Beauty Myths Revealed

We’ve all heard the sayings of “eating too much chocolate gives you spots”, or “shaving will make your hair grow back thicker and darker”…Lets explore and uncover the truth about some of these old-wives tales!

Chocolate gives you spots…?

This is one of the most well known old-wives tales, and in fact there’s no scientific evidence stating that whatever we eat has direct bearing to the condition of our skin.

However, if you have a tendency to acne – high levels of sugar that we get from having chocolate, can artificially raise hormone levels and consequently over-stimulate the skin.

Using cucumber on your eyes prevents eye bags…?

The skin under the eyes is very thin. Bags under your eyes are caused by fluid retention and so fluid retention under the eyes is much more noticeable and obvious than anywhere else on the body. Using cucumber definitely aids in helping to cool the area, thus facilitating to ease capillary activity and

the amount of fluid retained under the eyes. However, the effect is merely temporary as the components of the cucumber do not actually penetrate the skin.

Shaving your hair will grow back darker and thicker…?

The real answer to this is no. Hair is widest at the base and narrowest at the tip. When shaving the hair you’re cutting it at the base. The widest part then grows out and the hair appears to be thicker but

that is because you cut the hair at a sharp angle. So in technical terms: shaving doesn’t alter the density, width or colour of hair.

Never pluck out a grey hair, because 10 more will grow in its place…?

This very much false you’d be glad to hear! Honestly think about it…how can you get ten new hair follicles from only plucking a single strand of hair? Pulling a hair out by its root only leads to regrowth that will refuse to lie flat on your barnet. To conquer grey hairs your best bet is to head to the hair salon and see a colourist!

Acne is caused by dirt…?

Actually … no. Acne is actually caused when dead skin cells mix with excess oils in the skin and thus forms a plug within the pores (which are also known as the hair follicles). The overuse of harsh scrubs can make acne to become worse and it can also lead to dry and flaky skin.