We live in an age of photoshopping and airbrushing, and the beauty industry has become notorious for being somewhat flexible with the truth.
With this in mind, this article brings you 5 common beauty myths that sound convincing enough on the surface,
but don’t necessarily hold up to scrutiny.
The first myth is about the belief that the cleaner our skin, the healthier it is.
It’s true that we experience a nice, tight feeling after giving our face a good clean, but this isn’t necessarily a good thing. In fact, using harsh products, scrubbing too vigorously, or washing our face more than twice a day can strip away the natural oils acting as a moisture barrier to keep our skin looking and feeling good. Instead of harsh cleansers, it’s better to opt for a gentle cleanser, like one based on glucose or made from coconut oil, that removes residues of dirt, oil, and makeup without drying out our skin. Something else to remember: if we use cleanser at night, a quick splash of cool water in the morning should be enough to shake off any nighttime build-up.
The second myth is about the belief that with beauty products, we get what we pay for.
We often think that the price of a beauty product is directly proportional to its quality, which is why we’re willing to pay a small fortune for a well-known brand, especially if it comes in a pretty package.
But, in fact, the cheaper drugstore equivalent may be just as effective in terms of active ingredients.
We don’t necessarily need to spend a small fortune on a commercial product – there are plenty of simple home remedies that do the same job for a fraction of the price.
The third myth is about the belief that natural or organic products are better for our skin.
While organic fruit and vegetables are likely to be better for us because they aren’t full of chemicals and pesticides, the same isn’t necessarily true when it comes to skincare products.
Essential oils, for example, can be harsh on the skin because they are so concentrated.
On the other hand, synthetic ingredients can be milder and more effective because they have been specifically formulated for use on the skin.
The fourth myth is about the belief that shaving makes hair grow back thicker.
Whether it’s legs, underarms, or facial hair, wisdom handed down through the ages tells us that it’s best to avoid shaving unless we want to end up hairier than when we started. In fact, hair growth is determined by the follicle deep within the skin, so shaving the tips poking out of the surface won’t affect it at all. It is true that, as the hair regrows, it may feel rougher or thicker because the fine tip has been chopped off.
In the fifth myth, we address the belief that eating junk food causes acne.
While avoiding unhealthy dietary choices, such as hamburgers, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, is to be encouraged in general, there is currently no scientific evidence that connects these foods to breakouts of acne.
There are many causes of acne, including heredity, hormones, and certain skin care products – some can actually clog pores. That’s not to say that diet doesn’t affect acne at all. People who are prone to flare-ups are advised to avoid dairy and high-glycemic foods and refined carbohydrates like sugars and processed grains, while as little as one portion a week of anti-inflammatory foods, like green tea, broccoli, and oily fish, can reduce the risk of acne.
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that not everything we hear about beauty is true.
While it’s easy to fall for myths like harsh cleansers being good for our skin or expensive products being the best, the reality is often more complex. From the idea that shaving makes hair grow back thicker to the belief that junk food causes acne, it’s important to do our own research and make informed decisions about our beauty routine.
By being aware of these myths and understanding the truth behind them, we can make choices that are best for our skin and overall health.