Five Of The Biggest Beauty Myths, Debunked

Women have been beautifying themselves for centuries and, as a result, there are plenty of old wives’ tales and outdated assumptions that have stuck around. If you’re not sure about what advice to follow and what to ignore, don’t worry! We’re debunking the biggest beauty myths and separating the facts from the fiction…

1. Can Toothpaste Banish Spots?

You probably heard this beauty myth as a teenager, but let me tell you now, toothpaste isn’t the solution for spotty skin. While there is some truth to the idea that toothpaste can dry-off excess oil if a breakout is especially oily, it doesn’t actually treat the spot. In fact, if you apply toothpaste onto a broken spot, you’re more likely to inflame it or cause an infection.

Instead, you should opt for products that contain salicylic acid. They will help to reduce inflammation and soothe any breakouts. If you’re struggling with blemishes, I’d recommend using:

NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Tonic: Containing 2% Salicylic Acid, it helps to treat and prevent blemishes by regulating oil production.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Formulated with BHAs and zinc, this exfoliating cleanser helps to unclog your pores and reduce excess oils, giving you clearer-looking skin.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque: Blending charcoal and clay, this mask draws out impurities from your pores, helping to reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes.

2. Does Hair Get Used To Shampoo?

Despite what most people believe, this is one of the biggest beauty myths out there. Yes, you’ve no doubt used a new shampoo for the first time and felt like your hair has never looked better, then struggled to recreate those results weeks later. However, this isn’t because your hair is used to the new shampoo, it’s because there’s product build up.

Every six weeks or so, you should wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any build up in your hair or on your scalp. Do that and your shampoo will start delivering those first-use results all over again.

Looking for a clarifying shampoo? I’d suggest:

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo: Blending argan oil, avocado, oil, keratin, lavender, chamomile and jojoba, this deeply-cleansing shampoo remove impurities from your hair, including pollution, hair products, hard water and mineral deposits, that damage your locks over time.
Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo: Enriched with amino acids, Aloe and vitamin E, this shampoo removes all traces of impurities from your hair, while also protecting it from further damage.
Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo: A weekly detox formulated with ginseng, rosemary and sage, this clarifying shampoo removes buildup from your hair and scalp.

3. Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

So, it may feel as if your hair is coarser after you shave, but it actually isn’t. You see, when hair grows out from the follicle, it has a soft and fine tapered end. When you shave, though, you cut it off at the thickest part of the hair, which makes it feel stubbly and thick.

You can’t change the thickness of your hair. If that worked, men with thinning hair would start shaving their heads to get a full head of hair back. Shave away, Glossies!

If you’re after a good razor, why not try:

Wilkinson Sword’s Quattro For Women: Featuring features four ultra-thin wire-wrapped blades enriched with vitamin E and Aloe vera, as well as a compact pivoting head, this razor will give you a seriously close and comfortable shave.

4. Can Your Open And Close Your Pores?

It’s common parlance in beauty that you can close your pores. However, as there are no muscles around your pores, they can’t actually retract or detract with heat or cold.

Instead, heat can dislodge the dirt and impurities stuck insider your pores, causing pesky blackheads to appear and making your pores appear larger. You can then make them look smaller again by removing that dirt.

An acid toner is a great way of cleansing your pores. I’d suggest:

Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner: Blending Salicylic acid, grape polyphenols essential oils, this toner draws out impurities from within your pores.
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner: This toner is designed to eliminate the excess dirt, oil and impurities from deep pores.
REN Clarimatte™ Clarifying Toner: Natural and refreshing, this toner uses willow bark to gently remove impurities and unclog pores.

5. Should Skin Be Squeaky Clean?

The notion that skin should be squeaky clean is undeniably one of the biggest beauty myths. It’s an outdated idea that goes back decades, way before we had a knowledge of skin health or how the dermis works.

Here’s the truth: tight, taut skin that squeaks is a serious cry for help! It means that it has been stripped of its essential natural oils and desperately needs hydrating. To keep your skin moisturised, make sure you use a rehydrating toner after cleansing, follow it up with a moisturiser, then use a refreshing spray throughout the day. You could try:

Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner: Filled with plant glycerine and water moisture, this toner softens and rehydrates your skin. It also helps your moisturiser better penetrate your skin.
Elemis Superfood Day Cream: Instantly hydrating the complexion, it combines ginger, matcha tea and goji berry to leave skin looking plumped, refreshed and replenished.
PIXI Hydrating Milky Mist: Formulated with hyaluronic, the Milky Mist provides an instant surge of hydration that leaves you with a healthier, hydrated complexion throughout the day.

And there you have it, five of the biggest beauty myths debunked! For more expert beauty advice, check out our blog or subscribe to our newsletter.