Think Twice Before Believing These Five Common Beauty Myths

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With all the ads, clickbait, and “look at me” schemes in today's world, how are you supposed to know what to believe?  It can be hard to figure out what's best for your skin and what's really just false advertising. We've uncovered the biggest beauty myths so you can shop and get glam with some exclusive strategy.  

5. Shaving makes your hair grow back thicker

While shaving can make the hair blunter, it does nothing to change the actual follicle.  This is why after you shave the hair feels thicker. It is shorter than the hair there before was, making it feel less soft and more prickly.  But in retrospect, if you let the hair grow out to about an inch or so, it would have a fine texture, just like it was before you first shaved it.   

However… if you want to know more about shaving your face and dermaplaning in specific, read last week's article on must-have skincare gadgets!

4. Exfoliating everyday will make you look younger

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin and makes skin smoother, so why not do it every day?  Using a sugar scrub or gritty face wash daily strips the skin of its natural oils. This dries out the skin and can lead to irritation and redness. When using an exfoliant, use twice a week at first and if your skin can tolerate that, you can try every other day.  

Try…  the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser for a safe and gentle everyday facial cleanser (this one is loaded with vital moisturizers so using daily won’t aggravate the skin!)  For your legs and body try the Anese Hold My Drink Coconut Body Scrub.  

3. Your brows have to be the same shade as your hair

Girl! Your brows can be any shade you want, honey!  When shopping for a brow product, look for a shade that is slightly deeper than your hair color.  This accentuates the brows and helps frame your face. Darker brows draw out the hair color and help spotlight the rich and light tones.  

Check out some of our favorite brow products in our Brow Products That Will Leave You Feeling Like a Boss! article.  

2. A base tan will protect you from getting a sunburn

Just wait a second before tossing that half-empty bottle of sunscreen to the side! Even though you may have a good base tan going, the skin still gets harmed when not protected.  The darker pigment that your skin produces is its natural response to skin cell damage from UV rays. 

Try… the brand COOLA Suncare.  This line carries a variety of different sunscreens that won't leave you greasy and has fun scents like Pina Colada and Guava Mango.  Find everything from body sprays to lip care at www.coola.com.

1. Coconut oil will solve all your dry-skin problems

I know!  What a shocker, right?  Coconut oil seems to be the new solution to every beauty mishap one could be burdened with.  Don't get me wrong, it has its benefits, but where do we draw the line?  

Coconut oil is great for fading stretch marks and massaging into your feet after a long day.   However, using it on your face will clog pores and leave an oily mess, especially for those with acne-prone skin.  The pores on our face cannot absorb coconut oil on its own, as it is too thick and heavy. In combination with other ingredients, it is toned down and works well to restore moisture.  Make sure when you read the label that coconut oil isn't listed as the first or second ingredient.  

Another common mistake is using it in your hair as a mask.  Although this may seem like a great way to get rid of dandruff, the oil traps in the dead skin.  So now instead of dry flakes, you have oily flakes - ew!  

Try… The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter in place of plain coconut oil for a long-lasting coconut moisturizer.  This easy-absorbing cream packs all the advantages of coconut oil, without the greasy consequences. Find it here!