We are constantly drip-fed ‘facts’ about health and beauty in our day to day lives. Take the belief that chocolate leads to spots. Fortunately, there’s just not enough evidence to support this.
Bizarre potions, concoctions and rituals belong to the dusty pages of spell-books, fairytales and legends. And that’s exactly where you should leave them.
It’s the 21st century people and that means one thing and one thing only: it’s time to ditch beauty myths once and for all. For every myth your mother told you, there’s at least one modern…and working alternative. Now excuse me while I grab another cheeky chocolate bar.
Eating Bread Crusts Will Not Magically Wave Your Hair
It’s more likely that a curling iron or a straight iron will put some volume in your locks. It’s believed that the myth was formed around 300 years ago in Europe. Back in those days, life expectancy was a lot lower and starvation was prevalent within Europe. Starvation can lead to hair loss and bread was a staple part of the diet. The equation went something like this: Bread=a healthier diet=more hair.
Over time, curly hair became associated with bread crusts and that’s why we have the myth today. This doesn’t mean that you should bin bread crusts altogether! Eating your crusts provides numerous health benefits as they are a rich source of antioxidants and dietary fibre.
Vaseline Will Not Prevent Wrinkles.
Contrary to popular belief, layering your skin with Vaseline before bedtime will not prevent wrinkles. This myth was introduced by Marilyn Monroe who actively advocated this ritual. Whilst it’s true that Vaseline can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it won’t actually prevent wrinkles appearing.
This is true that Vaseline can make wrinkles appear less obvious because it adds moisture to the skin. You’ll have to start using a cream with ingredients like peptides and retinol if you want to prevent the effects of aging and stay looking younger for longer.
Cocoa Butter Will Not Reduce The Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks usually occur during pregnancy and puberty when the skin expands and stretches, breaking the collagen and fibres that keep the cells together. This myth probably evolved from the fact that cocoa butter is a natural skin protector and therefore safe for ladies to use whilst pregnant. Unfortunately, stretch marks are unreceptive to cocoa butter. Instead try moisturiser, Retin-A and glycolic acid which have been successful in reducing stretch marks.
100 Brush Strokes Won’t Mean Shiny Hair
First thing first, ouch! Stop brushing your hair so vigorously. Hair will break if you fiddle around with it too much. Alternatively, try a few gentle strokes which will flatten the hair follicles and make your hair appear shinier. It will also disperse natural oils down the length of your hair to increase shininess. Before the invention of conditioner, girls used to brush their hair 100 times before bed to distribute the natural oils.
Drinking Milk Won’t Increase Your Chest Size
It’s true: drinking milk won’t increase your cup size. Look to your mother to determine your final breast size as cleavage depends on genetics. The belief may have originated from the belief that women with larger breasts produce more breast milk which is not always the case. If you’re not keen on surgery and want a natural breast enhancement; try doing chest press exercises to tone the muscles behind them which will help to lift and firm your breasts.
It’s important to know the difference between an old wives’ tale and actual fact. Your hair, body and skin will thank you.
Were you shocked by some of these myths?
About the Author
Jennifer Leung is a lifestyle blogger. When not blogging, she loves trying out the latest beauty treatments and going to the salon with her friends. She recommends Triactol.
