8 Beauty Myths You Should Stop Believing Today

In the ever-glamorous world of beauty, some “facts” are more fiction than truth. You’ve probably heard advice passed down from friends, influencers, or even your mom, but it’s time to debunk the myths that have been running our skincare routines and beauty regimens for way too long. Let’s clear the air with these 8 beauty myths you really need to stop believing.

1. Your Pores Can Open and Close

Raise your hand if you’ve been told that steaming your face will “open” your pores and make them squeaky clean. Sorry to burst your bubble, but pores don’t have tiny doors that open and close. Pores are static. What steaming does is soften the oil and debris in your skin, making it easier to clean. So, while a good steam feels heavenly, it’s not opening or closing anything.

Food for thought: Use products with salicylic acid or niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores, because shrinking them is NOT happening.

2. Expensive Products Are Always Better

Let me guess, you saved up so much money to buy that overpriced face cream with gold flecks and a fancy name to make you feel luxurious, but price doesn’t always mean better results. Many drugstore brands use the same ingredients and technology as high-end products. What really matters is understanding your skin’s needs and choosing products with proven, effective ingredients, not just pretty packaging. Because whether they’re in a designer jar or a pharmacy bottle, your skin can’t really tell the difference.

Food for thought: Read the ingredients list! Look for hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol and preferably other suitable ingredients for your skin.

3. Hair Grows Faster If You Cut It Regularly

We’ve all heard this one, probably from our moms, right? But the truth is, trimming your hair doesn’t affect how fast it grows. Hair growth happens at the root (your scalp), not the ends. What regular trims do is keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, making it look better overall. I mean really…. if cutting your hair regularly made it grow faster, we’d all be Rapunzel by now.

4. Cellulite Creams Can Erase Cellulite

If cellulite creams worked, they’d be a miracle in a jar. The truth? Most creams only temporarily plump the skin, making cellulite look less noticeable but they don’t actually erase it. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits pushing against connective tissue, and no cream can magically smooth that out. For long-term results, treatments like VelaShape might help, but even then, cellulite is completely normal so don’t stress too much over those dimples.

5. Tanning Beds Are Safer Than the Sun

Nope, nope, nope. Tanning beds are not safer than sunbathing. In fact, they expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation, increasing your risk of premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. If you want that bronzed look, opt for self-tanning products. They’re glow-inducing without the health risks.

Food for thought: Always wear sunscreen, even indoors, during winter, and again..ALWAYS. UV rays are sneaky and can penetrate windows, too!

6. Makeup Causes Acne

If you’re into makeup, you’ve probably heard this comment like a gajillion times. But the truth is, makeup itself doesn’t cause acne, it’s how you use it. Wearing non-comedogenic (aka pore-friendly) products and removing makeup properly before bed are key to avoiding breakouts. But honestly leaving your makeup on overnight? That might lead to clogged pores and poor skin health.

Food for thought: Double cleanse, and do your night care routine properly so you’d keep your skin fresh and acne-free.

7. You Can Shrink Your Pores

Nothing can physically shrink your pores, sis. However, you can make them appear smaller by keeping them clean and using ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs. Blurring primers are a good call if you’re looking for an instant (but temporary) fix, especially before a clean makeup look.

8. Natural Products Are Always Better

Don’t let the word “natural” fool you. Just because a product has “green” marketing doesn’t mean it’s safer or more effective. Some natural ingredients can be irritating, while synthetic ingredients are often meticulously tested for safety. Always focus on the science behind the product, not just the label.

Food for thought: Patch test everything, natural or not, to see how your skin reacts.

The beauty industry is full of advice, some of it helpful, some of it…not so much. By busting these common myths, you’re one step closer to making informed decisions that actually work for your skin, hair, and body. And for the love of all that is glowy and acne-free, ask a skilled specialist to help you find the best products, routines, and methods that works best for your skin.