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13 beauty myths
Does tweezing your eyebrows really stop them from growing back? Discover the truth about 25 common beauty myths.
By Lesley Young
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7. Applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes makes them grow faster. FALSE. "It's just genetics: either you have thick gorgeous eyelashes or you don't," says Dr. Monica Furniss, an optometrist in Waterloo, Ont. In fact, the viscous jelly could actually plug glands on the inner rims of your eyelids that produce tears, flush out debris and fend off infections.
8. You ingest pounds of lipstick every year, and it's harmful to your health. FALSE. The average woman is estimated to consume four milligrams of lipstick daily. To reach even half a pound, it would take four lifetimes (assuming lipstick is worn from age 16 to 80). Even then there are no health risks, according to Health Canada.
9. Toothpaste makes the best spot treatment for acne. FALSE. Although some toothpastes contain benzoyl peroxide (an acne-zapping ingredient that is also used as a whitening agent), there are many more-effective products that specifically target acne, says Vignjevic. Look for products with at least five percent benzoyl peroxide, like Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 5 ($7)
10. Trimming your cuticles will make them grow back thicker. TRUE. Pushing your cuticles back is okay, but trimming them breaks the seal with the nail bed, triggering them to grow back thicker to protect the nail from infection, explains Kay. If you've already trimmed them, apply a cuticle oil, like OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go ($10), to restore elasticity.
11. Tooth-whitening products and procedures can damage your teeth. WE DON'T KNOW. The only documented side effect of tooth-bleaching products, including blue-light whitening, is short-term tooth sensitivity. As the Canadian Dental Association points out, the tools haven't been around long enough to documents purported long-term risks, such as enamel corrosion and oral cancer.
12. Sleep debt is real – you can't make up for lost zzzs. TRUE. Most women need between 7.5 and 8.5 hours of sleep every night. The hours we lose to stress, overwork and late-night partying are gone forever, says Dr. Rachel Morehouse, a psychiatrist and medical director of the Atlantic Health Sciences Sleep Centre in Satin John, N.B.
13. Storing fragrances in the fridge will make them last longer. FALSE. The oils in the scents will permeate all fats – such as butter and milk – in your fridge, causing contamination. Instead, keep scents in a cool, dark place, preferably at or just below room temperature, says Bendeth.
Related articles:
Spring 2008 beauty trends report
Hair care tips and classic styles
Get gorgeous skin now!
image courtesy of ImaxTree.com
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