Looksmaxxing Myths, Rated

The looksmaxxing world is full of confident claims. Here they are, rated against the evidence, with a route to what actually works next to each. Some of these are just unproven; some are dangerous, and we say so plainly rather than pretending there are two sides.

• Mewing (tongue-on-palate) reshapes an adult jawline

  Not supported· human data

  The American Association of Orthodontists says there's no clinical evidence that tongue posture reshapes the adult facial skeleton. Posture won't move bone.

  Instead → The parts of your appearance you can actually change

  • American Association of Orthodontists: 'Is mewing bad for you?' (no clinical evidence that mewing changes facial structure)

• 'Bone smashing': hitting your face to sharpen the bone

  Not supported· human data

  Dangerous and unsupported. Blunt facial trauma fractures bone and damages nerves; it does not remodel a sharper jaw. Documented hospitalisations. Never do this.

  Instead → Health-framed changes that actually work

  • American Association of Orthodontists on viral jawline trends: no evidence, real risk of harm

• 'Tanmaxxing': deliberate UV and Melanotan for a better look

  Not supported· human data

  UV tanning devices are Group 1 carcinogens; Melanotan is unlicensed with melanoma case reports. A tan is DNA damage, not a glow-up.

  Instead → Tanmaxxing and Melanotan: the full debunk

  • IARC / WHO. Sunbeds and UV radiation, with UV-emitting tanning devices classified Group 1, carcinogenic to humans (El Ghissassi F, et al. Lancet Oncol 2009)
  • DermNet: Melanotan II, an unlicensed tanning peptide; documented melanoma and mole-change case reports; MHRA warns safety not established

• Mouth-taping at night for a better jaw and sleep

  Unproven· human data

  A 2025 systematic review found limited benefit and a real asphyxiation risk for anyone with nasal obstruction. Loud snoring or gasping needs a doctor, not tape.

  Instead → Sleep environment: what actually helps

  • Systematic review: safety and efficacy of mouth taping in mouth breathing / sleep-disordered breathing / OSA. PLOS One 2025; PMID 40397877

• SARMs are a safe 'research chemical' shortcut to a physique

  Not supported· human data

  The FDA links SARMs to life-threatening reactions including liver injury and raised heart-attack and stroke risk, and warns consumers to stop using them.

  Instead → The boring, effective route: training, protein and sleep

  • US FDA: bodybuilding products with SARMs put consumers at risk of heart attack, stroke and serious liver damage