Noli — the decodings

Anthony Youn, MD, checked.

15 pieces of advice published on instagram (@tonyyounmd), each one checked against the research. This is not a witch hunt — when everyone says something different, somebody has to sort it out. Last reviewed: July 14, 2026.

10 holds up3 more nuanced1 overstated1 not proven yet

What holds up

Apply sunscreen daily to protect yourself from melanoma, a formidable skin cancer that can take on striking physical forms.

The importance of using sun protection to maintain skin health and youthfulness is well-established. A benchmark randomized clinical trial, the Nambour Trial published by Green et al. (2011) in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, demonstrated that daily application of sunscreen reduces the long-term risk of developing this serious skin condition by nearly 50%. Observational data also confirm the direct link between cumulative UV exposure and the appearance of cellular abnormalities on the skin. However, the visual showing impressive protuberances under the scalp illustrates an extremely rare complication or a very advanced stage, which is dramatic but not representative of typical warning signs. Furthermore, to effectively protect the top of the head, specialists recommend wearing a hat, as sunscreen is difficult to apply evenly there. The prevention message therefore remains indisputable, even if the chosen illustration relies primarily on a visual shock effect.

Pulling hair firmly backward provides a temporary tightening effect similar to a facelift, but this method is discouraged because repeated tension can cause lasting hair loss.

The mechanical tension effect described by the creator is quite real and offers an ephemeral illusion of skin firmness. However, the warning against this practice is based on well-established scientific principles. An observational study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirms that continuous tension on hair roots, common with very tight hairstyles, gradually weakens the follicles. This repeated mechanical stress disrupts the natural hair cycle, leading to thinning and a loss of density over the long term. Expert guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology also note that while this phenomenon is initially reversible, it can become permanent over time. The creator's advice to prioritize hair health over a temporary aesthetic trick is therefore fully validated.

Adopt a simplified skincare routine for women over 40, based on collagen intake, applying vitamin C (morning) and retinol (evening), using red light therapy at home, and abandoning complex, multi-step routines that are harsh on the skin.

The recommendation to abandon multi-step routines to preserve the skin's protective barrier is validated by the consensus of skincare specialists. For topical applications, the vitamin C and retinol duo is widely supported by numerous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrating their effect on skin radiance, texture, and firmness. Regarding supplements, a meta-analysis of clinical trials published in 2021 in the International Journal of Dermatology confirms that the ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity. Finally, red light therapy is supported by RCTs showing stimulation of cellular regeneration, although the efficacy of at-home devices is sometimes slightly overestimated compared to professional clinical technologies. This routine thus offers very robust pillars for skin vitality without unnecessary overload.

Phenol peels effectively eliminate deep wrinkles, but carry a fatal risk if performed incorrectly.

Anthony Youn's assertion is scientifically accurate and based on robust clinical documentation. Regarding efficacy, literature reviews published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (type: expert consensus and case series) confirm that phenol is the most potent compound for deep skin regeneration and smoothing pronounced wrinkles. However, its systemic toxicity is very real: phenol is rapidly absorbed through the skin and can severely disrupt heart rhythm. Historical clinical reports and guidelines from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (type: observational studies and guidelines) reiterate that without slow application, adequate hydration, and cardiac monitoring, this treatment can be fatal. The warning regarding the fatal risk is therefore not a sensationalist exaggeration, but a medical reality that mandates this procedure be performed exclusively by highly qualified professionals.

You should not apply expired cosmetic products to your face, as this carries a risk of skin irritation or burns; it is also essential to avoid exposing skin to hot steam after such a reaction.

The advice not to use expired products is based on very solid formulation principles. According to guidelines from regulatory agencies such as the ANSM or the FDA (expert opinion), preservatives in skincare products degrade over time, paving the way for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, chemical stability analyses (such as those published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, of an observational nature) demonstrate that active ingredients and oils oxidize, potentially becoming highly irritating to the skin barrier. This chemical alteration is what causes the sensation of burning and immediate discomfort. Finally, applying hot steam to skin that is already inflamed is a counterproductive idea: heat dilates small vessels and further disrupts the epidermis's protective lipids. The creator's alert is therefore particularly accurate and scientifically validated.

You must apply sunscreen to protect yourself from skin damage and should not follow advice to engage in unlimited sun exposure without protection, as sunscreen does not cause cancer.

The advice to use sun protection to preserve skin health is based on extremely solid scientific evidence. A landmark randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Adèle Green in Australia demonstrated that regular sunscreen application reduces the risk of severe skin damage by half. Conversely, prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays is officially classified as harmful by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on numerous observational studies. As for the notion that sunscreen filters cause cancer, research provides no evidence to that effect. While questions have been raised regarding the skin absorption of certain components, safety assessments by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) confirm the safety of authorized formulas. Opposing claims that encourage unlimited sun exposure is therefore scientifically indisputable.

Replace wire barbecue brushes with nylon brushes to avoid accidentally ingesting metal bristles that may detach and stick to food.

This advice is based on a real physical risk documented by health authorities. An observational study published in the journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2016) estimated that there were more than 1,600 emergency room visits in the United States related to the ingestion of wire brush bristles between 2002 and 2014. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an alert report as early as 2012 regarding painful throat and abdominal injuries caused by these small metal wires getting stuck in food. Although the event remains statistically rare compared to the number of barbecues held each year, the danger is serious because this debris is almost invisible to the naked eye once cooked. Opting for a nylon brush (to be used on a cold grill) or a wooden scraper is therefore a very sensible preventative tip to make summer meals safer.

The rapid aging of the skin, its dryness, and its loss of firmness during menopause are not due to the ineffectiveness of your cosmetics, but to fluctuations and a decline in hormones that lead to an accelerated loss of collagen.

Research solidly confirms the link between the decline in estrogen and skin quality. According to a literature review published in the scientific journal *Dermato-Endocrinology* (2013), women lose approximately 30% of their cutaneous collagen during the first five years following menopause. Observational studies also show that this hormonal deficit reduces the skin's ability to retain water, explaining the sudden dryness. Saying that hormones 'change everything' is biologically very close to reality regarding skin texture, even if overall aging remains also influenced by the sun and genetics. Thus, your usual skincare products do not stop working, but they must simply be readjusted to support a skin barrier that has become thinner and more fragile. The creator's assertion is therefore based on entirely valid physiological grounds.

Contrary to popular belief, once an IV line is inserted, there is no longer a metal needle in the body, but only a small, very flexible plastic tube.

This statement is entirely accurate and faithfully describes the design of modern infusion devices. Standards from the Infusion Nurses Society (expert consensus) confirm that the metal needle serves only as an insertion guide and is removed immediately after placement, leaving only the flexible plastic. This technical reality is, moreover, a powerful tool for managing care-related stress. An observational study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing shows that clearly explaining this mechanism to patients significantly reduces anxiety and fear of movement. Knowing that only flexible plastic remains in place helps to release physical and mental tension during this type of experience.

The decrease in estrogen during the first five years of menopause causes a rapid reduction of approximately 30% in cutaneous collagen, which visibly alters the structure, elasticity, and hydration of the skin.

The claim of rapid collagen loss during menopause is scientifically accurate and validated by research on skin aging. A classic observational study led by Dr. Brincat (published in Obstetrics & Gynecology) indeed measured a decline of approximately 30% in skin collagen during the first five years post-menopause. Furthermore, synthesis work, such as that by Dr. Thornton in the journal Dermato-Endocrinology (analysis of cellular mechanisms), confirms that estrogens directly stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. When these hormones decrease, the skin naturally thins and retains moisture less effectively. The creator therefore accurately describes a real and measurable physiological phenomenon, without any exaggeration. This is an excellent popularization that scientifically validates a very common physical experience.

What's more nuanced than that

Consuming ultra-spicy instant noodles (such as the Buldak brand) can cause severe abdominal pain and kidney stones due to their high salt and spice content.

Regular consumption of this type of noodle can indeed promote the formation of painful crystals in the kidneys (stones), primarily due to their extreme sodium content. A large observational study published in the *Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology* confirms that a high salt intake causes the body to excrete more calcium in the urine, which favors the creation of these crystals. Furthermore, the intense spiciness can cause digestive issues or excessive sweating, leading to rapid dehydration, which is the primary triggering factor for an attack according to the guidelines of the American Urological Association (expert opinion). However, the idea that eating these noodles will systematically send you to the emergency room is highly exaggerated: it depends above all on your sensitivity, your genetics, and your overall level of hydration. There is no direct evidence or clinical study specifically incriminating this precise brand of noodles, but rather a body of evidence linked to ultra-processed meals. To enjoy them safely, simply consume these dishes occasionally and drink a large volume of water as an accompaniment.

Adopting specific dietary habits and consuming certain targeted foods can rejuvenate skin appearance from the inside out.

The idea that our diet directly influences skin radiance and texture is scientifically captivating. Observational studies, such as the one published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, show that a nutritional profile rich in antioxidants and healthy fats is correlated with more supple and better-hydrated skin. Furthermore, research published in Dermato-Endocrinology highlights that excessive sugar consumption can impair collagen flexibility, which accelerates the appearance of fine lines. However, presenting diet as a tool for direct 'de-aging' is a somewhat exaggerated claim. While it is proven that nutrition supports the skin barrier and prevents premature aging, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking to affirm that changing one's diet can actually reverse already established skin laxity. It is therefore an excellent lever for prevention and vitality, but not a time machine.

Placing a hair clip at the eyebrow level is said to quickly relieve headaches and cranial tension.

This tip is based on the principle of acupressure, a method that targets specific points to relax areas of tension. Research, notably a systematic review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2014), suggests that stimulating points near the eyebrow (such as the Zanzhu point) can help soothe cranial discomfort. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirm that self-administered acupressure is effective at mitigating head tension over time. However, the specific use of a rigid hair clip has never been scientifically studied. The 'in a few seconds' relief effect is largely exaggerated, as these techniques generally require several minutes to take effect. Finally, uncalibrated mechanical pressure risks irritating the delicate skin of the face rather than relaxing it.

What goes further than the evidence

You should inspect toilet paper in public restrooms and avoid using rolls that show small red spots on the side, as these are allegedly caused by used needles being wiped on them, posing a risk of infection.

This warning is based on the legitimate fear of contracting an infection through indirect contact. While it is theoretically possible for paper to be accidentally soiled in isolated cases, surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the survival of viruses in the open air on dry, porous surfaces like paper is extremely low. Furthermore, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) observations on industrial processes, colored spots on the edges of rolls generally result from manufacturing glues or machine cutting marks. No cases of infection transmission via this method are documented in global scientific or epidemiological literature (expert opinions and observational data). Although the intention to promote careful hygiene is positive, the risk scenario presented here is scientifically considered improbable.

What science hasn't shown (yet)

It is possible to be born with naturally pink hair due to a condition called 'Porous Follicle Syndrome'.

This idea of naturally pink hair is intriguing, but it conflicts with the realities of hair biology. According to reviews by the Society for Investigative Dermatology (expert opinion), our hair color is determined exclusively by the concentration of two pigments: eumelanin (dark tones) and pheomelanin (light and red tones). There is no human biosynthetic pathway capable of generating pink or pastel shades innately. Furthermore, in-depth research shows that 'Porous Follicle Syndrome' does not exist in scientific literature. While the porosity of the hair fiber is a very real physical property that influences the absorption of water or treatments, it cannot in any way produce new colored pigments. This claim therefore stems from entertaining content or a visual filter rather than a biological reality.

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