Under the guise of “advice”, beauty myths routinely do the rounds. Let’s separate fact from fiction

There’s a fine line (and many a wrinkle!) between truth and fact when it comes to beauty advice. The problem is that most of these tips or skin and beauty hacks are actually rooted in misinformation. Some are harmless, but others can damage your skin or delay proper treatment.

Quick Read:

• Expensive products aren’t always better. In many cases, the cheaper alternatives work just as well.
• You don’t have to exfoliate every day. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin.
• Natural doesn’t always mean non-irritating or even safe. Some natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions.

Myth: Drinking water will fix all skin problems

Fact: By all means, please drink plenty of water every day, but water cannot fix every skin problem. Acne can still appear on your skin, even as an adult, and might be triggered by food (as an example). Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are inflammatory skin disorders that call for specific treatment. Yes, hydration is important, but customised skincare and medical treatment are often still necessary.

Myth: Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis

Fact: Wrong. Cracking your knuckles doesn’t lead to arthritis. While it may annoy those around you, there isn’t any credible medical evidence to show that it increases your risk of developing arthritis later in life.

Myth: Tea bags will get rid of dark circles under the eyes

Fact: Dark circles appear when extra water collects in the sensitive tissue area of the eye. Some people notice good results from placing a brewed tea bag (make sure it’s cold) on the spot. So, this one does have some value. For a better result, keep brewed tea bags in the fridge until they are cold and you want to use them.

Myth: You only need to start taking care of your skin when older

Fact: False. It’s a good idea to start a skincare routine earlier to help your skin stay smooth, supple and healthy. Get going with good skin habits even as a teenager with regular cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection. You certainly don’t need the most expensive products, but you should definitely cover the basics. At this age and stage, your skin should be in relatively good condition, but a good diet and plenty of exercise never goes amiss either.

Myth: Sleeping with makeup on once in a while won’t harm your skin

Fact: Take the time every single night to remove your makeup. If not, you run the risk of clogged pores and irritated skin. Leaving makeup on can trap dirt, oil, and pollutants against your skin. Plus, foundation and other cosmetic products may interfere with your skin’s natural overnight repair process. Over time, regularly sleeping with makeup on can contribute to dullness, irritation, and premature ageing.

Myth: Natural products are always better

Fact: We hate to burst the natural bubble, but no, this is not accurate. We’d love to believe that all-natural products are always the best skincare and beauty choices, but some natural ingredients, like essential oils or plant extracts, can cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Always test any products – natural or otherwise – on a small patch of skin first. Choose products that work for your skin type.

Myth: Rub butter on a burn for relief

Fact: Sorry Mama, we can’t take your advice on this one! Butter contains different ingredients which can further irritate the burn and your skin, and may possibly even create an infection. Rather, immediately rinse the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10-15 minutes to reduce the heat and prevent further damage.

Help at hand

Please be careful about trying beauty every hack or trend that crosses your social media feed. Some of these viral trends can be seriously harmful and cause more damage to your skin. The last thing you want to do is create a problem where there is none. Before trying viral skincare hacks, consider whether they are supported by medical evidence. Stick to skincare products that work for your particular skin type and when in doubt, ask a pharmacist or dermatologist for advice.

Images: Freepik