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They’ve been passed down from generation to generation, getting slightly fuller and more rounded as the years go by. And no, we’re not talking about the pear-shaped hips or flabby muffin top that you inherited from your grandmother and her granny before that.
We’re talking about skincare myths.
We’ve all heard them, and most of us probably believe them too. But it’s time to get the facts straight.
And no one can bust myths the way Paula Begoun (dubbed the Cosmetics Cop by Oprah, nogals) can. I had the honour of meeting the legendary skincare specialist, author and creator of Paula’s Choice skincare on her recent promotional trip to South Africa. Along with a bunch of other beauty editors, I sat in awe while Paula told us that NO, natural doesn’t necessarily mean better, and NO, we don’t need an eyecream (I know, right?!)
So, before you continue living a lie, let’s do a little myth busting:
Myth 1: Everyone needs an eye cream
Complete and utter lies, ladies.
The fact: “There is no evidence, research, or documentation validating the claim that the eye area needs ingredients different from those you use on your face or neck area or décolletage. All it is, really, is a ploy by cosmetics companies to sell more products.”
And yes, we know that the skin around the eye can feel drier or more sensitive than the rest of the face. But don’t go spending your hard earned money to fix this.
The solution: All you need is a more soothing, fragrance-free facial moisturiser or well formulated serum – that can be used on your whole face.
Myth 2: You can repair damaged hair
I was so disappointed when I realised that my firm belief that a good hair mask can fix anything was actually just nonsense.
The fact: Hair is dead. “You can no more mend a hair strand than you can mend a dead leaf,” says Paula.
The solution: Don’t go throwing away all your expensive products. Although they won’t repair your damaged locks (due to colouring, brushing, straightening and sun exposure), they will provide a temporary fix – by softening, smoothing and making it shinier.
Myth 3: Natural products are better
Just because it’s found in nature doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin (just like synthetic products are not all bad for you).
The fact: “Not only is the definition of "natural" hazy, but the term is loosely regulated, so any cosmetics company can use it to mean whatever they want it to mean. Just because an ingredient grows out of the ground or is found in nature doesn't make it automatically good for skin; and the reverse is also true, just because it is synthetic doesn't make it bad,” says the Cosmetics Cop.
The solution: Try to use products that contain a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. “When properly formulated, these ingredients work in harmony to give your skin the best that natural and synthetic have to offer, and you'll see the difference.”
We’re talking about skincare myths.
We’ve all heard them, and most of us probably believe them too. But it’s time to get the facts straight.
And no one can bust myths the way Paula Begoun (dubbed the Cosmetics Cop by Oprah, nogals) can. I had the honour of meeting the legendary skincare specialist, author and creator of Paula’s Choice skincare on her recent promotional trip to South Africa. Along with a bunch of other beauty editors, I sat in awe while Paula told us that NO, natural doesn’t necessarily mean better, and NO, we don’t need an eyecream (I know, right?!)
So, before you continue living a lie, let’s do a little myth busting:
Myth 1: Everyone needs an eye cream
Complete and utter lies, ladies.
The fact: “There is no evidence, research, or documentation validating the claim that the eye area needs ingredients different from those you use on your face or neck area or décolletage. All it is, really, is a ploy by cosmetics companies to sell more products.”
And yes, we know that the skin around the eye can feel drier or more sensitive than the rest of the face. But don’t go spending your hard earned money to fix this.
The solution: All you need is a more soothing, fragrance-free facial moisturiser or well formulated serum – that can be used on your whole face.
Myth 2: You can repair damaged hair
I was so disappointed when I realised that my firm belief that a good hair mask can fix anything was actually just nonsense.
The fact: Hair is dead. “You can no more mend a hair strand than you can mend a dead leaf,” says Paula.
The solution: Don’t go throwing away all your expensive products. Although they won’t repair your damaged locks (due to colouring, brushing, straightening and sun exposure), they will provide a temporary fix – by softening, smoothing and making it shinier.
Myth 3: Natural products are better
Just because it’s found in nature doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin (just like synthetic products are not all bad for you).
The fact: “Not only is the definition of "natural" hazy, but the term is loosely regulated, so any cosmetics company can use it to mean whatever they want it to mean. Just because an ingredient grows out of the ground or is found in nature doesn't make it automatically good for skin; and the reverse is also true, just because it is synthetic doesn't make it bad,” says the Cosmetics Cop.
The solution: Try to use products that contain a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients. “When properly formulated, these ingredients work in harmony to give your skin the best that natural and synthetic have to offer, and you'll see the difference.”
