For as long as humans have been aging, we’ve been coming up with ways to try to turn back the clock. Science and technology have come a long way, and luckily we’re starting to come up with some anti-aging strategies that really work. On the other hand, we now know that some of our long-held beliefs are really just myths. Check out the following anti-aging myths, and discover the truth behind them.

If you pull out a gray hair, several more will take its place. You really shouldn’t tug out gray hairs, as this can damage your hair follicles. But it’s a complete myth that more grays will return to take its place. There’s actually nothing you can do to speed up or slow down your graying process; that’s all due to genetics. If your gray hair bothers you, your hairdresser has the only real solution.

Water is the solution to dry skin. You do indeed need to drink those famous 8 glasses of water each day! Water aids digestion, helps you to flush out toxins, and performs many other important functions in the body. And to some degree, staying well-hydrated will help your skin overall. However, dry skin is will remain dry no matter how much water you drink. Try moisturizers, avoid drying soaps and skin products, and limit your exposure to hot water and chlorine.

Topical moisturizers prevent wrinkles. Speaking of moisturizers, you may be slathering them on your face in an attempt to ward off wrinkles. They do indeed help your skin to look  better temporarily, but won’t actually prevent the lines of aging. Your genes, diet, and sun exposure determine how rapidly your skin ages. If you want to banish wrinkles, talk to your doctor about laser treatments, retinols, and other high-tech solutions.

You only need sunscreen on sunny days at the beach. UV rays cause skin cancer and premature aging, and they can certainly pass through clouds and fog. The reality is that you need to use sunscreen every day, not just on sunny summer days.

You only need sunscreen if you’re prone to sunburns. Sunscreen isn’t only for the fair Irish lasses among us. Even those of you who tan well can experience damaged skin due to UV rays – and that means brown spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Going for a walk or swim each day is the only exercise you need. Aerobic exercise will indeed burn calories and protect your heart, but you also need anaerobic exercise to fight the signs of aging. Strength training also offers health benefits like weight control and a reduced risk of heart disease, and toning your muscles keeps you looking younger as well.