No matter how ancient or, on the contrary, supermodern this or that science may be, the myths around it have multiplied, multiply and will continue to multiply. As long as people exist, their knowledge and experience exist, there will be delusions and prejudices that people share with others. Some of the myths become obsolete, some are dispelled, and some remain and for a long time poison the life of future generations.
You can argue for a long time about what, in fact, science, myth, experience, etc., but let the philosophers do it. We will dare to call cosmetology a science and will try to dispel several myths from those that still exist among the beautiful half of humanity.
Even though we have known for a long time that eating cabbage or bread crusts does not enlarge the breast, and that red lipstick does not “fade” your lip color, the female irrational principle is often inclined to ignore objective knowledge and generate harmful illusions. It is about these illusions, or rather, about how everything really is, and will be discussed.
Myth number 1 – you must constantly use a scrub
Cosmetologists say this:
scrub, in general, is not the best remedy, because its effect on the skin is too aggressive, especially if it is the skin of the face;
the scrub can be used in no case more than twice a week (this is the maximum), and better – no more than one;
the scrub should not be sharp, but with rounded (oval) abrasive particles – jojoba granules, for example, or plastic granules.
The fact is that the scrub causes inevitable trauma to the horny particles of the skin. Those who want to use it to get rid of the standard problem of oily skin – acne, and at the same time to refresh the complexion will receive a reverse reaction. The injured stratum corneum will respond to overexposure with more intense repair, and this will give a gray skin tone. The pores, which are first cleansed and breathe more freely, from too persistent cleansing “decide” that they want to dry out, and begin to defend themselves, more actively producing sebum, ie. will be constantly expanded and “clogged”.
If we talk about a body scrub, then the intensive restoration of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratinization) is very likely to lead to ingrown hair.
The only exception to the rule is a scrub in a beauty salon. If this is a professional one-time procedure, after which the skin is competently soothed, protected from inflammation and the protective layer restored, then the scrub will not do any harm. One caveat – such a salon procedure should be done no more than once a month.
Myth number 2 – natural cosmetics are better than synthetic
This myth is multi-layered.
First, and most importantly, do not flatter yourself. All modern cosmetics are synthetic. Earlier, the cosmetologist personally “cooked” a magic cream from his own collected herbs and sold it at a reasonable price to regular clients. Now the cosmetologist cooperates with a couple of companies and offers their customers their products.
Secondly, natural ingredients (like lanolin, for example) are strong allergens that can cause serious dermatological reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Thirdly, if you really want at least something natural, then you will have to give a round sum of money, because natural raw materials are expensive – modern cosmetics manufacturers rarely and reluctantly spend on it, and sell it not cheap.
Fourthly, cosmetics marked “hypoallergenic” will help to achieve the greatest naturalness without additional unjustified expenses. It is guaranteed not to contain any synthetic
or any other fragrances and dyes – this is the maximum possible “approach to nature” today. Except, perhaps, a mask made from a slice of cucumber, which is beyond competition, if, of course, the cucumber is grown in an environmentally friendly way, that is, with your own hands.
Myth # 3 – Sun is the main cause of wrinkles
In fact, wrinkles have different origins. There are mimic wrinkles, there are dynamic wrinkles, there are static wrinkles, there are even gravitational wrinkles. Along with them, of course, there are photo wrinkles, the same ones that are “from the sun.” More precisely – from the ultraviolet spectrum of radiation.
Photo wrinkles are a dense, very fine mesh of intersecting grooves. You can protect yourself from them with sunglasses, ignoring the beach, special sunscreen cosmetics, or regular cosmetics with sunscreen filters.
The sun has no mythical leading role in causing wrinkles. As harmful as its radiation is, natural facial expressions and facial care policies are more responsible for the smoothness of your skin than your favorite star.
In passing, we note that the myth that wrinkles appear earlier on dry skin is not a myth at all. Any skin becomes drier from ultraviolet radiation, which means it is defenseless, and even more dry skin. But here you don’t have to go far for the recipe – moisturize, protect and, if possible, avoid direct sunlight.
Myth number 4 – solarium harms no less than the sun
In fact, so, but not so. Solar lamps do not have the full spectrum of solar radiation. There are only those parts of it that give tan, that is, UVB.
By the way, this is why solar tanning looks somewhat unnatural. Most of the unnecessary and harmful rays (UVA) are cut off, which means less heat and light aggression on the skin. Therefore, a solarium is certainly less harmful than a “natural” sun, especially in the light of the current ecological situation.
However, experts advise in any case to use sunscreen filters (which are found in all tanning products in tanning beds), ideally containing vitamin E and panthenol. At the same time, they advise not to let the person into the solarium at all, covering it, for example, with a towel. To maintain a tanned complexion on your face, it is better to use auto bronzers that work as moisturizers at the same time, or foundation and bronzing powders.
Myth number 5 – self-cleaning of the face is harmful
This is not really a myth. Nothing fantastically scary will happen as a result of facial cleansing at home, but mechanical cleaning in the salon is much more effective than squeezing out acne and blackheads with your own hands.
Firstly, when self-cleaning the face, it is impossible to ensure the required degree of accuracy of the action – most likely you “overdo it” and pick out the pimple to the blood. Secondly, some areas of the face are simply not visible and only someone else can clean them. Thirdly, before cleaning, it is necessary to prepare the skin, that is, to soften the comedones (the contents of the pores), which is also better to do with the help of special preparations. Steaming, which is common to everyone, provokes stress on skin tissues, which is fraught with rosacea. Fourth, after mechanically squeezing out inflamed pimples and cleaning clogged pores, it is necessary to apply special agents that eliminate and prevent inflammation, or use other disinfecting and soothing agents – the D’arsonval apparatus,
for example.
Without these requirements, hand squeezing acne is a stone age compared to modern technology. Cosmetologists have no other objections to self-mechanical cleaning of the face. So, in principle, if you are sure that you do not need to squeeze anything out on the “blind” areas of your face, if you have a means to soften skin secretions and a good non-aggressive anti-inflammatory agent, you can safely arm yourself with cotton swabs or disposable wipes and clean yourself as much as you like …
Myth # 6 – there are cosmetics that can fix serious problems like wrinkles, acne or cellulite
This is perhaps the most common cosmetology myth. Who doesn’t want a fairy with a magic wand or a jar to arrange everything immediately as best as possible? But, no, it won’t. The fairy is the patient himself. Or a client – whoever likes it better.
Any beautician will tell you that any skin problem is just a reflection of an internal problem. And the longed-for deliverance will be brought only by complex therapy – a course of vitamins, and even drugs, a diet, a course of salon procedures and subsequent attention to oneself – so as not to start the process. And before that visit not only a cosmetologist, but also a dermatologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist …
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In general, decide for yourself, of course, but keep in mind – science does not sleep, it moves forward and new myths will replace these myths. Be alert and trust your feelings and your beautician. This is much more reliable than forty years ago memories of a grandmother or a “competent” opinion of a friend.