Skincare Old Wives’ Tales – A Dermatologist Ultimately Weighs In

Any skincare-head out there has probably heard some old-fashioned, yet potentially spurious-sounding “wisdom” presented as a brilliant hack. And there’s something undeniably appealing about the idea that a cure to your skincare woes can be found in your kitchen cupboards or first aid kit. But is there any truth to some of skincare’s most famous old wives’ tales? I asked dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner for his professional opinion – and the results may surprise you.

Healing Ointments

USE: Butter

Using butter to treat burns is a remedy that has been tossed around for years. And while the application of grease may not have any effect on pain, it should work to speed up healing and minimize scarring. This is because it “contains natural fats that can help soothe and protect,” according to Dermatologist Dr. Zeichner.

Clarifying Shampoo

USE: Beer

Although beer isn’t typically thought of as a beautifying product, it has properties that can make it a helpful skin and haircare product. “Beer is made with hops, which are potent antioxidants and help reduce inflammation.  Beer also contains brewer’s yeast, which is rich in B-complex vitamins that have skin-soothing and brightening effects.  Both of these properties make it useful in treating the skin and the hair”, says Dr. Zeichner.

Hair or Body Mask

USE: Mayonnaise

Although it sounds a little gross, mayonnaise can be used both to boost moisture levels in the hair follicle and to hydrate the skin. This is because “mayonnaise contains natural fats and oils that can hydrate and protect both the outer skin layer and the hair” – although it may not hydrate more than a specifically formulated cosmetic product.

Nail Treatment

APPLY: Gelatin

Peeling, dry nails are a bugbear of many people and can be really tricky to treat successfully. A cheap option is gelatin, which you can soak your nails in for a cheap and fast fix. Dermatologist Dr. Zeichner agrees – that “soaking the fingers in a gelatin solution may help strengthen the nails by binding nail layers, forming a protective seal.”

Zit Treatments

APPLY: Slices of potato

One of the weirder old wives’ tales is the application of a potato slice over a zit. And while it’s not totally without merit, Dr. Zeichner recommends more as a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatment rather than for use over active blemishes. “Potatoes are rich in vitamin C and niacin, which may help brighten dark spots on the skin, including those left behind after pimples go away. They also help provide a protective layer over the skin if you place it on top of a pimple. However, they do not take the place of traditional acne medications in terms of effectiveness.”

Bruising

APPLY: Slices of bananas

In a similar way, banana slices have been touted as a way to take down bruising. Dr Zeichner, however, suggests that the peels may be a better option here – “banana peels contain high levels of antioxidants. Applying the peel over a bruise and securing overnight provides a protective barrier and may help reduce inflammation to allow the bruise to heal up faster.”

A Pore Tightener

USE: Cold water

Perhaps the most famous of all skincare old wives tales is the belief that a splash of cold water will “close” pores post-cleanse. However, there is little truth to the tale. “Cool water may help constrict blood vessels and remove excess oil from the skin to minimize the appearance of the pores. However, there is no muscle around the pore, so cool water does not truly constrict your pores”, says Dr. Zeichner. 

Minimise Undereye Bags 

USE: Preparation H

This old wives’ tale has garnered much attention, most likely because of how odd it sounds. And yet, according to dermatologist Dr. Zeichner, it’s probably not a bad idea. “Preparation H contains an ingredient that constricts blood vessels and may help eliminate excess fluid from the under eye”. So there you have it.

Primers

USE: Milk of Magnesia

Another idea riding the wave of weirdness is using a traditional stomach medication to minimize oiliness. However, this might end up doing more harm than good. Dr Zeichner says, “Milk of magnesia contains magnesium salts, which may help absorb oil. However, because of the extremely alkaline pH, I do not recommend it as a substitute for traditional make-up primer”.