Some Beauty Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Now

Beauty advice is everywhere: from TikTok trends to skincare recommendations, we’re bombarded with a constant stream of “do’s and don’ts.” However, not all of these beauty tips are rooted in fact. In fact, some are downright misleading! It's time to debunk some of the most common beauty myths and replace them with the truth so you can take better care of your skin, hair, and overall appearance.

Let’s break down some of the most popular beauty myths and set the record straight!

1. Myth: "Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer"

Fact: No matter your skin type, moisturizing is essential. If you have oily skin, it may seem counterintuitive to add more moisture, but the truth is, oily skin can be dehydrated. When your skin is stripped of moisture (often due to harsh cleansers or skipping moisturizer), it may produce even more oil in an attempt to compensate.

The solution? Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer or gel-based product that hydrates without clogging pores. Proper moisture balances oil production and helps keep your skin in check.

2. Myth: "You Should Always Match Your Foundation to Your Wrist"

Fact: The skin on your wrist is often a different shade than the skin on your face, as it's typically lighter and more exposed to the sun. Instead of matching foundation to your wrist, test it along your jawline or on your neck, where the skin is more similar to your face’s tone. This ensures a seamless blend that won’t leave you with a visible line at your jaw or a mismatched face.

3. Myth: "You Shouldn't Use Sunscreen on Cloudy Days"

Fact: UV rays can penetrate clouds and still damage your skin, even when it's not sunny. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so sunscreen is necessary every day, regardless of the weather. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher each morning to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.

4. Myth: "Pores Can Open and Close"

Fact: Pores are permanent openings in the skin, and they don’t actually open or close. The appearance of pores can seem larger when they're clogged with dirt, oil, or makeup, or when exposed to heat, like after a hot shower. Similarly, cold temperatures or toners might temporarily tighten pores, but they don’t actually "close."

To minimize the appearance of pores, cleanse your skin regularly to remove excess oil and debris, and use products with salicylic acid or retinoids that help exfoliate and refine skin texture.

5. Myth: "Expensive Products Are Always Better"

Fact: While luxury skincare products may contain high-quality ingredients, price doesn’t always equate to effectiveness. There are many affordable drugstore products that offer the same (or even better) results. What truly matters is the ingredients and how they address your specific skin concerns. Look for scientifically-backed active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which can be found in both high-end and budget-friendly products.

6. Myth: "You Shouldn't Wear Makeup Every Day"

Fact: Wearing makeup every day won’t inherently damage your skin—what matters is how you take care of your skin underneath. If you cleanse thoroughly, use makeup that suits your skin type, and moisturize regularly, makeup can be part of a healthy routine. The key is to always remove makeup properly before bed to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

7. Myth: "You Shouldn't Mix Skincare Ingredients"

Fact: While some skincare ingredients can be irritating when used together (like retinol and vitamin C), many ingredients can work in tandem to boost your results. For example, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other to hydrate and brighten the skin. Similarly, niacinamide works well with most other ingredients, even with salicylic acid or retinol. It’s important to understand how different ingredients interact, but don’t be afraid to layer your products for maximum effect.

8. Myth: "You Need to Exfoliate Every Day"

Fact: Exfoliation is essential, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, redness, and even more breakouts. While some may benefit from exfoliating every few days, most people only need to exfoliate 2-3 times a week depending on their skin type and the type of exfoliant used. Gentle exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are ideal for removing dead skin cells and keeping your skin smooth.

9. Myth: "Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker"

Fact: Shaving does not affect hair growth. Shaving simply cuts the hair at the surface, and it may seem thicker when it grows back, but this is just because the tip of the hair is blunt. Your hair will grow back at the same thickness and texture as it was before you shaved. If you're looking for longer-lasting results, consider waxing or laser hair removal.

10. Myth: "Drinking Water Will Cure Dry Skin"

Fact: While staying hydrated is essential for overall health, drinking water alone won’t cure dry skin. Dry skin is often caused by environmental factors, genetics, or the lack of proper moisturizing. Hydrating your skin topically with a good moisturizer that locks in water is the key. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin that help your skin retain moisture.

11. Myth: "Natural Products Are Always Better for Your Skin"

Fact: Just because a product is labeled as "natural" doesn’t mean it’s automatically better or safer for your skin. Some natural ingredients can be irritating (e.g., citrus extracts or essential oils), while synthetic ingredients can be more stable and effective for certain skin concerns. What matters most is how your skin reacts to the ingredient, not whether it's natural or synthetic. Always patch-test products and choose what works best for your skin type.

12. Myth: "The More Products, the Better"

Fact: Less is more when it comes to skincare. Overloading your skin with too many products can lead to irritation, clogged pores, and even allergic reactions. Focus on a simple routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and add active ingredients (like serums) based on your skin's needs. Always give your skin time to absorb each product before adding another.

13. Myth: "You Can Shrink Your Pores"

Fact: Pores don’t shrink or enlarge permanently—they only appear larger or smaller depending on how clogged they are or how much oil is in them. Regular exfoliation can help clear out debris and oil, reducing the appearance of pores. Using mattifying products can also help control oil, making pores appear smaller, but they will still exist. Proper skincare and gentle cleansing are the best ways to minimize their appearance.

14. Myth: "Hair Products That Work for One Person Will Work for You"

Fact: Everyone’s hair is different! What works for one person may not work for you due to differences in hair texture, type, and scalp condition. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the right products that match your unique hair needs. Whether you have curly, straight, thick, or fine hair, the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products should cater to your specific hair type.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back

Beauty is about embracing what works for you and understanding what’s actually true versus what’s been passed down as “fact.” By debunking these myths, you can make informed choices that help you achieve healthier skin and hair, with products and practices that actually work. Let go of the misconceptions and embrace what’s really best for your individual beauty needs!