Beauty Myths: Learn the Truth about Common Beliefs

Throughout life, it is common to hear different “advice” about factors that can affect beauty, from skin health to hair growth. However, much of this knowledge is based on popular ideas – beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation and which, having been repeated over time, are taken for granted.

In light of this, it is not news that the Internet has become a great haven for these myths. However, it is important to know how to distinguish between what is, in fact, true and what is a lie. Researching information on the topic (especially from an expert in the field) is the best way to find out what is really beneficial for health – in all respects.

With this in mind, Minha Vida spoke to the experts and listed some common myths and facts in the vast world of beauty care. Check it out below:

Shaving with a blade that increases hair density

myth! The explanation is actually very simple. According to Luciana de Abreu, a dermatologist at Dr. Andre Braz Clinic, in Rio de Janeiro, the sensation we feel when shaving some areas of the body with a razor is due to the fact that the base of the hair is thicker. by the thread.

For example, imagine the tip of a pencil. Due to constant use, the tip always tends to be thinner than the base. In the same logic, when the blade cuts the hair, the thinnest shaft is removed and when it grows back, what remains on the surface is the rest of the follicle.

In addition, shaving with a blade does not affect the growth of wires. What happens is that because the razor cuts the hair only superficially and does not pull it out at the roots, it tends to come out faster.

The phase of the moon affects hair growth

myth! Although astrology suggests that certain phases of the moon may be more favorable for hair growth, specialist Luciana de Abreu says there really isn’t a good time to cut your locks.

“There are no scientific medical studies that prove that the lunar phases can affect the hair growth cycle. In general, hair grows at a rate of 1 cm per month on average and 12 cm per year regardless of the phases of the moon.”

Cutting the ends of your hair will make it grow faster

myth! Although many mothers use this false argument to encourage sons and daughters to cut their hair, the cutting itself does not affect hair growth. In fact, hair bulb stimulation treatments, prescribed by a dermatologist, are responsible for promoting growth and improving the appearance of tresses.

“In general, in addition to a clinical and dermatological examination of the scalp, we always assess the nutritional status, along with the dose of hormones and vitamins in the blood, to diagnose the cause of alopecia and prescribe the appropriate treatment to stimulate hair growth,” he explains. Luciana.

Foot scrub thickens the skin

fact! Sandpaper, as a more aggressive exfoliating method, tends to exaggerate cell proliferation , causing the skin to thicken. “It’s best not to scrub or scrub with soft materials, such as gomage soap, which have fine grains that don’t damage the skin like sandpaper,” explains Luciana de Abreu.

The specialist also stresses the importance of using strong moisturizers in the palm (or sole) area of ​​the foot to help rejuvenate the skin and prevent water loss.

” Wearing closed-toe shoes or socks always helps protect your feet from the environment, leaving the plantar skin thinner. Those who wear a lot of rubber flip-flops or open sandals worsen foot dryness and thickening of the plantar skin, in addition to causing Cracks and cracks occur.

The sun improves acne

It depends! Sun exposure can improve the appearance of acne. According to Luciana de Abreu, UV rays from sunlight can both qualitatively and quantitatively modify the composition of the skin’s microbiome, so that a period in the sun mitigates the appearance of blisters. However , there is no scientific evidence that the sun improves acne.

In fact, there are studies that prove that sunlight can reduce the immunity of the skin, which helps the growth of acne due to the proliferation of bacteria in the skin. Hence, the use of sunscreen in the daily facial care routine is essential to prevent the UVA and UVB rays from increasing acne and causing other damage to the skin.

Not wearing a bra that makes your breasts “wear”

myth! Breast sagging is one of the physical changes that bother women the most as a result of factors such as age, pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, according to breast scientist Luca Rinaldi, other causes, which include genetics, individual skin characteristics, smoking and significant weight loss after being overweight or obese, are also conditions that can lead to sagging breasts.

Still, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that a bra is a factor in preventing sagging. “However, people who engage in running or impact sports should use an appropriate upper part to keep their breasts firm,” explains breast scientist Anastasio Peretini Jr., of the Brazilian Society of Psychology (SBM).

The specialist explains that the problem may be related to the fact that many people use the bra incorrectly, which causes damage to the breasts. According to him, there are five points that must be considered in order to know if the bra is correctly placed. are they

• • Cannot be at minimum or maximum buckle

• • The back of the bra cannot “rise” during the day

• • There is no space between the bra and the breast

• • The belt should not cause skin atrophy

• • Breasts cannot “leak out” or “come out” from the bra

Although it is a very annoying factor, sagging does not harm the health of the breasts. “On the contrary, women who have a fat replacement operation have a protective factor against breast cancer,” says Anastasio Berrettini, Jr.