1. Sun Exposure Heals Acne
If you suffer from acne, you are better off shielding your face from the sun with a good layer of sunscreen, as you are more likely to burn your skin than heal it. Prolonged sun exposure can also increase hyperpigmentation and darken any acne scars you already have, not to mention, expedite the aging process!
2. Teeth Should Be Brushed After Every Meal
After we eat a meal, our teeth are actually at their most sensitive, as the natural acids in food weaken enamel. Brushing immediately after eating can remove tiny particles of your enamel, leading to extensive damage over the long term. Therefore, to maintain healthy teeth, it is better to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing.
3. Lemon Juice Lightens Hyperpigmentation
Lemon juice is a highly acidic ingredient that can affect our skin’s natural pH levels, leading to irritation and heightened sun sensitivity. A reaction between the citrus oils and sunlight can even result in a nasty chemical burn, permanently damaging the skin.
4. Oils Are Bad For Oily Skin
Oily skin is a result of the skin’s natural sebum production being stuck in overdrive. Most oily skinned people shy away from products containing oil for fear it will make their skin worse; however, applying oil to your skin in the form of a cleaner, serum, or moisturizer sends a signal to your oil glands to stop overcompensating, meaning your skin will become increasingly balanced over time.
5. A ‘Base Tan’ Protects Your Skin From Sunburn
The idea that a few sessions in a tanning bed before a vacation can protect you from sunburn is one that can only lead to some very red, very sore skin! Not only is ten minutes on a tanning bed the equivalent of one hour of direct sunlight, but the subsequent hours spent unprotected in the sun will also further damage skin, causing premature aging and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
6. Toothpaste Heals Blemishes
Toothpaste contains a lot of harsh ingredients, namely Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), that are simply not suitable for use on the skin. Calcium carbonate is the ingredient in toothpaste that dries up blemishes but considering several skincare products contain the component as well, it is better to step away from the toothpaste to avoid detrimental side effects like irritation and peeling.
7. Facial Yoga Reduces Signs of Aging
Although the concept of facial yoga sounds legitimate – after all, yoga works wonders for the body! – Regularly exercising the muscles in your face can lead to a faster breakdown of collagen and sagging skin due to the pressure and speed of each movement. Instead, slow down the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles by learning to relax your face throughout the day, such as with short sessions of meditation.
8. Skin Should Be Exfoliated Daily
Whether you use a chemical exfoliant (AHAs/BHAs) or a physical one (scrubs) in your skincare regimen, exfoliating the skin’s surface every day is unnecessary and often harmful. Overuse of chemical exfoliants can burn or even thin the skin, while facial scrubs made from particles like salt or almond shells contain jagged edges that can cause micro-tears in the skin, resulting in long-term damage. Exfoliating 3 times a week is perfectly fine to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
9. Shampoo And Conditioner Should Be Applied From Roots to Tips.
The purpose of shampoo is to strip the hair of oils and product build-up; therefore, it need only be applied to the roots, as just enough will reach the ends of your hair when it is rinsed out. Conditioner, on the other hand, should only be applied to the tips, as this part of the hair lacks the most moisture. Following these rules will help you avoid needlessly dry ends or an excessively oily scalp!
10. Shaving Your Peach Fuzz Makes It Grow Back Thicker and Darker
The technical term for peach fuzz is vellus hair and shaving it can allow smoother makeup application. You can rest assured that the hair will grow back just as fine because the hair follicles aren’t actually affected by the act of shaving; most women only think they are because they naturally become more aware of this hair once they start shaving it.
11. Blackheads Are Caused By Dirty Skin
Blackheads are completely natural; everyone gets them, and dirty skin is definitely not the cause. Rather, they are the result of sebum and dead skin cells clogging hair follicles and forming an open bump, or comedo, which then oxidizes and turns black. Overly cleansing the skin to treat blackheads can make them worse, as the skin will compensate by producing more oil. Instead, use products that contain salicylic acid to deeply exfoliate and unclog pores.
12. Eyebrows and Hair Colour Should Match
It is an old rule that eyebrows and hair should be the same color, but this can actually end up looking less natural. Fair-haired ladies can add structure to their face by dying eyebrows a few shades darker, and likewise, brunettes can lighten their dark brows for a less severe look. Overall, for a flattering look, the shape of the eyebrow is more important than the color!
13. Drinking Lots of Water Prevents Dry Skin
It is commonly believed that guzzling gallons of water will solve or prevent dry skin issues; however, while dry skin can have a multitude of underlying causes, external factors such as skin care (or lack thereof), dry weather conditions, and excessive time spent in the sun or water tend to be the usual suspects. Try sleeping with a humidifier in the room or using products that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to see a difference in your skin.
14. Nail Cuticles Should Be Trimmed Regularly
Cuticles are an essential part of the nail, as they provide a barrier between the nail plate and your skin. Hence, once you cut them, you are essentially providing an open gateway for bacteria and infections. Instead, try pushing cuticles down with an orange stick and dabbing a little oil on them each night to keep nails looking polished and tidy.
