Five common beauty myths debunked

We clear the air, bust the bluffing and set facts straight about some common urban legends in the beauty world.

Does brushing your tresses a hundred times really make them shine or can a dab of toothpaste be the end of your pimple woes? If you often ponder over beauty myths such as these, there is help at hand.

Over-brushing your hair pulls it out of the follicles, while a dab of toothpaste on your zit can irritate the skin, causing redness and peeling. Grandma’s handy beauty tips and old wives’ tales might work for some, but they also come with solid caveats.

We try and clear the air with our pick of five urban legends in the beauty world.

Myth:Split ends can be repaired
Unless you stick each split strand with glue, the only thing that can cure split ends is a trip to your hairdresser for a trim. Neither organic hair masks nor frequent oiling can undo this damage. You can, however, prevent split ends by applying protective serum before using heat-styling tools and using a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair when it is wet. Getting a trim every four to six weeks will keep split ends at bay.

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Myth:Oily skin doesn’t need moisturising
Cleansing, toning andmoisturising is the ideal regimen for all skin types. Oily skin will produce more grease leading to blackheads and pimples if it is not moisturised enough. Paraffin-free moisturisers with cold-pressed plant oils are ideal for this skin type.

Read: Eat healthy to combat oily skin

Myth:White spots on the nails are due to vitamin or calcium deficiency
White spots on the nail bed are a disorder called leukonychia. They are caused by a mild or moderate injury to the nail matrix. To rid yourself of these spots, just wait for your nails to grow out naturally. As a temporary fix, cover them up with nail polish.

Myth:Eating chocolates or greasy food causes acne
These temptations do not cause acne. However, over indulging in a diet high in sugar increases sebum production in your body and promotes inflammatory responses, which can lead to acne. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies to balance it out.