I'm a beauty expert and here are six beauty 'hacks' that are actually myths - including why you should never put toothpaste on a pimple

• e-mail

An expert has debunked six common beauty myths - as it's revealed four in ten women fall for hair, skin and nail hacks online that are ultimately ineffective . 

From age-old remedies to modern trends, such as applying toothpaste to shrink angry pimples or adding serum to foundation for the ultimate 'glow,' some  seemingly-trusted hair and skincare hacks can lead to more harm than good. 

According to esthetician Katie Onyejekwe, who has partnered with UK supplement brand Perfectil and Loose Women panelist Frankie Bridge, some of the most believed beauty hacks are nothing more than myths. 

It comes as research conducted by Perfectil shows that 41 per cent of women who tried a beauty hack found it had little to no effect, a figure rising to 57 per cent among Millennials and 61 per cent among Gen Z.

Worryingly, one in 20 women have harmed themselves trying out beauty hacks, with some suffering skin reactions, bruising, and even burns.

An expert has debunked six common beauty myths - as it's revealed four in ten women fall for ineffective hair, skin and nail hacks online (stock image)

Frankie, 31, shared her own experience: 'I've spent hours scrolling social for the latest trends to update my beauty routine, only to give them a go and be disappointed with the results. 

'When I was younger, I put lemon juice in my hair because I believed it would lighten it naturally. How wrong I was. All it caused was dry brittle hair (although it did smell quite nice!) that was the same shade of brown as before!' 

To help dispel these myths, Katie Onyejekwe breaks down six common skin and haircare 'hacks' - some of which she says are actually wasting your time...

Supplement brand Perfectil has partnered with musician Frankie Bridge (pictured, left) and esthetician Katie Onyejekwe (right) to help dispel the UK's most believed beauty myths

It comes as research conducted by Perfectil shows that 41 per cent of women who tried a beauty hack found it had little to no effect

1. Wearing makeup every day is bad for your skin 

FICTION 

Katie explains that as long as makeup is effectively removed, wearing it daily is not harmful. 

She adds: 'A suitable cleanser and double cleansing at night are key to removing all traces of makeup, SPF, and daily grime.'

2. Shaving your legs makes hair grow back thicker 

FICTION 

According to Katie, shaved hair appears thicker because shaving cuts the hair above the skin, resulting in a blunt end that feels coarser.

She explains: 'When it grows back you feel the blunt end of the existing hair which can appear darker and thicker, rather than the softer, tapered end of a new hair.'

According to Katie, shaved hair appears thicker because shaving cuts the hair above the skin, resulting in a blunt end that feels coarser (stock image)

3. You need to wash your face every morning to ensure skin is healthy and clear

PARTIALLY TRUE

A gentle morning cleanse can help remove overnight oil, sweat, grime, and residue from products applied before bed, which is beneficial for those with oily or breakout-prone skin. 

However, clear skin depends on various factors, not just morning cleansing.

Explaining that washing your face will only result in clean skin - not clear skin - Katie says: 'It will not guarantee clear skin and numerous factors (outlined in point 1) can lead to blemishes.'

4. Gel manicures wreck your nails 

PARTIALLY TRUE

The damage from gel manicures often comes from the removal process rather than the manicure itself. 

Katie advises a gentle removal process to prevent nail damage, adding: 'A gentle touch here can go a long way – as tempting as it may be, no picking!'

5. Toothpaste can reduce pimples 

FICTION

This is a common myth. Whilst toothpaste might dry out a spot, 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) left behind afterwards.'

6. Chocolate gives you spots 

There is little evidence linking chocolate directly to breakouts. However, Katie notes that diet and sugar intake can influence skin health, so enjoying chocolate in moderation is key (stock image)

FICTION

There is little evidence linking chocolate directly to breakouts. However, Katie notes that diet and sugar intake can influence skin health, so enjoying chocolate in moderation as part of a balanced diet is advisable. 

Katie adds: 'If you’re partial to a chocolate bar when the 3pm slump hits, it’s highly unlikely you will be greeted with a new spot on your face in time for dinner.

'However, your diet and general sugar intake is believed to have some influence on skin health, so try to make sure that chocolate bar is part of a balanced and varied diet, rich in vitamins and minerals - and supplements where and when required.'