We don’t blame you if, until now, you believe that being cold will lead to catching a cold. It’s what you’ve been told all your life, one of the many myths we thought were facts about health growing up. Here’s a rude awakening, though: A cold comes from a virus that you get with the transfer of bodily fluids. So even if you turn up your air-conditioning, you probably won’t be getting anything worse than a runny nose.
Are you still avoiding Jacuzzis and tight underwear? It’s safe. Here, we are debunking some of the most common health and hygiene myths you religiously believed growing up.
Myth 1: Don’t Sleep with Wet Hair
If being cold begets a cold, then it must follow that sleeping with wet hair would result in the same effect, right? Wrong. According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center experts, there is no link between sleeping with freshly rinsed hair and getting a cold — unless someone blew their nose on your pillow.
However, a University of Manchester study revealed a compelling reason why you shouldn’t go to bed right after a shower. Pillows made with synthetic materials can be a breeding ground for molds and fungus, which thrive in damp environments.
Keeping your hair wet for a long time, based on research at the University of Pennsylvania, can also damage hair. Water will break down the hair cuticle and destroy the cortex, resulting in brittle and dull hair.
If you’re in the habit of washing your hair before bed, keep your scalp and hair clean before laying down on your pillow. The activated charcoal and citrus peel in the CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men for Men clears away dirt, pollution, and residue that get trapped in your head and cause dandruff as well as other unsavory bacteria.
Myth 2: Blame Mom for Your Baldness
The truth is, there’s no conclusive evidence yet that mom’s side of the family is the reason for your receding hairline. Numerous scientific researches on male-pattern baldness attribute genetic hair loss to both parents. Moreover, a review featured in the Public Library of Science journal, which studied 52,000 British men in an experiment called BioBank, identified 287 independent genetic signals linked to triggering baldness. It’s a very complicated science. Moreover, predisposition is only one aspect. There’s also stress, hair care, and medical condition.
While you can’t shake off your genes, you can control the external factors that may be causing your hair to fall. Reinforce your hair with a two-in-one shampoo that not only protects but nourishes your hair. The caffeine and Trichazole Actives from Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo take care of your hair from root to tip, keeping it strong and decreasing hair fall.
Myth 3: Men Have Better Teeth Than Women
Perhaps you’ve become complacent in knowing that men are not as prone to dental problems compared to women whose teeth are affected by hormone changes from menstruation, birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.
An Academy of General Dentistry survey, as well as another study in the Journal of Periodontology, however, that men were less likely to brush their teeth and schedule regular dental checkups.
Your biology may give you an edge, but your gross habits may just set you back. You only get one set of permanent teeth, so it’s essential to take care of them. Check for fluoride toothpaste brands. closeup All Around Fresh Soothing Menthol Toothpaste will help maintain your pearly whites thanks to its fluoride content that prevents cavities and strengthens the enamel. It also has zinc and silica that thoroughly cleans your mouth with every brush.
Myth 4: You Can Use the Same Soap for Your Face and Body
Unfortunately, not all skin is created equal. The skin on your face is thinner, more sensitive, and more prone to damage if you don’t take care of it properly — i.e., you use the stronger soap and products designed for your body. The skin on your face might get dry and irritated.
Treat your face a little better. POND’S Men Acne Solution Anti-Acne Face Wash will keep your face clean and acne-free, with Lock & Clear Thymol-T essence, which eliminates acne-causing bacteria and makes sure it never comes back.
Myth 5: You Should Leave Your Sweat Alone
Sweat is completely natural, so why should you stop it? Sweating is important. After all, it stops your body from overheating.
While sweat is typically odorless unless it comes in contact with a specific bacteria that live in your armpit, chest, and groin, there are some social, professional, and medical repercussions to excessive sweating. Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis, for example, can be extremely inconvenient. Who wants to keep changing shirts all day? It can also lead to the aforementioned stink.
Manage that discomfort and potential body odor with a male deodorant. AXE Deo Ice Chill Body Spray has a zippy crushed mint and rosemary scent that will keep you feeling and smelling fresh for up to 48 hours.
Now that we’ve debunked some of the myths you believed growing up, and you’re aware of some new facts about health, remember that practicing proper hygiene, especially during these times, is crucial to your overall well-being.