by Lisa M LaVergne

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 19, 2009

For everything in life there is an old wives tale that people hold as truth, when it reality it is just a fabricated myth. Beauty remedies are certainly no exception. Discover the top ten beauty myths that have been passed around for years, and finally learn the fact behind the fiction.

Myth: Blackheads are caused by dirty skin.

Truth: Blackheads are not caused by dirty skin, but are in fact, trapped skin cells and oil plugging the follicle in your pores. Regular exfoliation and cleansing with a salicylic acid will keep them at bay and help get rid of existing blackheads.

Myth: If you have dry skin, you need an oil based moisturizer.

Truth: Dry skin is often not caused by a lack of hydration. Dry skin occurs when dead skin cells accumulate on top of the skins surface. With dead skin cell buildup, moisturizer won't even be able to penetrate through the dead skin to get to the healthy skin. Exfoliation is the key to getting rid of dry skin, because it removes the accumulation of dry skin cells.

Myth: Collagen creams help to restore collagen to your skin.

Truth: Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found deep within the skin. Using a topical cream will not help to restore this collagen. If you are lacking in collagen, possibly consider collagen injections or prescription collagen medication which will help to restore your bodies collagen levels.

Myth: If you have oily skin, you don't need moisturizer.

Truth: Oily skin is caused by an excessive amount of sebum being produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. This sebum does not hydrate the skin. You will still need a moisturizer that is made for people with oily skin that will add proper hydration.

Myth: Tanning beds are safer for my skin than natural sunlight.

Truth: Tanning beds still expose you to harmful UVA rays, which are known to cause wrinkling and skin cancer. The safest method if you want a sun-kissed glow, is to use a self-tanner and continue to use sun screen when exposed to the sun.

Myth: Hypoallergenic skin care products won't cause allergic reactions.

Truth: Just because a product is hypoallergenic does not mean that it is completely "allergy free." Use caution when using any product on your skin.

Myth: Washing your face with hot water opens pores, and rinsing with cold closes them.

Truth: Your skins pores do not open and close. Pores can become enlarged due to excess sebum build up and skin cells, and with proper facial care, pores can shrink. But pores do not open and close due to temperature.

Myth: If your mother has bad skin, so will you.
Truth: The condition of your skin is not completely based upon genetics. More often than not, poor skin is caused by poor lifestyle habits like diet, smoking, and sun exposure.

Myth: Shaving hair makes it grow in thicker.

Truth: When you shave your hairs, they appear to be thicker at the base and more coarse. The number of hairs you have is genetically predisposed. Shaving your hair will not make it grow in thicker or increase the amount of hair.

Myth: Excessive brushing of your hair can make it fall out and cause split ends.

Truth: Split ends are caused by unhealthy hair, not by excessive brushing. And your body is going to loose hair daily regardless of how many times you brush it. How rough you are when you brush your hair can play a factor, so go gently, but there is no need to only brush once a day.

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