Acne Facts: Truth vs Myth

9 Most Common Acne Myths Exposed

MYTH #1: Tanning or Sun Exposure Can Cure Acne

Fact: A tan or any overexposure to sunlight can cause your skin to become darker, and perhaps temporarily conceal the redness fro;- acne. But once the tan fades, the acne will still remain.

Excessive tanning/sunbathing can also result in dry and irritated skin. Even worse, tanning and sunbathing can greatly increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Using an oil free sunscreen with an SPF protection of at least 15 is very important.  Nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic  sunscreen is important for use with acne prone skin.

MYTH #2 : Fried Oily and Fatty Foods Can Cause Acne

Fact: No scientific evidence has been released with a direct connection of greasy foods and acne.  Regardless, such a myth may be helpful in encouraging more people to consume vegetables and fruits instead of less nutritious and fattening foods such as pizza and chocolate bars. It is important to note that certain foods can  worsen, but not cause, acne. Foods  that contain a high Calcium content (such as milk) or high Iodine content (seafood) are prime candidates in worsening acne.

MYTH #3: Acne is Primarily A Result of Poor Hygiene

Fact: Skin infections may be connected to acne .- But poor hygiene is in fact not the only cause in acne breakouts.  Acne occurs because your skin produces oil and that oil mixes with dead skin cells, thus pimples are born.

The mixing of oil and dead skin cells occurs under your skin’s  surface (where it is impossible to reach and clean!).  Gently washing your body and face with mild soap and water at least twice a day is the best way to reduce acne causing bacteria.

*If your daily beauty routine involves extreme & harsh or excessive washing and scrubbing, it can  worsen the condition of your skin.

MYTH #4: Makeup or Cosmetic Products Can Cause Acne

Fact: There is some legitimacy to this myth.  Some cosmetic products are not advisable because they can cause clogging and inflammation of the skin pores.

Nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic beauty products are recommended  to use even by those who already have acne. As a matter of fact, there are some cosmetic brands that contain acne-treating ingredients.

MYTH #5: Sex and Masturbation Can Result in Acne

Fact: As a sex hormone, testosterone,  can cause acne outbreaks, however, sex and masturbation has absolutely no relevance to the occurrence of acne. This is a 17th century myth, concocted in order to discourage young people from engaging in premarital sex.

MYTH #6: Acne is More Common Among Girls Than Boys

Fact: Wrong. As a matter of fact, acne is more common in boys than girls because of the dominance of male hormone androgen, as well as the presence of testosterone.

MYTH #7: The Best Way To Get Rid of Pimples is to Squeeze Them

Fact: Squeezing pimples, will only aggravate and further encourage the spread of bacteria.  Popping or squeezing the pimples can eventually lead to the scarring that can be permanent depending on severity.

MYTH # 8: Long Hair Can Make Acne Worse

Fact: The length of  your hair is not the issue.  As long as  hair is kept clean, it is not the length but neglecting to cleanse the hair which may aggravate the occurrence of acne.

MYTH # 9: Acne is Contagious.

Fact: False. Acne causing bacteria is buried deep beneath the skin and the skin  condition is never contagious.

Here’s to acne treatment and prevention!