I’m a beauty expert and here are six beauty ‘hacks’ that are actually myths – including why you should never put toothpaste on a pimple

By William On Jul 6, 2024

An expert has debunked six common beauty myths. Four in 10 women fall for online hair, skin and nail tricks that ultimately don’t work.

From age-old remedies to modern trends like applying toothpaste to make pesky pimples disappear or adding serum to foundation for the ultimate glow, some seemingly trustworthy hair and skin care tips could be doing more harm than good.

According to beauty expert Katie Onyejekwe, who works with British supplement brand Perfectil and Loose Women panellist Frankie Bridge, some of the most credible beauty tips are nothing more than myths.

This is according to research by Perfectil, which shows that 41 percent of women who tried a beauty tip noticed that it had little to no effect. For millennials, this percentage is even 57 percent and for generation Z 61 percent.

Worryingly, one in twenty women injure themselves while trying beauty tips, with some suffering from skin reactions, bruising and even burns.

An expert has debunked six common beauty myths – it turns out four in 10 women are falling for ineffective hair, skin and nail hacks online (stock image)

Frankie, 31, shared her own experience: ‘I spent hours searching on social media for the latest trends to update my beauty routine, but I ended up trying them out and was disappointed with the results.

‘When I was younger I used to put lemon juice in my hair believing it would naturally lighten it. How wrong I was. All it did was leave my hair dry, brittle (although it did smell nice!) and the same shade of brown as before!’

To debunk these myths, Katie Onyejekwe breaks down six common skin and hair care “hacks,” some of which she says are actually a waste of time…

Supplements brand Perfectil has teamed up with musician Frankie Bridge (pictured left) and beauty therapist Katie Onyejekwe (right) to debunk the UK’s most persistent beauty myths

This is because research from Perfectil shows that 41 percent of women who tried a beauty hack found it had little to no effect

1. Wearing makeup every day is bad for your skin

FICTION

Katie explains that there’s no harm in wearing makeup every day, as long as you remove it properly.

She adds: ‘A suitable cleanser and double cleansing in the evening are essential to remove all traces of makeup, SPF and daily grime.’

2. If you shave your legs, the hair grows back thicker

FICTION

According to Katie, shaved hair appears thicker because shaving cuts the hair above the skin, making the hair dull and coarser to the touch.

She explains: ‘When it grows back, you’ll feel the blunt end of the existing hair, which can appear darker and thicker, instead of the softer, tapered end of a new hair.’

According to Katie, shaved hair appears thicker because shaving cuts the hair above the skin, resulting in a blunt tip that feels coarser (stock image)

3. You should wash your face every morning to ensure that your skin is healthy and clear

Katie’s advice to women experimenting with beauty tricks

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut when it comes to judging beauty myths – there is no such thing as a ‘miracle cream’.

2. You don’t have to try everything just because you can. When it comes to our skin, less is more. Buy based on skin goal or concern, not on trend. Introduce new ingredients gradually and don’t overdo it by using multiple strong active ingredients at once.

3. Find experts whose voices you can trust. Fake news spreads quickly, especially on social media, so it is very important to follow qualified and experienced beauty experts, whether they are hair stylists, beauticians or nail technicians.

4. Don’t ignore the importance of beauty basics and a holistic approach. This means getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

PARTLY TRUE

A gentle cleanse in the morning can help remove oil, sweat, dirt, and residue from products you applied before bed. This is beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

However, clear skin depends on several factors, not just cleansing your skin in the morning.

Katie explains that washing your face will only give you clear skin, not clear skin: ‘It’s not a guarantee of clear skin and there are numerous factors (as outlined in point 1) that can lead to breakouts.’

4. Gel manicures ruin your nails

PARTLY TRUE

The damage caused by gel manicures is often caused by removing the nails rather than the manicure itself.

Katie advises a gentle removal method to avoid damaging the nails, adding: ‘A A gentle touch can make a big difference here. As tempting as it is, don’t pluck!’

5. Toothpaste can reduce pimples

FICTION

This is a common myth. Although toothpaste can dry out a spot, it can actually irritate the skin and prolong the healing process.

Katie adds: ‘It can also increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).’

6. Chocolate gives you pimples

There is little evidence that directly links chocolate to pimples. However, Katie notes that diet and sugar intake can affect skin health, so it’s important to enjoy chocolate in moderation (stock image)

FICTION

There is little evidence that directly links chocolate to pimples. However, Katie notes that diet and sugar intake can affect skin health, so it is advisable to enjoy chocolate in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Katie adds: ‘If you crave a chocolate bar at 3pm, chances are you’re unlikely to have another spot on your face in time for dinner.

‘However, it is believed that your diet and overall sugar intake can impact the health of your skin. Therefore, make sure the chocolate bar forms part of a balanced and varied diet, rich in vitamins and minerals – and take supplements as and when necessary.’