Myths about beauty

So many myths and so many questions about skin and hair care, says Dr Rekha Shethland and clears the air about them

Myth No. I

Many shampoos lead to hair fall

Hair growth usually follows a cyclic pattern — it has a growth phase of three to four months, then it rests for three weeks and then it is finally shed. Normally, we lose 30 to 50 hairs every day.

Any disease can arrest hair growth and this may lead to hair fall after three to four months. A shampoo helps to cleanse the scalp. The dead hairs are also washed off during the process.

Myth No. 2

Conditioners increase hair fall

A conditioner is like a moisturiser for the scalp and hair. It imparts manageability, texture and anti-static property to the scalp. It plays no role in providing nutrition, or causing hair fall or growth.

Myth No. 3

Once you lose a lot of hair during pregnancy, you can never go back to the original thickness

Hair growth suffers during pregnancy, as a result of the stress involved. Hence, after delivery, i.e., about three to four months later, these hair are shed off. However, this hair loss is not permanent and the new growth phase replaces it.

Myth No. 4

Oral contraceptive pills and pills taken to postpone periods have nothing to do with hair fall

There are certain drugs which interfere with the growth cycle of hair and oral contraceptive pills fall into that category. The hair loss can start at any stage if you are on oral contraception.

Myth No. 5

A starvation diet doesn't affect the hair

Starvation affects the body system adversely and can lead to excessive hair fall and even ruin your complexion. The way to diet is to have small but frequent meals and avoid excessive oil and sugar. It is always advisable to take the help of a nutritionist or dietician. Of course, exercise is extremely important in order to lose weight.

Myth No. 6

Consuming fish or 'papads', along with milk products can lead to white patches on the skin

White patches can be a result of many factors — a mild form of eczema, some deficiency, worms, a fungal infection, leprosy or a disorder of the colour cells called vitiligo or leucoderma. None of these can be caused by eating fish or 'papads' and milk, either on their own or together.

Myth No. 7

A cream bleach can lead to increased hair growth

The roots of the hair are embedded deep within the skin, where a cream bleach cannot penetrate (it would be toxic and poisonous if it did). The only action performed is bleaching, with no effect whatsoever on hair growth.

Myth No. 8

Waxing makes the skin loose

This is not true. Waxing is just a temporary way of removing hair. It does not affect the skin superficially or from within.

Myth No. 9

Hair dyes can cause cancer

Extensive studies over the last 50 years have shown that hair dyes cannot cause cancer provided they are of good quality and come from a reputed manufacturer.

Myth No. 10

Using a hair dye can increase grey hair

The colour cells that determine hair colour are located in the hair roots. Even an extensive application of hair dye cannot harm these cells.

Myth No. 11

White spots on nails are due to calcium deficiency

White spots are a result of a temporary manufacturing defect in the nail formation. This is usually due to an internal problem like fever, bowel infection, etc. These generally disappear on their own and require no treatment unless there are too many of them or they continue to increase.

Frequently asked questions

I have an oily skin. I have heard that the more you wash your skin, the oilier it gets. How often should I wash my face?

The more you wash your skin, the more oily your skin will become, especially if you are using a harsh soap. Hence, wash your face about three times a day. Use a soap or a face wash meant for oily skin, not one that leaves it looking parched.

I am 21 and have a slightly dry skin. I use a light moisturiser daily. When should I start using anti-wrinkle creams?

By and large, you should start anti-wrinkle creams between 35 to 40 years, depending on the condition of your skin. However, if you are under too much stress or have a dull skin with some medical or hormonal problem, you may need to start alpha hydroxy acid creams at the age of 25.

I don't smoke and I have always used good quality lipsticks. Yet, my lips are dark. What could be the reason, and what can be done to lighten them?

The skin on the lips is very sensitive and may sometimes react to darker shades like reds and maroons — especially if they are of the best quality. Some lips may turn dark because of a toothpaste. At times, it could be due to internal problems like a stomach infection or some form of deficiency.

I am 18 years old. My problem is that I have some lines on my upper thigh. Second, the skin on my legs and arms is very dry in spite of moisturising it well. The skin there has become dark, too, even though I don't expose it to sunlight that often. Could hair removing lotions be the cause? Please guide.

It is very difficult to advise you without seeing the exact problem. However, some soaps and creams, especially the perfumed ones, can cause the skin to darken. Hair removing lotions may also darken the skin, although it is not very common.

I had chicken pox eight years ago, when I was 16. But a couple of scars are still visible on my face. What can be done about them?

Chicken pox scars can be lightened with some medicated creams, although the deeper ones cannot be cleared even with surgery. Do check with your dermatologist.

I have been wearing spectacles for the past two years and I have noticed that, after wearing them, the skin on my cheeks just under the glasses feels a little itchy and looks pimply, especially in summer, when I sweat a lot. I opted for plastic frames in place of metal ones, but this has not helped. Is it a reaction to the glass frames or because I keep wiping my cheeks to get rid of the sweat that accumulates under the specs?

Friction between the spectacles and the cheeks can often lead to pimples. You should get smaller frames that don't touch the cheeks.

What are alpha hydroxy acids and how do they help the skin?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from various fruits. Extensive studies have shown that AHAs have anti-wrinkle properties, with their use directly linked to reducing fine lines and early wrinkles, and in improving the skin tone and texture.

There are a lot of sunscreens in the market and they all talk of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). But the number seems to vary. How high should it be and what number is ideal to avoid a tan?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) denotes the grade of protection that a particular sunscreen can give. The higher it is, the more effective is the protection. In India, we need to use products with an SPF of at least 30.

I have dry skin, but whenever I use a moisturiser, I break out in pimples. What do I do?

To prevent pimples, use an oil-free moisturiser, meant for oily skin. Also, avoid soaps to keep your skin from drying. You should try a moisturising soap or a face wash, which will cleanse, but gently.

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