What do skincare and MythBusters have in common? In the skincare world, there’s a whole lot of beauty regimens, hot products, and tips that are seemingly never-ending. Is your favorite product truly a miracle worker? What about that new viral hack you’re dying to add to your routine? While we’re not busting any ancient myths, testing out the validity of urban legends, or even proving whether or not vampires exist, I’ve put together a gasp-worthy list of skincare facts and myths. Check out these five skincare trends and see if you can guess which are fact or fiction!
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing, a body care technique that involves rubbing an individual’s skin with a coarse-bristle brush, has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to TikTok. The Ayurvedic medicine practice, having been around for centuries, according to Healthline, is said to exfoliate the skin, remove bodily toxins, and reduce cellulite.
So, should you pick up a dry bristle brush and start exfoliating? Unfortunately, this skincare trend is not a fact at all! The Cleveland Clinic explains that “There is no proof dry brushing your skin reduces cellulite or the appearance of cellulite — this claim isn’t supported by any scientific evidence.”
Conclusion: Fiction!
2. Microneedling
Micro-what? Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that helps to encourage collagen production using tiny, sterilized needles, per Healthline. This beauty practice supposedly helps reduce acne scars, wrinkles and improves skin texture. How does it work? These tiny needles make micro-tears in the individual’s skin, increasing collagen production!
The real question is, is microneedling a skincare hack you can add to your routine? The answer is yes! According to research done by the National Institutes of Health, microneedling increased collagen and elastin production, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness!
Conclusion: Fact!
3. Toners
What about toners? This simple addition to your skincare regimen is often overlooked and thought of as unnecessary. Traditionally, toners balance your skin’s pH and balance your overall skin tone.
Are toners an essential to your skincare? Or are they overestimated? N Crowd, grab yourself a toner, because this skincare trend is a fact! According to Healthline, toners offer a deeper cleanse, balanced skin pH, and support the rest of your skincare routine.
Conclusion: Fact!
4. Gua Sha
Gua sha, an East Asian healing technique, involves a smooth tool to firmly stroke your skin, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation, according to WebMD. But can this ancient medicine practice really help with both aesthetics and lymphatic drainage?
Nekia Nichelle, expert entertainment and lifestyle reporter, pop culture commentator, and Editor-In-Chief of Just N Life, weighs in on this skincare fact or fiction:
“Gua sha has truly been a game-changer in my skincare routine. I’ve been practicing it consistently for the past year, and the transformation in my face has been undeniable. My skin feels tighter, my jawline is more defined, and those dreaded forehead wrinkles? Practically nonexistent.
But beyond the aesthetics, it’s had a huge impact on my overall wellness—especially as someone living with Sjögren’s, an autoimmune condition where inflammation is a constant battle. Gua sha and lymphatic drainage help reduce that inflammation, relieve tension, and support my body’s natural detox process. I can literally feel the difference on days when I’m consistent.
As someone constantly juggling media deadlines, TV appearances, and entrepreneurial hustle, gua sha has become my sacred moment of stillness—my way of checking in and giving back to myself. It’s not just about beauty; it’s about healing. And for me, that’s everything.”
You heard her! As WebMD also reiterates, studies have shown that Gua sha, when done correctly, can help improve blood flow, reduce toxins, lessen pain, and promote healing for health conditions, such as Sjögren’s, migraines, and Tourette’s syndrome!
Conclusion: Fact!
5. Vampire Facials
Hold the phone, when did we start talking about vampires here? Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have skyrocketed over social media. The American Academy of Dermatology Association explains that PRP is a three-step procedure involving blood being drawn from your arm, placed into a machine that separates platelets from your blood composition, and then re-injected into you.
A skincare trick that reduces wrinkles, revitalizes skin, and reduces acne scars? Could it be too good to be true? Unfortunately, no. The AAD points out that there is little evidence to support PRP benefits. Sorry, vampire-lovers!
Conclusion: Fiction!
Alright, skincare myth-busters, did we get any right? Let us know what your favorite fact or fiction was!
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