15 Beauty Myths People Still Believe (But Really Shouldn’t)

1. The Sun Clears Up Acne

We’ve all heard someone say, “Just get a bit of sun, it’ll dry it out.

” Sure, a little sunlight can feel like a quick fix, but it’s no cure. In reality, UV exposure can worsen acne, inflame your skin, and cause those red spots to turn into dark scars that stick around for weeks. Plus, there’s the small matter of… skin damage. So, SPF it is! 

2. Brush Your Teeth

Right After Every Meal This one sounds hygienic, right?

But brushing immediately after eating can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel softens from food acids, and scrubbing it too soon is like sanding down wet paint — it just peels. Give it at least 30 minutes, and your smile will thank you. 

1. Lemon Juice Fades Dark Spots

   

Oh, the lemon trick. It’s everywhere — TikTok, Pinterest, your aunt’s Whats App. But lemon juice is crazy acidic, and instead of evening your skin tone, it can burn it, especially if you step into sunlight after. Chemical reaction = chemical burn. Don’t risk it for the DIY glow. 

4. Oils Are the Enemy of Oily Skin

   

Sounds Logical, doesn’t it? But no. Stripping oil leads to more oil. Using lightweight oils (like jojoba or squalane) can actually help balance things out. When your skin realizes it’s not in a drought, it stops overproducing sebum like it’s in a panic. 

5. A Base Tan Prevents Sunburn

   

Let’s call this what it is: a sunburn in disguise. There’s no such thing as a “safe” tan. A base tan gives you minimal protection (SPF 3 or less), and tanning beds? They dish out more UV radiation than the actual sun. Not worth it — the damage adds up fast. 

6. Toothpaste Zaps Pimples

   

Overnight We’ve all been desperate enough to dab some minty goo on a spot. But toothpaste is meant for enamel, not your face. The drying agents can be super irritating and lead to peeling, redness, or even chemical burns. Use a proper spot treatment — or ice, if you’re really in a pinch. 

7. Face Yoga Makes You Look Younger

   

Yoga for your face? Sounds cute, but too much stretching and scrunching can actually do the opposite — think faster collagen breakdown. Facial muscles don’t need daily workouts; they need rest. Instead, try relaxing your expression. Less squinting = fewer lines. 

8. You Need to Exfoliate Every Day

   

Daily scrubs = smooth skin, right? Nope. Overdoing it can strip your barrier and cause everything from breakouts to sensitivity. Whether you’re using acids or scrubs, a few times a week is plenty. Let your skin breathe a little. 

9. Shampoo and Conditioner

   

Go from Roots to Ends You’ve probably been doing this since middle school — shampoo from top to bottom, then conditioner the same. But here’s the trick: shampoo is for your scalp, and conditioner is for your ends. Swap the routine and your hair will feel way less greasy and dry. 

10. Shaving Your Face Makes Hair Grow Thicker

    

This is the myth that just won’t die. Shaving only cuts hair at the surface, so when it grows back, it feels blunt — not thicker or darker. It’s the same fuzz you had before, just more noticeable because now you’re paying attention to it. Totally normal. 

11. Blackheads = Dirty Skin

    

     

Blackheads aren’t dirt — they’re oxidized oil and dead skin cells. Scrubbing your face raw won’t help, and in fact, it’ll make your skin produce even more oil to make up for the loss. The real fix? Ingredients like salicylic acid that go deep into pores without freaking your face out. 

12. Your Brows Should Match Your Hair

    

Not necessarily! Matching your brows exactly to your hair color can make your look too monochromatic. Often, a bit of contrast is more flattering — like darker brows for blondes, or lighter ones for dark brunettes. It’s less about matching, more about framing your face. 

13. Hydrated Skin = Drink More Water

    

Hydration is good for everything, but don’t expect your skin to turn dewy just because you’re chugging 8 glasses a day. External care matters too. Dry environments, harsh products, and even over-cleansing can wreck your moisture barrier. Get yourself a good moisturiser — and maybe a humidifier, too. 

14. Cuticles Should Be Snipped Off

    

Cuticles might look like a nuisance, but they’re actually tiny bodyguards. Snipping them leaves your nail beds vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Push them back gently instead, and keep them moisturized. Your nails will stay stronger and look neater — promise. 

15. Ice Water Closes Your Pores

    

Let’s clear this up once and for all: pores don’t open and close like doors. Cold water can reduce puffiness and inflammation, but it doesn’t “shrink” pores. If you’re looking for that smooth, filtered look, reach for ingredients like niacinamide or retinol — not the ice tray.

 Final Thoughts 

The beauty world is full of advice — some helpful, some… not so much. While a few of these myths seem harmless, following them can waste your time, irritate your skin, or even do lasting damage. Stick to what’s backed by dermatology, not just your group chat.