You’ve been slathering on who knows what in the name of skincare, trusting TikTok hacks like they were sent from the heavens, and believing everything that “that one girl” in your class with flawless skin says. But guess what? Some of these so-called beauty “secrets” are actually destroying your skin. Yep, you heard me. RUINING. YOUR. FACE.
Let’s bust the biggest beauty myths you’ve been tricked into believing, because your skin deserves better.
1. Oily Skin? Dry It Out With Alcohol & Harsh Products
Let’s be real: Somewhere, some beauty guru told you that if your face is shiny, the solution is to strip away all the oil. So, now you’re using alcohol-based toners like it’s your job and washing your face six times a day. But plot twist, your skin fights back by producing more oil, leaving you greasier than a slice of late-night pizza.
The Fix: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and moisturize (yes, even if you’re oily). Balanced skin = happy skin.
2. Toothpaste Zaps Pimples Overnight
Oh honey, let’s put the Colgate back where it belongs: in your bathroom drawer for teeth only. Toothpaste is loaded with drying agents, sure, but it can also burn your skin and leave you with an irritated, flaky mess. So instead of waking up with clear skin, you wake up looking like you lost a battle with a blowtorch.
The Fix: Use a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Science, babe. Trust it.
3. Natural = Always Better
Coconut oil? Honey masks? Lemon juice on your face? Sounds cute until you realize coconut oil clogs pores, honey is a sticky disaster, and lemon juice makes your skin photosensitive (hello, accidental chemical burn).
The Fix: Some natural ingredients are great, but do your research before DIY-ing your way into a skin crisis.
4. The More You Scrub, The Clearer Your Skin
If you think exfoliating twice a day with a gritty scrub is the key to glow-up success, let me break it to you: you’re actually causing microtears in your skin. Yes, TEARS. You’re basically sanding down your face like a piece of furniture.
The Fix: Exfoliate gently (1-2 times a week) with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. Your skin will thank you.
5. Sunscreen Is Only for Sunny Days
You only wear SPF when it’s hot outside? Girl, please. The sun’s UV rays don’t care if it’s cloudy, winter, or if you’re “not even going outside that much.” They will sneak up on you and leave you with premature wrinkles, dark spots, and irreversible damage.
The Fix: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every. single. day. Future you will send a thank-you note.
6. Makeup Causes Acne, So You Should Never Wear It
Unless you’re sleeping in it (please don’t), makeup isn’t the villain here. The real problem? Dirty brushes, expired products, and skipping your cleansing routine after wearing makeup.
The Fix: Wash your face before bed, clean your brushes regularly, and choose non-comedogenic products. Boom, flawless skin and a flawless beat.
Final Thoughts: Are You Falling for These Myths?
There you have it, six beauty myths you NEED to stop believing ASAP. If you’ve been guilty of any (or all) of these, don’t panic. Just start making small changes, and your skin will forgive you.
Which of these myths have you believed? Drop a comment below and spill the tea! And if you found this helpful, share it with your besties, because real friends don’t let friends ruin their skin.