I’ve worked in beauty for 35 years – these are the biggest beauty myths

I have been a beauty editor for over 35 years. In that time, I’ve tried rivers of product, done 378 road tests to date that included everything from equine therapy (pouring my heart out for a horse in the Queensland outback), Brazilian wax (by the way, the bush is from back), a failed colonic irrigation (let’s not go there).

With every new cult product, celebrity haircut, or viral trend, I’ve learned what not to believe when it comes to beauty hype. As a go-to person for friends, family, and often complete strangers for makeup, skin, and body care advice, I’m also well aware of the misinformation out there. So, let’s break some common myths.

Myth No. # 1: you can shrink your pores

Unfortunately, you can’t actually shrink your pores because their size is predetermined and depends on the genetic makeup of your skin.

Pores are large dirt and oil catchers and this can make them appear more pronounced. Using cleansers and masks to remove impurities will make them appear smaller but will not shrink them.

You can also apply a primer before foundation to soften its appearance.

Myth No. # 2: SPF foundation alone is enough to protect you from UV damage

I am often asked what is my favorite anti-aging product and it is always sunscreen.

You should apply a broad-based SPF50 + 365 days a year, with absolutely no exceptions, to protect your skin (this includes the exposed face, back of hands, and décolleté) from harmful daily UV rays and to prevent cancer of the skin and aging.

Use it alone or combine it with your favorite moisturizer.

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Myth No. 3: drinking plenty of water is enough to keep your skin hydrated

There is often confusion about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dry skin lacks natural oils or lipids, while dehydrated skin lacks water in the top layer of the skin.

To test if your skin is dehydrated, pinch a small amount of skin on your cheek, hold for a few seconds and if your skin recovers its shape quickly, you are not dehydrated. To properly hydrate dehydrated skin, you need a hyaluronic-based moisturizer to add and also retain moisture, as well as an adequate daily intake of water.

The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that the recommended amount is approximately 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women every day.

Myth No. 4: toothpaste cures acne

The concept of treating a pimple with a pinch of toothpaste has certainly done the rounds. Well, just not.

Ingredients in toothpaste like menthol and hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and even more inflammation. So avoid using a product for your teeth and try an acne treatment range like La Roche-Posay Effaclar.

For over-the-counter products for acne-prone skin, look for products that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide that kills acne-causing bacteria; salicylic acid, which helps keep pores clean and unclogged, and alpha hydroxy acids to help remove dead skin cells.

Myth No. 5: the most expensive skincare products are better than the cheapest

In my beauty experience, I have found that all brands have heroes and that includes high-end, affordable products.

The trick is to choose products that work for your skin type and also follow the recommendations.

Myth # 6: If you use the same shampoo and conditioner over time, they will lose their effectiveness.

Finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner for your hair can be a process of trial and error, but once you’ve found what works, there is no evidence that your hair ever gets tired of this combination.

That doesn’t mean you have to be locked into the same products forever if you feel like changing things.

It’s always best to ask the experts (your hairdresser to begin with) about what suits your hair best. So many new products and formulations are emerging that are greener or more technological.