Beauty Myths

[gissell]

Beauty myths are often no more than old adages that are handed down to
each generation. Some of these misconceptions are centuries old and
just plain silly. While logic doesn't seem to play a big factor in
beauty myths, they're still abundant. These common beauty myths are
pure fiction and deserve to take their place in the "beauty myth hall
of shame."

* Soap is bad for your skin.

Older formulas contained animal fats and vegetable oils. Newer soaps
are formulated to be milder and some contain moisturizers that don't
dry out your skin. Clean skin is better than dirty skin.

* Shaving your legs will make your hair grow in thicker.

You have as many hairs as is genetically determined, regardless of
whether you shave them. However, shaving can make hairs appear
"stubbier" and perhaps thicker.

* Drinking a lot of water leads to beautiful skin.

While drinking water is necessary for our bodies, too much will only
result in bloating and too many trips to the bathroom.

* Split ends can be repaired.

The only way to rid of split ends is to cut them off and prevent them
in the future with good hair care.

* Dry skin causes wrinkles.

Not true. Most wrinkles are caused from the sun.

* You can wash acne and pimples away.

Scrubbing too vigorously will increase oil production and only
aggravate the condition.

* The sun clears up blemishes.

While the sun will temporarily dry out pimples, it interferes with
healthy skin cells. This can cause a worse breakout a couple days
after sun exposure.

* Stick to one brand and line of products.

This beauty myth was probably put out by cosmetic manufacturers who
want to keep customers loyal to their brand.

* You don't need to use sunscreen on a cloudy day.

The sun's UV rays penetrate clouds and can still damage your skin.

* Natural ingredients are non-allergenic.

Whether it's a natural or chemical ingredient, if your allergic to it,
you'll see a reaction.

* Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

No one food has been proven to cause breakouts. If you find a
correlation, quit eating that particular food.

* You can shrink the pores on your face.

Your pore size is genetically determined. Pores may appear larger by
bacteria and dead skin cells. Retin-A and alpa hydroxys are designed
to break up these materials and bring the pores back to their original
appearance.
Exercise Myths

* Muscle can turn to fat.

Muscle and fat are two different tissues and cannot convert into the
other. Decreased physical activity reduces your muscle tissue and your
metabolism.

* You can spot reduce.

You can't lose weight in any particular place before another. Your
weight will first come off from the last place you put it on.