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 — 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 — UV-emitting tanning devices classified Group 1, carcinogenic to humans (El Ghissassi F, et al. Lancet Oncol 2009)
- DermNet: Melanotan II — 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~~
Marketing claim· 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

Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale — MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: 23 July 2026