Experts DEBUNK age-old magnificence myths – and clarify which of them are TRUE

There are plenty of beauty rules that are passed down from generation to generation – guiding the hair, makeup, and skincare routines of many, who gamely follow along with this advice without ever really knowing whether it’s true. 

Some examples include avoiding chocolate to prevent pimples or the rumor that red lipstick is too bold for older women to wear regularly. 

And what about all those old wives’ tales – will plucking gray hairs really make them multiply?  

All these years later, are these beauty ‘rules’ really true, or are they just plain outdated?

To find out, FEMAIL spoke with beauty experts who shared which age-old beauty and skin guidelines are just myths, and which ones are the real deal.

Can eating chocolate really cause acne?  

Over the years, there have been plenty of rumors about the factors that can cause acne, from eating dairy to being stressed out. 

So, is that piece of chocolate you’ve been craving really the culprit of your blemishes?

According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, sugar can, in fact, ‘exasperate acne flare-ups,’ but chocolate alone hasn’t been directly proven to cause pimples. 

‘This is because when sugar intake increases, it can lead to inflammation which can trigger and aggravate acne,’ Dr. Dendy of the Shafer Clinic explained to DailyMail.com. 

So, it doesn’t mean that you need to stop eating Hershey’s completely, but it’s certainly something to be mindful of. 

Of course, other elements that play a role in acne flare-ups, include hormones, pollution, and even the clothes you wear. 

Is it really necessary to use your ring finger when applying undereye makeup or skincare? 

While using your ring finger to delicately apply makeup and skincare products was a major claim by 2000s YouTube beauty gurus, you may be surprised to learn it’s not the be-all and end-all.

Using the ring finger to apply eye products is often thought to help prevent wrinkles as it’s especially gentle on the delicate area – and according to Dr. Dendy, it all comes down to the amount of pressure applied. 

She said the ring finger is typically recommended because it has the lightest touch, but a makeup brush is fine if that’s your personal preference.  

‘Our under eye area is very delicate so it is super important to avoid any excess pressure or tugging that will progress signs of aging,’ Dr. Dendy explained.

New York City-based makeup artist Cat Mignano, who has worked her magic on celebrities like Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, explained to DailyMail.com that she actually prefers to use a small makeup brush for undereye application.

‘I think that it gives a beautiful airbrushed finish,’ she explained.

Some of Mignano’s current favorites are the F64 Soft Blend Concealer Brush by Sigma Beauty and the Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush by Hourglass. 

However, the expert said that she’s not opposed to the ring finger method.

‘The ring finger is a great option because the light pressure and warmth of your fingers helps to effectively melt the product into the skin,’ she explained. 

Will pulling out gray hairs make them multiply?

Your mom may have warned you that when you pull out those pesky gray hairs from your head, they begin to multiply.

But according to Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist Bradley Leake, who has worked with Bravo stars like Lala Kent and Melissa Gorga, this commonly-believed legend is completely untrue.

‘Gray hair is often new hair growing in gray from the scalp,’ Leake explained to DailyMail.com. ‘One root does not affect the other.’

He did note, however, that after you pluck out a gray hair, its regrowth may become more noticeable, because the texture and length may stand out as its growing back in.  

‘Think of the way hair regrows after shaving,’ Leake explained. 

‘It can feel more noticeable and stubbly when it first grows back in, due to the length of the hair causing it to stick out.’ 

Is it okay to wear sunscreen only when you’re outside in the summer?

While it used to be a common belief that you should only wear sunscreen in the summer or when you’re in the sun, that’s absolutely not the case, according to Dr. Dendy. 

‘I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing SPF year-round, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, to protect your skin,’ she said.

‘While UV exposure is most prominent in the summer months, it is important to be diligent with SPF use year-round to protect yourself against skin-related cancers and premature aging – regardless of season, we are always exposed to UV rays and their effects, just in varying capacities,’ Dr. Dendy emphasized.

It’s typically recommended to wear a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher, and one that is broad-spectrum and water proof, per John’s Hopkins Medicine.

And make sure to apply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outside, to avoid putting your skin at risk.  

How old is too old to wear makeup with shimmer?

The age-old myth that women of a certain age should not wear any makeup that has glitter or shimmer in it is definitely not something that people need to follow anymore.

Makeup artist Mignano told DailyMail.com that there is ‘absolutely’ a way for older women to wear a bit of sparkle, although she advised avoiding chunky glitter. 

‘Opt for something with more of a glow, like a pressed face highlighter,’ Mignano suggested. 

She recommended the Dior Backstage Face Palette, which comes with glowing neutral hues. 

Mignano also added that she often hears older women say that they don’t feel like they can wear any makeup at all – which is absolutely not the case. 

‘Makeup is really so versatile, it’s all about technique and application,’ she explained. 

‘Less is more! Opt for more hydrating, sheer, buildable products and focus on enhancing your favorite features.’

Does getting your hair trimmed frequently really make it grow longer?

You may have heard that getting your hair trimmed every few months will make it grow longer, and according to Leake, that’s one myth you should totally believe. 

The hairstylist said that getting frequent trims make all the difference when it comes to having healthy hair. 

‘Trimming off the ends ensures that each strand is strong and healthy from top to bottom,’ Leake said.

‘When we go too long between visits to the salon, hair will start to dry out and break off from the ends, preventing the opportunity for healthy growth to continue.’

Is red lipstick too bold as you get older – and when is it appropriate to wear?  

While some women may have been told that red lipstick is too bold for everyday wear – or that it’s not appropriate past a certain age – it’s actually the opposite. 

Mignano explained that there are many different ways to make the lipstick work for you.

‘A red lip is so classic and timeless,’ Mignano said. ‘There are so many different shades of red and different ways to wear it.’

Plus, a red lip doesn’t always have to be super bold in order for it to look good. 

‘I think on mature skin, a red lip stain or tint would look really beautiful,’ the expert shared. 

The history behind red lipstick is quite powerful, too.

Makeup brand founder Elizabeth Arden gave out tubes of red lipstick to women marching in the suffrage movement in 1912, according to CNN, and it was worn by women’s rights leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Is it true that washing your hair with cold water will make it shinier?

If you’re a beauty fan who peruses TikTok, you may have heard hairdressers advising rinsing your hair with cold water to make it look shinier.

But is that really the case?

Leake says yes.  

‘Cold water is a great hack for achieving shinier hair,’ the hair expert shared. ‘Hot water can have a drying effect on our skin, hair, even our clothes!’

He compared it to what happens when you wash certain fabrics in hot water – sometimes the colors will look less vibrant, or the texture will change. 

Leake said that using cold water can help preserve the hair’s hydration and shine.