Can your hair grow faster during summers? Does sitting under a shade save you from getting tanned? Many of these unsolicited advice comes from partly true beliefs and old wives’ tales that end up doing more harm than good to you. Be it your aunts, uncles or your friends, there's a lot of beauty advice and suggestions that come your way, about home remedies or products. Which is why it is always wise to know your facts instead of just believing in everything you hear that can harm your hair and skin. We understand your concern and confusion. After all, everyone needs the right beauty tips but it's not necessary that each tip that is passed on you is free of the myths, which is why we have just the solution to your worry!
Summer beauty myths that you need to know
- You don’t need to apply sunscreen if you sit under the shade.
- Hair grows faster during summers.
- Oily skin does not require a moisturizer during summers.
- A conditioner can make your hair appear oily during summers.
- You can take a break from your skincare routine during summer vacation.
- There is no need for sunscreen application on cloudy days.
- Vinegar or butter will soothe sunburns.
- Cleanse your skin regularly, especially during summers.
- Makeup application during summers leads to skin breakouts.
Summer beauty myth #1: You don’t need to apply sunscreen if you sit under the shade.
Admittedly sitting under the shade is a far better approach than sitting under the direct rays of the sun during summers. However, several studies claim that sitting under shade is not a substitute for sunscreen. You may think you’ve protected skin damage by sitting under a shade, but much to your dismay, UV rays of the sun can bounce off any surface, be it the grass, sand or pool. Therefore, protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is suitable for your skin type even though you plan to stay covered during the day.
Summer beauty myth #2: Hair grows faster during summers.
While your ultra-small pixie cut isn’t going to magically transform into rapunzel-esque lengths; but hair does grow much faster during summers than in winters. A lot of you might wonder, “How does hair growth increase during summer?”. According to hair care experts, your body tends to undergo more exertion during summers than it does during winters. This increases the flow of your blood circulation and stimulates the hair follicles thereby, lending an increase in hair growth.
Summer beauty myth #3: Oily skin does not require a moisturizer during summers.
We understand that the thought of slathering moisturizer onto your face when it’s already greasy isn’t very pleasing. However, contrary to this, top dermatologists indicate that moisturizer helps to regulate sebum production, increases the water content and prevents any loss of moisture, which lends you a better skin texture.
If you don’t apply a moisturizer, your skin will compensate for the loss by producing an excess amount of oil (sebum). Hence, opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer for radiant and supple skin.
Summer beauty myth #4: A conditioner can make your hair appear oily during summers.
While we are not sure where this rumour started, this certainly is the right time to put an end to it. The summer heat has a high possibility to wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. It leads to dull and frizzy hair while leaving your scalp dry and flaky. Hence, conditioning becomes imperative during summers. Consider using a silicone – sulphate free, anti-frizz and smoothing conditioner to achieve smooth and shiny hair, while lending a protective layer to prevent them from summer heat damage.
Summer beauty myth #5: You can take a break from your skincare routine during summer vacation.
It may sound quite enticing to take a relaxing break from your usual routine during vacations. However, when it comes to your skincare, it won’t be nearly as great as you are expecting it to be.
Proper skin care is crucial especially during summers due to the heat, humidity, chlorine and the omnipresent, Miss Sunshine. If you wish to avoid returning from a memorable trip with tanned, damaged skin, then don’t forget to carry along your travel-friendly skincare essentials.
Summer beauty myth #6: There is no need for sunscreen application on cloudy days.
It may seem tempting and genuine, but don’t let the cloudy days entice you to evacuate a layer of sunscreen from your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, It is crucial to realize that sunscreen application is a must for all seasons & days.
UVA and UVB can penetrate your skin even on cloudy days, which can cause premature ageing, wrinkles and damages the outermost layer of your skin. According to research studies, UVB rays contribute to pigmentation, premature ageing, tanning etc. Thereupon, don’t forget to slather on sunscreen even on cloudy days to save your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Summer beauty myth #7: Vinegar or butter will soothe sunburns.
Contrary to this myth, Vinegar being acidic can potentially lead to further irritation, if you are suffering from sunburns. Although it has antibacterial effects, it will be highly troublesome to apply it on recently sunburned skin.
While butter is commonly considered as a ‘home remedy’ for sunburns, it can worsen the condition of your skin. Applying butter to your skin and exposing it to the sun will lead to more skin burns. Instead of butter or vinegar, consider applying aloe vera gel to the skin.
Aloe vera gel aids in healing your skin from sunburns and mild burns. However, not just that, it also provides moisture and avoids any skin peeling that is normally associated with sun damage.
Summer beauty myth 8: Cleanse your skin regularly, especially during summers.
This is one of the biggest beauty myths busted for you. Irrespective of the season, cleansing your face at regular intervals is arguably one of the most crucial steps in a skincare regimen. It helps to get rid of any dirt, impurities and excess oil present on your skin. However, going overboard with cleansing can leave damaging effects on your skin.
Leading dermatologists explain that over-cleansing removes the natural oils present on your skin, which increases the sebum production; thereby giving you acne. Apart from this, over-cleansing is also one of the main culprits behind dry and flaky skin.
It is essential to understand that the squeaky clean feeling doesn’t translate into efficacy in washing your face. It might also mean that you’re damaging your skin by using products which are either too drying or not suitable for your skin type.
Summer beauty myth 9: Makeup application during summers leads to skin breakouts.
Irrespective of the season, applying makeup that doesn’t suit your skin or clogs skin pores can cause breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Hence, choose products that have ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acne’ written on them that are effective on your skin type before investing in any product.
P.S.
There are numerous beauty tips out there, some which are right, while the rest completely misleading. Since following such beauty myths can cause harm to your skin and hair, it is essential to always double-check before investing your time, money and efforts into any beauty routine, product, or habit. These summer beauty myth breakers are sure to help you get your facts right from fiction. Rest assured, your skin and hair will appreciate your right knowledge and concern based care throughout this warm season.
