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Beauty myths de-bunked
WINNING ARTICLE at the 4th Annual J&J Beauty Journalism Awards
Are expensive products always best? Does chocolate give you spots? We discover the truth behind some of the most enduring beauty old-wives tales.
Chocolate gives you spots
There's no scientific evidence that what you eat has a direct relation to the condition of your skin. However, if you have a predisposition to acne - a common and genetically inherited skin disease, Sally Penford, education Manager for the International Dermal Institute warns that high levels of sugar can artificially elevate the hormone levels and thus over-stimulate the skin.
The more expensive the product the better it is
Good quality ingredients come at a price, but that doesn't mean paying more will deliver better results. Be savvy about what you're buying and always ask for samples. 'Don't take the word of the marketing company as gospel,' says Penford. 'Only you know what works for your skin. Get yourself a cosmetic ingredients book, stay informed about new 'miracle' ingredients and above all be honest with yourself about the results that you're getting.'
Squeaky clean skin is the secret to good skin
Contrary to popular belief, that squeaky tight feeling after washing your face is not a healthy symptom. Your skin is designed to have a layer of barrier protection comprised of fats and oils and water which sits over the skin's surface and provide it with protection against external pollutants such as bacteria, fungus and the environment. 'Washing with detergent or soap based products strips away that protection and it can take up to eight hours for the skin to rebuild itself,' explains Penford. Try not to wash your face more than once a day. Opt for mild cleansers with added moisturisers that won't leave your skin feeling tight.
Using cucumber on your eyes prevents eye bags
Bags under the eyes are caused by fluid retention - it's more obvious than anywhere else on the body because the skin under the eyes is much thinner. Applying cucumber certainly helps to cool the area, thus helping to reduce capillary activity and the amount of fluid. However, since the components of the cucumber do not penetrate the skin the effect is only temporary.
Putting toothpaste on spots helps them go down
Toothpaste contains very small quantities of an antibacterial ingredient known as triclosan which is often used in spot treatments. However, it also contains a host of other ingredients that aren't specifically targeted for skin and can actually cause blockages. Celebrity beauty therapist Katherine Jackson suggests using a calming clay-based product instead to draw out impurities without blocking pores.
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