10 Myths About Acne

10 LIES AND MYTHS ABOUT ACNE

So many acne myths exist that it can be hard to tell a myth from a fact. The internet is clogged with a lot of misconceptions concerning acne and we are here today to clear things up starting with debunking acne myths.

Let’s start by describing what causes acne. Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked.

Excess sebum is what normally blocks the pores. Below is a clear picture of what a pore is: -

Do you think you already know everything about acne? You may be surprised that some of the things you have heard about acne aren’t actually true. In a few we will dive right into that.

·MYTH No 1: THE MORE YOU WASH YOUR FACE THE LESS THE BREAKOUTS WILL COME.

Fact: Although washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil on the pores of your skin, excess washing can lead to dryness and irritation thus causing more acne. Too much washing removes the moisture barrier on the skin thus causing irritation.

It’s advised to avoid scrubbing your face as it can irritate your face further. As a general rule, wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser in a circular motion and rinse with plenty of water. Afterwards you gently pat dry.

· MYTH No 2: THE MORE YOU EXPERIENCING BREAKOUTS, THE MORE YOU SHOULD USE ACNE MEDICATION.

Fact: Acne medications contain drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which when used for cause over dryness of the skin leading to skin irritations and more blemishes.

If OTC acne medications don’t seem to work, consult with your dermatologist as s/he may prescribe some medications that can take up to 8 weeks to make a difference.

·  MYTH No 3: POPPING PIMPLES WILL MAKE THEM GO AWAY SOONER

Fact: Squeezing pimples is never a good idea. Squeezing can trigger inflammatory responses that can introduce more bacteria to your zit.

Squeezing can also cause acne scars which take longer periods of time to clear.

· Myth No 4: ONLY TEENAGERS GET ACNE.

Fact: Although acne most frequently appears in adolescents, it also shows up for the first time in people in their 20s and 30s.

People of all ages and races can get acne as it is the most common skin disease. Teens are not the only ones who can suffer from it.

· Myth No 5: ACNE IS CAUSED BY DIRT.

Fact: Acne flare-ups cannot be traced to dirt or poor hygiene. In fact, washing too frequently or scrubbing vigorously can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

Washing your face twice a day is more than enough to remove bacteria and surface oil.

·Myth No 6: ACNE WILL GO AWAY ON ITS OWN

Fact: Acne typically does not resolve on its own, it’s chronic. It lasts a long time. It’s a condition which means it exists on your skin beneath the surface.

You should always be concerned with managing your acne and we can help you.

· Myth No 7: GETTING A TAN HELPS CLEAR ACNE

Fact: A little time in the sun won’t hurt but prolonged exposure to sunlight can irritate the skin due to drying which in turn causes your skin to produce more oil, ultimately making your acne worse. The sun is not helpful in healing acne.

·Myth No 8: TOOTHPASTE CLEARS PIMPLES

Fact: Toothpaste and other household items are not safe for your skin. The fluoride in the toothpaste can even worsen the acne.

Instead, opt for an acne treatment that contains Salicylic acid or Benzoic peroxide. Your skin will thank you in the long run.

·Myth No 9: MAKEUP CAUSES ACNE.

Fact: Make-up can only irritate your skin if you are using the wrong products. Foundations that are oil-free and lightweight won’t cause any issues unless you forget to remove it at night before you sleep.

Don’t forget to wash your face before bed to remove any makeup and oil. Double cleans if you have to.

·Myth No 10: CHOCOLATE IS BAD FOR YOUR SKIN

Fact: Breathe a sigh of relief because you probably don’t have to give up chocolate to avoid acne. Research has shown no connection at all between consuming chocolate or other cocoa containing products and developing acne.

There is no hypothesis that chocolate itself causes acne. Whew, whew, whew!

 From the above illustrations, it’s important to differentiate the facts and myths as this information would help us manage and treat acne as whole.