Previously we shared some of the latest tips and tricks that are flooding the internet, we also shared how some of these ideas are not necessarily the best advice when it comes to taking care of your skin. In part two, we share more of the worst beauty and skincare tips and tricks that have been shared by “experts”, and explain why you should not try everything you see/hear.

Worst Tip # 1 – You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny

If you think your skin is sheltered from the sun during a cloudy day or even a rainstorm, you’d be wrong. Ultraviolet rays are the cause of sun damage and therefore you should be applying sunscreen every single day. Whether it’s overcast or not, UV rays are not blocked by clouds. Further to this, the depletion of the ozone layer over the years has increased the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen not only helps prevent this but it can also help to prevent discolouration and dark spots, helping you to maintain a smoother and more even skin tone.

Worst Tip # 2 – Burning your split ends

Many people have been using a Brazilian hair treatment called “velaterapia” which involves using a flame to burn your split ends. This is one of the worst things you could do for your hair. It’s believed that the burning causes the damaged parts of the hair to stick out, which are then trimmed and the rest of the hair is given a deep, conditioning treatment. The problem with this is that when your hair has split ends, there is not much that can help fully repair your hair, except for cutting them off. This tip is definitely not something that is recommended, as the risk of burns far outweighs any real benefit of getting rid of split ends.

Worst Tip #3 – Pop pimples with a safety pin

You should not be popping pimples at any given time, let alone with a safety pin. Whilst many believe that by disinfecting the pin and using this instead of your fingers/nails, you reduce the risk of infection. This is a typical misconception. At-home remedies are not always best, and in order to reduce your risk of infection, and even potential scarring, you should rather leave this to a professional such as a dermatologist, aesthetician or facialist.

Worst Tip #4 - Teeth can’t get too white

Although it is actually possible to over-bleach your teeth, it is actually recommended that you whiten your teeth once a year. Obviously, it is always a good idea to consult with your dentist before you use any products that you’re unsure of because overdoing the whitening could weaken the teeth and strip away enamel. Enamel helps to protect the teeth from daily use, such as chewing, grinding, biting and even crunching. It also helps to insulate the teeth from potentially painful temperatures and chemicals.

Worst Tip #5 – If you have oily hair, skip conditioner

No matter what your hair type, you should be using conditioner. While shampoo is designed to clean off sweat, dead skin cells and other hair products, conditioner is intended to make hair softer, and easier to manage. It also helps to protect the hair shaft and avoid split ends. Conditioner is not directly related to an increase of greasy hair, so long as you are using it correctly. If you do suffer from oily hair, it is recommended that you keep the conditioner concentrates on the ends and avoid applying it to the roots.

Worst Tip #6 – Brush your hair from top to bottom

Whilst most of us have been taught and trained to brush our hair this way, this approach actually caused unnecessary knots and breakages. The best way to brush your hair is to begin with the knots at the bottom, starting at the ends slowly, but making your way up to the top. This way you will gently detangle the hair without ripping the hair follicles out of its root. Also, don’t neglect the top of your head either. The scalp has great natural oils which help to condition the rest of your hair, keeping it healthy. Therefore, once you have worked your way up, and all knots have been removed, it is a smart idea to brush from the top to the bottom a couple of times, to aid the oils in working down the hair shaft. You could however also make use of BWG Botanics Solid Roots Hair Oil to achieve this.

Worst Tip #6 – Pumping your mascara wand will get the most out of your product

This pumping action that so many people like to use, may coat your mascara wand with product initially. It does, however, also cause air to get into the tube, which quickly dries out the mascara, causing it to flake and clump therefore decreasing the shelf life. Instead, you should gently twist the wand on the inside of the tube, ultimately “scrapping” the sides of the tube. Using circular motions, you should the product on your wand far easier, and by doing this, you’ll avoid those air bubbles and this should make your product last longer.

Worst Tip #7 – Hairspray can be used as makeup setting spray

Hairspray was first packaged in 1948 when the beauty industry saw that WWII insecticide aerosol cans could be used as a dispenser for hairspray. It immediately thrived and became increasingly popular and therefore mass-produced, as up-do’s and other hairstyles were created. Let’s be honest – hairspray is great for keeping hair in place, as well as preventing static and keeping frizz at bay. However – that’s about it. It’s become quite the fashion to spray hairspray on your face once your make-up is done, as a method of keeping makeup in place. Not only can this make your skin look older and leave a sticky film behind, but using it on your face, whether you’re spraying it directly on the skin or merely spraying it and walking through it, is really bad for you. Hairspray contains repellents that could also irritate the skin, leaving it itchy, red and bumpy.

Worst Tip #8 – Use toothpaste as an acne spot treatment

Yet another home remedy that many people use and swear by, and yet, is rather dangerous. While there are ingredients in toothpaste that could dry out your pimples, there are also some harsh ingredients that are designed to work for inside your mouth, and not on your face. Ultimately, toothpaste could cause irritation, including dermatitis and could lead to more serious skin problems.

Worst Tip # 9 - Use hair extension glue for your eyelash extensions

When eyelash extensions are correctly applied by a licensed and trained professional, they enhance the look of natural lashes. Although DIY kits have come a long way and are relatively safe to do from home now, incorrectly applying them, or doing so with the wrong adhesive, can actually cause discomfort, infection, and possible permanent lash loss. You shouldn’t use glue that is meant for hair or any other part of your body, especially on your eye area. This can cause your eyes to swell and could even result in you losing all your eyelashes when you pull the fake one’s off.

Worst Tip #10 – A foundation with SPF is good enough for the sun

Although these products are good, and there are many moisturising or foundation products that contain SPF in their formulas, it’s not a good enough substitute for sunscreen. We cannot stress the importance of a good sunscreen. These products do not contain enough UV protection alone, and very often they contain UVB radiation protection, but not UVA. You should always apply your sunscreen after your moisturiser has soaked in, or just before you apply your foundation.

It’s always good to remember that although there is a lot of information online, you cannot always believe what you read.