Beauty Myths and Truths II

Does red lipstick have lead in it? Is it dangerous?
YES and NO. While some red lipsticks contain lead, the amount is so miniscule that you receive greater exposure just by living your normal, everyday life. However, homes with small children should keep lipsticks hidden because eating a full tube at once could be harmful.

Is any makeup truly "waterproof?"
NO. This depends on your definition of "waterproof." In the beauty world, the word "waterproof" refers to a product's resistance to rubbing off or being sweatproof. "When it comes down to it, all cosmetics come off with soap and water," says Dr. Kunin.

Do I need to wash my makeup brushes after every use?
NO. You only need to shampoo your brushes once a week to sanitize and maintain their best quality, says makeup artist Sara Biria. If you need to dip into a different color and want to quickly refresh your brush, try a spray-on brush cleaner that you tissue off.

Do I have to throw out my makeup after a certain time period?
NO. Use your best judgment. If an item doesn't smell right or changes consistency or color, it's definitely time to trash it, says Biria.

If I have oily skin, should I avoid putting any type of oil on my face?
NO. Some oils can actually benefit this type of skin. Natural essential oils, like orange and grapefruit, help balance a shiny complexion so skin doesn't over-produce oil, says Dr. Christian Jurist of Pevonia Botanica Skincare.

Should I use anti-aging products if I'm in my 20s or early 30s?
YES. Maintaining the firmness, clarity and high collagen levels in skin (the 3 key factors to youthful glowing skin) is easier than trying to repair any damage later on, says Dr. Kunin. The most important anti-aging step is to use a daily SPF of 15 or higher.

Are organic skincare products better for your skin?
MAYBE. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. There is currently no government regulation for organic skincare products, and many natural plants can cause skin reactions and irritations. "You're paying more for the word without necessarily getting a better product," says Dr. Day.

Do eye creams really contain different ingredients from my normal face moisturizer?
YES. Today's eye creams target specific problems including under-eye circles and puffiness with ingredients like caffeine and vitamin K, which you won't typically find in facial creams, says Robin Evans.

Do facials make a difference for your skin?
YES. Facials can provide a brightening effect, but it's usually temporary and created by the massage stimulation of blood flow, says Dr. Rodgers. And only allow a trusted and skilled esthetician to perform extractions, as a poor job can inflame acne and even cause scarring.

Will liquid foundation clog my pores?
MAYBE. If you're break-out prone, use extra care when selecting a foundation and read the ingredient label. If you stick with oil-free foundations, or tinted moisturizers, you should be safe, says skin expert Evans.

Can I reverse wrinkles once they start forming?
YES. Retinoids are powerful wrinkle-fighters that come in both over the counter and prescription strengths. Treatments in your doctor's office that really work include Botox (though temporary) and more invasive CO2 laser sessions that are "the gold standard," says Dr. Day. New line fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can soften deep creases without the downtime of plastic surgery.

Will getting enough sleep cure under-eye circles and puffiness?
NO. Dark circles and puffiness are more often the result of broken capillaries, genetics, your ethnicity, or salt retention, so no amount of sleep will make a noticeable physical difference, says Dr. Rodgers. Consult your dermatologist if either issue particularly bothers you, as laser treatments can improve these conditions.


Source: Stylelist