We all have those skin care and beauty rules we follow that have absolutely no history of proving themselves valid. So why do we follow them? Simply because the myth of their validity is so perpetuated by word-of-mouth that we assume it to be so. After all, it`s common sense, right? Well, some of the major beauty and skin care myths have already been debunked in recent years and their demise is pretty well known. However, there are some that are still holding steadfast after all this time. Below, we`ll put to rest some of the most common skin care and beauty myths - some more surprising than others.

True or False: Natural = Better

False. All too often, unsuspecting shoppers are lured in with products that work their appeal by claiming to be "all-natural" or "organically derived". For one thing, since these products aren`t yet regulated within the cosmetics and health care industry, there are no standards for organic companies. This means that they can market a product as organic when 85% of the ingredients are still synthetic. Furthermore, natural ingredients can be just as potentially toxic and irritating to the skin, depending on the mixture, it`s interaction, and individual skin reactions.

True or False: Shaving Makes New Hair Coarser and Thicker

Absolutely False. If this were true, how could our men possibly keep up with the thickness of their hair throughout the course of their lifetime? This myth has absolutely no provable history and even in theory, is questionable. Hair may feel thicker on the surface after shaving away the tips, but this only because this is the thickest part of the hair - where it leaves the hair follicle. As they grow, hairs soften and become thinner and no amount of shaving changes the diameter of hair which can only be determined by our genetics.

True or False: Cucumber Reduces Eye Puffiness

This one is mostly false, but somewhat true. The truth is that cucumbers themselves do nothing to reduce eye-swelling. The fact that they retain coldness does, however. Cucumber slices are used to reduce puffiness because they have the ability to stay cold after refrigeration, and it is their temperature that causes blood vessels around our eyes to contract, thereby reducing swelling.

True or False: Junk Food Causes Breakouts

This was always one of the hardest myths to dispel, but we finally seem to have done it. No one understands just why this one stuck around so long when it has no evidence to support it. Research shows absolutely no correlation between consumption of sugary foods like chocolate or soda and breakouts. It just doesn`t exist. This one leaves many people surprised still.

And there you have it! There`s no shortage of beauty myths out there, so if we`ve got your curiosity flowing and and you`re feeling like putting your detective hat on, there`s lots more to debunk. The truth is out there!

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