your skin all year round.
8. Expensive Products Work Better
Many consumers assume that pricier beauty products deliver superior results, but cost doesn’t always reflect effectiveness. Numerous affordable skincare and cosmetic options contain the same active ingredients as luxury brands, offering comparable benefits. Experts recommend evaluating products based on their ingredient lists and clinical research rather than price tags.
According to Consumer Reports, some budget-friendly products perform just as well, if not better, than their expensive counterparts. Savvy shoppers should focus on proven formulations and reliable reviews rather than marketing hype or prestige pricing.
9. Plucking Grey Hairs Causes More to Grow
The belief that plucking a grey hair will cause several more to grow in its place is simply false. Each hair follicle can only produce one strand of hair, so removing a single grey hair does not stimulate the growth of additional greys. However, frequent plucking can damage the follicle, potentially leading to infection or permanent hair loss. Experts at Harvard Health Publishing recommend addressing greys with gentle hair care or coloring rather than plucking, which does nothing to prevent or increase grey hairs.
10. You Can ‘Detox’ Your Skin
Many skincare products claim to “detox” your skin, but this is a marketing myth. The body’s detoxification is managed by the liver and kidneys—not by creams, masks, or cleansers. No topical product can remove toxins from your skin.
Instead, dermatologists recommend focusing on a consistent routine: gentle cleansing, moisturization, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle choices. According to the NHS UK, there’s no scientific evidence that external “detox” treatments work; prioritizing science-backed skin care habits is the best way to achieve and maintain healthy skin.
11. Tanning Beds Are Safer Than Sunlight
Contrary to popular belief, tanning beds are not a safer alternative to natural sunlight. In fact, they emit concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation that significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, and accelerates skin aging.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that using tanning beds before the age of 35 raises melanoma risk by 59%. There is no such thing as a “safe” tan from a tanning bed—protecting your skin from UV exposure is crucial for long-term health and appearance.
12. Acne Is Caused by Dirty Skin
The notion that acne is caused by dirty skin is misleading and can lead to harmful skincare habits. Acne results from a combination of factors, including hormones, genetics, excess oil production, and inflammation—not simply a lack of cleanliness.
Over-washing the skin or using harsh cleansers can strip natural oils, irritate the skin, and actually worsen breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of gentle cleansing and targeted treatments, rather than excessive scrubbing, for managing acne effectively and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Conclusion
In a world overflowing with beauty tips and trends, it’s essential to question common wisdom and rely on credible, science-backed advice. Many persistent myths can do more harm than good, so consulting professionals and referencing reliable sources like the American Academy of Dermatology and CDC is key.
By staying informed and making thoughtful choices, you can create routines that truly benefit your skin, hair, and overall health. Remember, beauty is best supported by knowledge, not just popular opinion or marketing claims.
