We all have certain fixed ideas about what's good for us and what isn't. These ideas are often fuelled by incomplete knowledge, incorrect interpretation of this knowledge and, of course, misinformation and exaggeration by television commercials. To set the record straight -- at least as far as skincare goes -- here are a few common myths and the truth behind them.
Myth: "The longer I keep hair oil on, the better it is for my hair"
Fact: You actually need hair oil only for night application and wash hair in the morning. Do figure tip massage when you apply oil so that it relaxes mind, stimulates blood circulation in that area and promotes new hair growth. Oil application moisturizes and smoothens frizzled hair cuticles. In fact, keeping oil in your hair for longer period traps dirt, causes buildup of residue and leads to blackheads on the forehead.
Myth: "My skin is normal / oily, so I don't need moisturizer"
Fact: Moisturizer does not add oil to the skin -- it hydrates, ie makes water molecules move into the cells of your skin, making it look smoother and softer. In fact, even oily skin needs frequent cleansing to remove excess oil and sebaceous secretion, followed by an application of moisturizer.
Myth: "Applying cream at night is bad as it prevents my skin from breathing"
Fact: Most of the skin's self-repairing activity occurs at night and nourishment given at this time can only maximize benefits. Most night creams are non-oil-based, non-greasy formulations that do not block pores and supply essential rejuvenating substances.
Myth: "Home remedies are 100 per cent safe"
Fact: If you have sensitive skin, even homemade packs can cause allergies or irritant reactions. Not all skin types are alike, so what works for most people may backfire for you. Always perform a test patch of a home remedy before applying it all over your face.
Myth: "Fairness cream will transform me from a black beauty to a swan"
Fact: No one is going to offer you a movie role after three months of applying any cream in the world. Your skin color is largely genetic and fairness products can make a difference of a few shades. Be realistic in your expectations. Yes, with intensive skin improvement, under a dermatologist's supervision, your skin can definitely become more even toned, less patchy, healthier and up to 30 to 35 per cent lighter -- but no one can make you Snow White -- that's a fairy tale!
Myth: "Stress causes greying of hair"
Fact: Stress only causes falling of hair. This affects only black hair, which is how the grey begins to show more as the black hair decreases. Greying, especially premature greying is determined more by your genes.
Myth: "The longer I keep hair oil on, the better it is for my hair"
Fact: You actually need hair oil only for night application and wash hair in the morning. Do figure tip massage when you apply oil so that it relaxes mind, stimulates blood circulation in that area and promotes new hair growth. Oil application moisturizes and smoothens frizzled hair cuticles. In fact, keeping oil in your hair for longer period traps dirt, causes buildup of residue and leads to blackheads on the forehead.
Myth: "My skin is normal / oily, so I don't need moisturizer"
Fact: Moisturizer does not add oil to the skin -- it hydrates, ie makes water molecules move into the cells of your skin, making it look smoother and softer. In fact, even oily skin needs frequent cleansing to remove excess oil and sebaceous secretion, followed by an application of moisturizer.
Myth: "Applying cream at night is bad as it prevents my skin from breathing"
Fact: Most of the skin's self-repairing activity occurs at night and nourishment given at this time can only maximize benefits. Most night creams are non-oil-based, non-greasy formulations that do not block pores and supply essential rejuvenating substances.
Myth: "Home remedies are 100 per cent safe"
Fact: If you have sensitive skin, even homemade packs can cause allergies or irritant reactions. Not all skin types are alike, so what works for most people may backfire for you. Always perform a test patch of a home remedy before applying it all over your face.
Myth: "Fairness cream will transform me from a black beauty to a swan"
Fact: No one is going to offer you a movie role after three months of applying any cream in the world. Your skin color is largely genetic and fairness products can make a difference of a few shades. Be realistic in your expectations. Yes, with intensive skin improvement, under a dermatologist's supervision, your skin can definitely become more even toned, less patchy, healthier and up to 30 to 35 per cent lighter -- but no one can make you Snow White -- that's a fairy tale!
Myth: "Stress causes greying of hair"
Fact: Stress only causes falling of hair. This affects only black hair, which is how the grey begins to show more as the black hair decreases. Greying, especially premature greying is determined more by your genes.
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