8 Hair And Skin Myths, Busted......
8 Hair And Skin Myths, Busted......
By Dr Parul Kolhe M B B S, DDV and DNB in dermatology.
We all have certain fixed ideas about what's good for us and what
isn't. These ideas are often fuelled by folklore, incomplete knowledge
from various publications or the Internet, 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: "My sunscreen will prevent tanning"
Fact: No sunscreen prevents tanning. It only decreases sun induced skin
damage such as sunburn and delays photo-aging. Only a physical block
like dark cloth or an umbrella can protect you.
Myth: "The longer I keep hair oil on, the better it is for my hair"
Fact: You actually need hair oil only for half an hour to an
hour. It merely smoothens frizzled hair cuticles and is not absorbed
into the hair shaft or scalp. In fact, keeping oil in your hair for a
longer period or overnight traps dirt, causes build up of residue and
leads to blackheads and acne on the forehead.
Myth: "My skin is normal / oily, so I don't need moisturizer"
Fact: Moisturiser 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 moisturiser.
Fact: Most of the skin's self-repairing activity occurs at night
and nourishment given at this time can only maximise benefits. Most
night creams are non oil-based, non-greasy formulations that do not
block pores and supply essential rejuvenating substances.
Myth: "Home / natural remedies are 100 per cent safe"
Fact: If you have sensitive skin, even homemade packs and
natural cleansers (eg turmeric, multani mitti, besan) 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: "Shampooing frequently increases hair fall"
Fact: Shampooing only dislodges hair that is already
dead (Telogen Hair), which otherwise would have shed off on its own
without your realising it. Live hair, in its growing stage (Anagen
Hair), cannot be pulled out by shampooing. It is normal to lose 100
strands of hair per day.
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 colour
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.
The writer is an M B B S, DDV and DNB in dermatology.
Never take some one for granted,Hold every person Close to your Heart
because you might wake up one day and realise that you have lost a
diamond while you were too busy collecting stones." Remember this
always in life.
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