Expert Debunking: 10 Common Beauty Myths

We all carry beauty tips that have been passed down like gospel. But sometimes, misinformation spreads faster than a great serum. From skincare misconceptions to haircare habits that deserve a second look, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Let’s clear up the most common beauty myths once and for all.

Sneak Peek

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even in gloomy weather.
• Using retinoids and exfoliating doesn’t thin your skin.
• You can’t shrink pores, but you can make them appear smoother.
• Oily skin needs moisture just as much as dry skin does.
• Eye creams are formulated to offer targeted treatments.
• You don’t have to settle for hair loss just because of age. 
• It’s not how often you shampoo, but what’s in it that makes a difference.
• Your hair doesn’t get used to your products; sometimes, you just need a scalp reset.
• Colouring treatments don’t equal permanent damage.
• Air drying isn’t always better than blow drying.

1. You Don’t Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

A classic beauty myth that’s completely off the mark. UV rays don’t take a day off, and neither should your sunscreen. Even when it’s overcast, UV rays can penetrate through clouds, making a good sunscreen your everyday must-have.

For dryer skin, go for formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, whereas sunscreen with skin soothers such as panthenol and madecassoside do wonders for more sensitive complexions. Whatever your pick, look for broad-spectrum coverage and reapply every 2 to 4 hours.

BeautyWorks Tip: Match your sunscreen with your skincare and makeup base. If you’re using water-based toners or face moisturiser, choose a water-based sunscreen too (and likewise for oil-based products). Keeping the base textures consistent makes sure your makeup glides on and stays put, no pilling, patchiness or separation.

2. Retinoids & Acids Thin the Skin

Out of all the beauty myths, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When used correctly, retinoids or serums with AHAs and BHAs actually boost cell turnover and collagen production, making your skin barrier stronger and more resilient over time. You just need to be careful when pairing them with other actives and follow a routine where you use them on alternate days.

3. You Can Shrink Your Pores

This is the dream, isn’t it? Unfortunately, pore size is mostly genetic and shrinking your pores is one of the most common beauty myths.

However, you can refine their appearance! Start with oil and foam cleansers to keep your skin clean and remove any makeup and excess oil. Adding exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs twice a week to your routine can help smooth skin texture for a clearer complexion.

4. Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturiser

Often, our skin produces oil to make up for the lack of moisture. So stripping back can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate. All skin types need hydration, it’s about finding the right textures. Reach for lightweight, non-comedogenic gels and water-based creams to hydrate without clogging.

5. Eye Creams Are a Waste of Money

Although eye creams aren’t always a necessity, they’re never a bad idea, especially when you’re dealing with puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. 

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate. This means it’s usually the first place to show signs of fatigue, dryness, and fine lines. Not to mention, a dry undereye usually means creasing with your make up.

Eye creams are formulated with smaller molecules to reach deep. Packed with peptides for smoothening, caffeine for a brightening wake-up call, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin plump, they help your eyes look like you’ve had a full eight hours of beauty sleep.

6. Hair Fall is Inevitable with Age

Hair naturally changes over time, but excessive shedding isn’t something to shrug off. 

The real secret starts with your scalp. When it’s out of balance, your strands are the first to feel it. A flaky, congested, or under-nourished scalp can weaken the follicle environment, leading to hair fall.

Look for shampoos rich in ingredients like biotin, keratin, and salicylic acid to help energise the roots and maintain a healthy follicle environment. Follow that up with hair oils or serums, massaged into your scalp to promote blood circulation and hair growth. Gentle brushing and silk pillowcases also help prevent breakage.

7. Frequent Shampooing Causes Dryness

Spoiler: this beauty myth doesn’t make the cut.

Rather than frequency, it’s about formula. Cleansing your hair regularly helps remove buildup, excess oil, and pollution. Dryness is usually caused by harsh, sulphate-heavy shampoos that strip your hair of its moisture. 

If you’re using styling products or live in a humid environment, cleansing your hair regularly can help.

BeautyWorks Tip: Match your shampoo to your scalp and your conditioner to your lengths for targeted care.

8. Your Hair Gets Used to the Same Products

If your hair starts feeling dull even with the same routine, it’s more likely a scalp issue. Hormonal shifts, weather, stress, and even water quality can affect your scalp’s oil production and pH levels. When that balance is off, your hair might feel flat or greasy, no matter your routine.

Rather than a full revamp of your hair care lineup, bring in a clarifying shampoo once a week for a scalp reset. You can rotate with different treatments or masks based on what your hair needs.

9. Colouring Hair Causes Irreversible Damage

A popular take among common beauty myths, but untrue. Today’s hair colour formulas are a far cry from the harsh bleaches of the past, often infused with conditioning agents to minimise damage. And while colouring does alter your hair, the right aftercare can keep your strands soft, shiny and strong. From bond-building treatments to using heat protectants and limiting exposure to UV and chlorine, maintaining your colour-treated hair is totally doable.

10. Air Drying is Better Than Blow Drying

While ditching heat is good for your locks, we don’t recommend leaving your hair damp for too long. It can lead to breakage, frizz, and bacterial growth on the scalp.

Instead, blow dry on low heat or gently towel dry with a microfibre towel and avoid twisting your hair when wet. Prefer a blowout? Use a low to medium heat setting and pair it with a heat protector.

Forget the Beauty Myths, Personalise Your Products to You

There’s no shortage of advice out there, but not all of it deserves a place in your routine. Next time you’re switching up your lineup, it’s worth pausing to ask: where did this idea come from, and does it actually serve me? Because real results come from consistency, curiosity, and understanding your skin and hair for what they really need.

If you need help choosing what deserves a place on your shelf, schedule a free 15-minute consult with BeautyWorks. Our beauty insiders are here to make sense of it all.