Hair and Skin Care Beliefs -- Which Are True?

The self-care trends of the newer generations that have baked into daily routines encompass exercising, eating healthy, and skin and hair care as an increasing number of people give them more attention. Consequently, it is not surprising that many beliefs on skin and hair care methods make the rounds online. However, not all of these are true. Some, if followed, may harm your skin and hair more than you may realize. Let us explore what skin and hair care believes are true.

1. Is it true that plucking grey hairs increases their number?

The answer: It is not. Plucking gray hair does not increase the number of gray hairs. However, it can thin your hair and cause scalp inflammation, potentially leading to scarring. If you have gray hair, you should trim or dye it. Gray hair is not always a sign of aging but rather a result of the cessation of pigment production in the hair, which can be caused by several factors, with genetics being a significant factor. Additionally, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking can lead to oxidative stress, affecting pigment production and accelerating gray hair.

2. Is it true that using shampoo mixed with birth control pills accelerates hair growth?

The answer: It is not. Although birth control pills contain female hormones that regulate bodily functions, they do not influence hair growth. Healthy hair growth depends more on your overall health and receiving adequate nutrition that meets your needs. If you wish for faster hair growth or thicker hair, you should get an evaluation for underlying health issues affecting hair growth. There are various treatment methods available, but mixing birth control pills with shampoo is not one of them.

3. Is it true that frequent trimming makes hair grow faster?

The answer: It is false. The rate of hair growth is not influenced by how often you trim it. Instead, it depends on whether you are healthy and receive adequate nutrients. On average, hair grows about one centimeter per month.

4. Is it true that frequent hair extension leads to baldness?

The answer: It is true. Hair extensions can instantly make your hair appear longer by gluing additional hair to your existing hair. However, this adds weight to your hair, similar to frequent tucking on your hair, which can weaken the hair roots and speed hair loss.

5. Is it true that frequent hair dyeing and bleaching lead to baldness?

The answer: It is false. Hair dyeing or bleaching does not cause baldness because these processes do not damage the hair roots. However, they may make your hair more prone to breakage.

6. Is it true that cleansing your face with saline solution helps treat acne?

The answer: No, it is not. Acne is due to clogged sebaceous gland pores and bacterial infection. Effective acne treatment involves reducing pore blockages and using antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. A saline solution does not possess these properties and thus does not help with acne treatment. Using seawater, in particular, is not advisable as it is not sterile and can increase the risk of acne.

7. Is it true that applying sunscreen leads to vitamin D deficiency?

The answer: It is false. Sunscreen is not a contributing factor to vitamin D deficiency. Typically, sunscreen is applied to the face and neck, leaving other body skin still able to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Additionally, vitamin D is obtainable from food and supplements. Sunscreen is crucial for sunburn, dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer prevention.

8. Is it true that melasma is incurable?

The answer: It is true. Melasma, a common skin issue among Thai and Asian women due to high UV exposure from outdoor activities, can be managed but not completely cured. Treatments such as topical medications, oral medications, and laser treatments can help alleviate the condition. Early treatment can help manage melasma, but it is not curable and can return if exposed to sunlight or triggered by other factors like hormones.

9. Is it true that collagen can whiten the skin?

The answer: No, it is not. Collagen is a protein that helps make better new skin cells, potentially retaining moisture and reducing wrinkles. However, it does not contribute to skin whitening or stimulate pigment production.

Although skin and hair naturally deteriorate over time and with age, it is essential to care for them. Moisturize your skin, maintain healthy hair, and eat a balanced diet regularly. While you cannot turn back the clock, you can slow down or mitigate skin and hair problems to some extent.

If you have additional questions about skin and hair conditions, consult a dermatologist at the Dermatology and Aesthetics Center at MedPark Hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment and advice on proper skin and hair care.