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An expert has debunked six common beauty myths – four in ten women fall for online hair, skin and nail tricks that ultimately prove ineffective.
From age-old remedies to modern trends like applying toothpaste to reduce irritated pimples or adding serum to foundation for maximum glow, some seemingly trusty hair and skin care tricks can actually do more harm than good.
According to beautician Katie Onyejekwe, who has teamed up with UK supplement brand Perfectil, and Loose Women panellist Frankie Bridge, some of the most widely believed beauty hacks are nothing more than myths.
This comes after research by Perfectil showed that 41 percent of women who tried a beauty hack found it had little or no effect, a figure that rises to 57 percent among Millennials and 61 percent among Gen Z.
Worryingly, one in 20 women have been harmed by trying beauty hacks, with some suffering skin reactions, bruising and even burns.
Six common beauty myths have been debunked by an expert – it has been revealed that four in ten women fall for ineffective hair, skin and nail tricks on the internet (file image)
Frankie, 31, shared her own experience: ‘I spent hours scrolling through social media looking for the latest trends to update my beauty routine, only to try them out and be disappointed with the results.
“When I was younger, I used to put lemon juice in my hair because I thought it would naturally lighten it. How wrong I was! All it did was make my hair dry and brittle (even though it smelled great!) and left it the same shade of brown as before.”
To help dispel 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 beautician Katie Onyejekwe (right) to help dispel the UK’s most widely believed beauty myths.
This comes as research by Perfectil shows that 41 per cent of women who tried a beauty hack found it had little or no effect.
1. Wearing makeup every day is bad for your skin.
FICTION
Katie explains that as long as makeup is removed effectively, using it daily is not harmful.
She adds: “A proper cleanser and double cleansing at night are key to removing all traces of makeup, SPF and daily dirt.”
2. Shaving your legs causes the hair to grow back thicker.
FICTION
According to Katie, shaved hair appears thicker because shaving cuts the hair above the skin, resulting in a blunt tip that feels rougher.
She explains: “When it grows back, you feel the blunt end of the existing hair, which may appear darker and thicker, rather than the smoother, sharper 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 rougher (stock image)
3. You should wash your face every morning to ensure that your skin is healthy and clear.
PARTLY TRUE
A gentle morning cleanse can help remove oil, sweat, dirt, and residue from products applied before bed overnight, which is beneficial for those with oily or breakout-prone skin.
However, clear skin depends on several factors, not just morning cleansing.
Katie explains that washing your face will only result in clear skin, not clear skin: “It won’t guarantee clear skin and numerous factors (outlined in point 1) can lead to blemishes.”
4. Gel manicures ruin your nails.
PARTLY TRUE
The damage from gel manicures often comes from the removal process rather than the manicure itself.
Katie recommends a gentle removal process to avoid damaging the nails and adds: ‘A A gentle touch can be very helpful in this case. As tempting as it may be, don’t touch it!
5. Toothpaste can reduce pimples.
FICTION
This is a common myth. While toothpaste can dry out a stain, it can actually irritate the skin and prolong the healing process.
Katie adds: “In turn, it can increase the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) remaining afterwards.”
6. Chocolate causes stains
There is little evidence linking chocolate directly to acne breakouts. However, Katie points out that diet and sugar consumption can influence skin health, so enjoying chocolate in moderation is key (file image)
FICTION
There is little evidence linking chocolate directly to acne breakouts. However, Katie points out that diet and sugar consumption can influence skin health, so it is advisable to enjoy chocolate in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Katie adds: ‘If you enjoy a chocolate bar when the 3pm energy slump hits, it’s highly unlikely you’ll have a new spot appearing on your face in time for dinner.
‘However, diet and overall sugar consumption are thought to have some influence on skin health, so try to ensure that the chocolate bar is part of a balanced and varied diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, and supplements when and where necessary.’
