Tuesday 15 February 2011

Myths about skincare

I've reproduced this article from here. Since there is constant bombarding of fanciful advertising - i think there should be more such articles.

1.Regular steaming is very good for the skin.
Steaming of the skin especially face is good to a certain extent as it opens up the blocked pores and facilitates easy removal of blackheads . But using it on a regular basis can cause large open pores. It is advisable to use it once a week for just 1-2 minutes.

2. Oily and fatty foods / chocolate, can increase or cause pimples.
Dietary factors are not involved at all in causing acne and food restrictions are unnecessary. Of course a healthy diet with lots of fresh green vegetables, fruits and plenty of water (8-10 glasses a day) generally helps one achieve a clear glowing skin.

3. Oil massage before a bath gives a glowing skin.
Any type of massage improves circulation and is good. But the best results of oil application are obtained if applied soon after a bath, when the skin is moist and well hydrated. Oil applied after a bath helps retain the moisture within the skin.

4. Soaps and shampoos which produce more lather are better cleansers.
Lather production is dependent on the addition of foam boosters to soaps and shampoos while cleansing to related to their detergent content. Hence the amount of lather produced is not proportional to the cleansing activity of either soaps, shampoos or bubble baths.

5. Household cosmetics are harmless.
Not all household cosmetics are good. Turmeric of course has its benefits on the skin, by reducing hair growth and acting as an antiseptic. But many of the household cosmetics sensitize or irritate the skin and many of them can cause comedones. Should be used with care.

6. Cleansing milks, facial packs and facials are more effective ways to clean the deep pore Soaps are equally effective for deep pore cleaning and the above offer no added advantage.

7. Regular use of pumice stone and various scrubbers clean the skin better Pumice stone or scrubbers of any type only dry the skin taking away the natural oil content of the skin. In fact years after using these products one can develop blackish pigmentation on the arms and legs . Cleaning the skin with hands along with a soap on a daily basis is good enough to keep skin healthy and clean.

8. Medicated soaps are better than ordinary ones.
Skin has certain organisms which normally live in the skin. They fight the bad organisms which invade the skin and acts as a defence system. Medicated soaps remove the ‘good samaritans’ and thereby destroy these beneficial flora. Medicated soaps also produce dryness and are not recommended except for certain recurrent skin infections/acne.

9. Application of Kajal improves eyesight and growth of eyelashes.
Kajal is used entirely for cosmetic reasons and does not help eyesight or growth of eyelashes in any way. On the contrary some cheap brands can cause conjunctivitis and eye allergies.

10. Suntan helps clear acne.
It may temporarily mask the acne, but continued exposure to sunlight may cause irritation and premature ageing in the form of wrinkles and fine lines. There is no scientific link between sun and acne prevention. So always protect your skin with a sunscreen of SPF (sun protection factor ) of at least 15. And remember to get one that is non comedogenic (one that will not clog the pores on your skin)

11.  Cucumber has a special ingredient that decreases bags under eyes.
A cool cucumber may relax the eyes no doubt, but it has no special ingredient. It’s the cool temperature of the water content of the cucumber that brings down the swelling. Cold helps constricts the vessels and brings down the redness.

1 comment:

Your feedback is invaluable !:-)

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