Debunking Skincare & Wellness Trends in 2019
There are so many health, fitness and wellness trends that is hard to keep track of. Trends come and go constantly, with some that rightfully deserve the attention they receive. But others are nothing more than a marketing ploy or an unscientific assumption not grounded in any solid evidence. Being able to debunk trends is a skill, especially when all your friends and everyone on social media is pushing it into the spotlight. So if you want to find out whether a fad is in fact a foe, keep reading.
COCONUT OIL FOR MOISTURIZING:
Coconut oil is a great substance. From cooking, to cleaning to moisturizing, it does it all. But should it be used as a moisturizer? Oils in general in skincare routines can be unpredictable, but vary in terms of how much they can penetrate the pore to hydrate it. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it acts more like a wax on the skin, unable to properly penetrate the pores. This leads to clogged pores, increased breakouts and due to its inability to effectively moisturizer the pore can lead to dryness or increased sebum production to overcompensate. So go for oils that are less comedogenic like argan, rosehip or grapeseed oil if you’re not willing to risk the breakouts.
COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS:
Collagen is a major insoluble fibrous protein that serves an integral purpose in the body, supporting internal organs and skin by strengthening tendons, acting as the ‘glue’ that gives structure to bones and teeth. Our bodies naturally make collagen but this production decreases with age, contributing to sagging skin. A million different skincare products contain collagen and this trend has now drifted into the world of supplementation.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
However, they are a fad. They may provide a small benefit for very specific populations including older adults with chronic disorders like osteoporosis or those with a significant loss of muscle mass, but the research is inconclusive and evidence is weak. There is no research to suggest that a deficiency in collagen production exists, this natural decrease in production reflects the decreased need for collagen as we age. Regardless, when you consume collagen supplements your body breaks them down before it even makes it to your cells! So don’t waste your money.
BONE BROTH:
Bone broth is prepared by boiling the bones and connective tissues of various animals in water with the addition of herbs and spices. Sounds pretty gross right? But it is one of the biggest health trends of 2018, continuing its way into 2019, and rightfully so. It really is a wonder food. It aids digestive issues, is great for the gut, boosts the immune system and so much more. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients including magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. Brewing connective tissue into the broth provides natural compounds from the cartilage including - as per the previous point - collagen.
Unlike taking a supplement, when you cook collagen it turns into gelatin which can be readily absorbed by the body and provides essential amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINING:
Gone are the days you’d have to drive 30 minutes to the gym, sit in traffic, find parking and rush into a sweaty gym to meet your personal trainer who is more interested in replying to texts than helping you. Online personal training has grown rapidly in popularity in the last year with the rise of social media.
So is it a fad?
Well that depends. Technology makes online training more accessible and flexible than face to face meetings, with trainers offering FaceTime calls, adjustable workout plans and a type of engaged relationship that really delivers a one to one service.
Sounds ideal, but it’s not the full picture. Social media influencers who look like the real deal are not necessarily qualified to be giving fitness advice to the general population. Their genetically gifted body does not make them experts in the field of fitness and providing such advice can be detrimental at best and harmful at worst. So in terms of a trend, online personal training is here to stay. But check their qualifications.