6 beauty myths busted

Many of these beauty beliefs have been around for so long, we’ve accepted them as scientific facts. With the help of some local and international beauty experts, we debunk some of the industry’s biggest beauty myths. 

MYTH: Frequent shampooing damages your hair

According to Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist for Philip Kingsley, this is not true. In fact, she says, washing your hair daily is one of the best things you can do for your scalp health. While many dermatologists generally recommend washing your hair two to three times a week, how often you cleanse your mane is entirely up to you and is dependent on your hair type, hairstyle and lifestyle.

Whether you have oily roots that need to be washed every day or curly tresses that can handle a wash only twice a week, be sure you’re washing your hair with a shampoo that’s formulated for your hair type.

MYTH: Makeup makes skin age faster

Makeup itself does not cause the skin to age faster. In fact, we’re seeing more and more beauty houses producing skin-caring makeup, often boasting hydrating and anti-ageing benefits. “The only time that makeup may contribute to the ageing process is if you do not remove it properly, or go to bed wearing it,” says biomedical scientist and founder of skincare company Biomedical Emporium, Dr Judey Pretorius.

When you go to sleep without removing your makeup, it’s not just the makeup that stays on your skin – it’s also dirt, impurities and bacteria picked up during the day, and these can accelerate the ageing process. She recommends a “double cleanse” at night to ensure all makeup is removed.  

MYTH: False eyelashes ruin your own

False lashes sit just above your natural lash line on your eyelid, not on your actual lashes and, so, if applied correctly, without too much adhesive, your natural lashes will remain perfectly intact. When it comes to removing your false lashes, experts agree that you should never pull the lashes off. Instead, peel them off gently with the help of a makeup remover and a cotton swab.

MYTH: Pores can be made smaller

The fact is that no matter how many serums, masks and pore strips you apply, you can't change your pore size, but you can change their appearance. “Pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores, however, you can minimise their appearance by keeping them clear of oil and debris (by exfoliating), boosting your skin’s collagen and elastin, and including retinol and vitamin C, which will help them appear smaller,” explains Su-Marie Annandale, brand manager for Clere skincare.

MYTH: If you’ve over-plucked, your eyebrows won’t grow back

Excessive plucking can damage the follicle, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. While brow growth differs from person to person, after a few weeks of no tweezing, hair will start to grow back. In the meantime, you can grab an eyebrow pencil or gel to fill in where it's looking sparse.

Brow queen Unaiza Sulliman, founder of UniQBrow Salons and Products, also suggests using a brow serum. Often packed with potent ingredients like vitamins B5, B7 and amino acids, these serums can stimulate the hair follicles while feeding them with all the nutrients they need to grow thicker, longer hair. 

MYTH: You don’t need to wear sunscreen if your makeup has SPF

This is a potentially dangerous myth, as makeup products which include sun protection provide a false sense of security. The amount of sunscreen needed to adequately protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is much, much more than the amount of makeup you would apply at once (re-application aside). Be safe and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, no less than SPF 30, under your makeup daily.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com