As Latinas, most of us grew up hearing the same beauty myths over and over passed on by our mamás, abuelitas, or friends. Like the cocoa butter remedy that supposedly prevents stretch marks or that trimming your hair will automatically make it grow faster. But do any of these beauty beliefs actually work? These days with so many common beauty myths out there, it's hard to differentiate the facts from fiction. So I did a little digging to get you the truth behind these 8 commonly held beauty beliefs. Check them out!
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You can get rid of cellulite
Ah, if only there was a way to get rid of those pesky dimples. But unfortunately, nothing can be done to permanently eliminate cellulite. Not even liposuction! And believe it or not, cellulite has nothing to do with weight. You can be fat or thin and have cellulite. Your genes are pretty much what determine if you will or will not have them. The good news is there are temporary fixes and ways to reduce its appearance. Try a firming cream, like Bliss Fatgirlslim ($36), that contains ingredients like caffeine to help tighten and smooth the skin. Cellulite brushes also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite as they work to increase blood circulation which temporarily smoothes the look of spongy skin. Try Sephora Collection Cellulite Massager ($16).
Shaving will make hair grow back darker and thicker
Contrary to popular belief, shaving not does NOT make hair grow back thicker. When you shave your hair, you’re cutting it at the base and hair appears widest at the base, making it appear thicker. But in reality shaving doesn’t change the width, density or even color of your hair.
Cocoa butter prevents strectch marks
For years we’ve heard about how cocoa butter can help prevent stretch marks from developing, especially while you’re pregnant. A lot of studies have proven that cocoa butter works no better than any other moisturizer when it comes to stretch marks. Stretch marks develop when your skin expands quickly. This breaks the collagen and elastin fibers that normally support it. Unfortunately, this is something that usually can’t be reversed. All you can do is keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
Tooth paste can get rid of pimples
Everyone swears by tooth paste when it comes to curing pimples … but does it really work? The truth is that while rubbing a dab of toothpaste on a zit may work for some, it can cause irritation or inflammation for others. Try using a an acne-spot treatment instead, like Murad Acne Spot Treatment ($18).
Plucking a gray hair causes more to grow
So many women believe if you pluck away a few strays of gray hair, that this will cause more to grow. But that couldn’t be farther away from the truth! Just keep in mind that plucking isn’t going to stop the gray hairs from eventually growing back either. Try a root concealer in between hair coloring, like Rita Hazan Root Concealer ($24).
Trimming your hair will make it grow faster
Trimming your hair does not promote hair growth. Think about it: Your hair grows from your scalp, not your ends! Regular trims only work to get rid of split ends. If you want long, healthy hair make sure to take extra care of your scalp. Try using natural oils, like coconut oil and massaging it on your scalp area. This will help stimulate your hair follicles. Also, try to avoid applying too much product on your scalp that can clog pores and prevent growth.
Chocolate causes breakouts
For years I avoided eating chocolate in fear that it would cause my skin to break out. The truth is oil production, dead cell build-up, and bacteria have a much bigger chance of causing acne then sweets or chocolates. So enjoy!
Crossing your legs causes varicose veins
For years I believed that crossing my legs would make me develop ugly spider veins. But it turns out there’s no actual medical research that proves that crossing your legs can cause or even contribute to varicose veins. Spider veins have been linked to obesity and high blood pressure.
