I’m always asked what beauty rumours are actually true and which ones are not. They say there’s no smoke without fire, meaning there must be some truth to them. So here I get to the bottom of some of the most common beauty myths and tell you which ones are true, which are false and which are simply misunderstood.
Wearing make-up will give me spots
This could not be further from the truth. In fact, wearing make-up can actually protect your skin from harmful environmental damage such as pollution and UV rays. Most foundations nowadays contain an SPF, which is a crucial factor in anti-ageing, and you can easily come across mineral-based products which are gentle on most skin types. You must however make sure you remove your make-up properly every night. This is the key to wearing make-up and keeping your skin healthy. While you are asleep your body repairs and rejuvenates the skin cells, so if you’re wearing make-up, the cells and products will clog your pores causing blackheads and spots. Use a gentle cleansing formula, like Khiels Ultra Facial Cleanser, every evening to remove make-up and dirt before going to bed and use an intense deep cleansing mask once a week to remove stubborn dirt and impurities.
Egg whites shrink pores
This one is definitely not true as unfortunately nothing can shrink your pores. Egg whites can however tighten your skin enough to diminish the appearance of large pores as egg whites are full of protein which will nourish the skin. Simply separate the whites from the yolks, mix, and apply to the face and neck. Add a few drops of lemon juice if you skin is oily. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and you will feel your skin tightening as the egg dries. It’s a great way to ensure you are looking glowing before a big event.
Bathing in milk will make you beautiful
Cleopatra was on to something here ladies! While it’s not necessary to fully bath in it (it would be pretty expensive), milk does have its benefits when used topically. Milk contains lactic acid, which will soften, soothe and help to remove dead skin cells. Goat’s milk has the closest PH level to our skin, so try and go for that where possible. Fresh bio yoghurt also has the same benefits. Fresh and organic is always best, whichever product you decide to use. Simply apply to the skin in sweeping motions, using a cotton ball, leave for 10 minutes and then rinse. You can also try this on agitated areas like eczema or psoriasis.
Brushing your hair with 100 strokes will make it grow
Definitely false! In fact, doing this could be detrimental to your hair, especially if it is thin as excessive brushing can cause excess oil and breakage. Try stimulating the blood flow with a head massage instead as your hair grows from the roots, so increasing blood flow with a massage will make your hair grow thicker and stronger. Stronger hair will grow longer as it is less likely to break. Using a hot oil and massaging it in once a week before shampooing will also not only help, but is extremely relaxing too. Simply looking after your hair will give the impression that it is growing faster. Get your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks, and use a mask once a week to give strength and shine too. I love Rahua’s Omega 9 Hair Mask, which really works to penetrate the hair and strengthen it from the inside, rather than coating it like most masks do.
Blackheads are caused by dirt
Wrong! Blackheads are a build-up of sebum (oil) in your pores, which is then blocked by dead skin cells. Those with oily skin are more prone to blackheads due to the over production of sebum. Ensure you regularly exfoliate to keep dead skin cells away, and to prevent the formation of blackheads. Try using a daily cleanser that contains a small amount of salicylic acid. This will help prevent blackheads by removing dead skin cells. NUXE aroma-perfecting Cleansing Gel, is great for gentle yet effective cleansing and for an extra kick, use a treatment once or twice a week - Bioderma’s Sebium Exfoliating Gel, is perfect. For your daily moisturiser, don’t go too heavy as this will clog the pores too - Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream is great and contains an SPF too.
Ultimately, skin care, hair care and make-up are all such a personal choice. You really need to use what works for you which means trying different products and deciding which you prefer. And as clichéd as it may sound, the secret to every beauty trick or product, is to complement it with a smile!
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