The relationship between food and beauty has been tested for years, but which claims are true and which are not? Leave it to the people who have actually tried them, not just believed what they read on the internet. While some foods that are great for the inside of your body are not good for the outside, not all foods are bad for your skin and hair. We have the truth behind some of the most controversial food beauty myths – and how to keep that perfect glow for good!
Myth #1: Chocolate Causes Acne
No. This is just not true but let’s back up for a second. There are certain times where too much sugar AND dairy from chocolate can lead to a skin freak out. Pure chocolate has many feel-good qualities and components such as antioxidants. A little dark chocolate every now and then is good for you! (Insert celebratory dance here.)
Myth #2: Fatty Foods Will Give You Bad Skin
Not all fats are created equal. Olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds which are all loaded with good fat, monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E are great for your skin and hair. The saturated fat-filled cheeseburgers and fries are what is going to be a problem. If you are trying to get clear and glowing skin stay far away from saturated fats, processed food and added sugars.
Myth #3: Beer is Good For Split Ends
Apparently the yeast and protein from the malt will help to strengthen your hair. Not by drinking beer, but by pouring it on your head. Never mind the fact that that’s kind of gross, it doesn’t work. The alcohol in beer will dry your hair out rather than repair it. For many with sensitive skin especially, alcohol is a skin irritant they need to watch out for in their beauty products. The same applies to hair and/or scalp treatments. There are certainly other protein-rich conditioners you can use to help with split ends that you don’t need to get from behind the bar.
4. Lemon Juice Face Peel is Good For Your Face
Many claims have said that using lemon juice on the skin on a weekly basis will provide lighter and brighter skin. Don’t get me wrong, lemons are great for cleansing the body, having antibacterial properties and repairing damaged cells but this works on the inside of the body. Putting such acid directly on your skin can lead to burning, irritation and dryness if you are prone to sensitivity. It’s best to patch test first. And, if you do end up trying a lemon face peel, make sure it’s before you hit the sack instead of right before heading out into the sun for the day as this will only make you more prone to sunburn. Use SPF the next day.
5. Granulated Sugar Rub Exfoliates Skin
Some people like to do a weekly exfoliation rub to remove dead skin and leave it feeling clean and rejuvenated. Regular sugar is too big of a particle to do anything but irritate your skin. Brown sugar is much smaller, softer and mixed with yogurt and honey makes for a great scrub instead.
6. Drinking A Lot of Water Will Give You Great Skin
There’s no doubt that you need water to hydrate your body and thus your skin but if you have dry skin that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t drink enough water. Moisturizers, serums, hydrating mists or thermal sprays and soft soaps are the best ways to give you hydrated skin, especially after a hot shower. It’s important to note that everyone is different and requires different amounts of water each day.
7. Mayonnaise in Your Hair Will Make It Shiny
I don’t know anyone personally who has done this and it does not seem appealing to me. However Jason Low, hairstylist at the Serge Normant John Frieda Salon, says to think twice before reaching for the white condiment. The acids within mayonnaise (lemon juice, vinegar) can dry out your hair. Plus, “There are so many products out there that will do the job without resorting to turning your hair into a sandwich.” True.
8. Dairy is Good For Your Skin
Milk and dairy may be good for the body in that it provides calcium, protein and Vitamin D. However, dairy may not be not so good for your skin. It causes swings in blood sugar levels that can lead to higher rated of acne and cause oil glands to go into overdrive. In addition, many have called dairy an inflammatory – leading to negative effects on the skin.
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Which beauty myth did you know about?
