Myths and urban legends can come from a variety of places. They have been traced back to word of mouth as in old wives tales,
newspapers, radio, and most
recently, the internet. I have found a few that are for our very topic. Each of them were at one time believed and it shows
you just how powerful these stories can be. The myths below have been studied by experts and whether there is any truth to their
claims,
have been explained away. But, sometimes you have to wonder. Some of the myths that sounded incredibly lame, actually turned
out to be true, so, if there is smoke...
Cellulite Myth
There are lots of things that can be blamed for cellulite, but drinking soda is not one of them. It was once thought that the
sodium in soda was the culpret causing the fat cells to swell. That supposedly became the dimpling that we are familiar with.
Others thought that it was the carbonation... you know those little bubbles. No, they did not mysteriously get under the skin.
What you can blame it on is your genes or even a desk job. What you can do about it, is to massage the area but this will not
totally rid you of this problem. It can help but that's it.
Don't Oil Those Legs
There's an old wives' tale that if you put oil on your skin, hair will grow there! Nope, this one isn't true either!
Split Ends Be Gone
Is there a product available that can repair a split end? Many claim to be able to but no, once it has begun to split, it will keep on
splitting until it can't split anymore. The only way
to stop it is to cut the strand above the split. Don't waste your money on these products.
The Soap On Your Face Myth
This isn't a no-no any longer according to the American Osteopathic College. The soaps used years ago were drying to the skin
but these days, soaps are formulated with synthetic surfactants and can cleanse the facial skin in a milder manner than true soap.
Some soaps even have moisturizers added, so they are good for the skin. The only problem with a bar of soap is that it is a breeding
ground for bacteria. A pump dispenser is preferable.
Antipirspirants Cause Cancer?
If you heard the myth about antiperspirants causing breast cancer, you don't have to worry. Dr. Pamela Goodwin is telling her
patients that there in no connection between the two, and she is the director of the Marvelle Koffler Beast Center at Mt. Sinai
Hospital. She thinks that the rumor got started because of the closeness of the areas affected. She bases her ideas on research
that does not show a huge jump in cases of breast cancer after antiperspirants were introduced onto the market.
The links that she does associate with breast cancer are possibly, birth control/hormoner eplacement therapy, having children
later in life, carrying extra weight and then she stresses that it is only a possibility. They may contribute, but it still isn't certain.
And yes, Dr. Goodwin does apply an antiperpirant everyday.
Acne is Caused By Foods
Yes, this is just one more myth. While many will tell you what you eat has nothing to do with your skin... I beg to differ. I have seen
what happens to my son's
face when he reaches for junk food. Blemishes appear practically overnight. There is a noticeable difference when he sticks to a
diet
of fresh fruit and veggies.
Scalp Massage Increases Hair Growth
Unfortunately, it has never been proven. The only thing in it's favor is the
reduction in stress, a scalp massage will give you. But who knows, just maybe a few hairs MIGHT sprout because of it.
Myths That Have Proven To Be True...
Smelly Feet
Soaking your feet in tea will do away with foot odor. Yes, this one is true. The tannin in the tea actually neutralizes the odor.
Fair Glow Soap
There is a soap in India called "Fair Glow" It claims to be India's first fairness saop and promises to deliver noticeably
fair skin in 15 days! I read about this soap in a national newspaper!
Faster Growth
Your hair grows quicker in the summer than the winter? Yes, we all know that is true.
But I didn't know this. If you persistently sleep on one side your hair will grow quicker on that side than the other.
The Biggest Whopper Ever Told...
Eating grapefruits every morning will increase the size of your breasts...
