Acne is a common condition of the sebaceous glands and they occur among boys and girls during puberty and sometimes in adults as well. There are several myths about acne on how to stop the growth of acne and how to treat them.
You will be surprised to know that some of the things about acne are not true at all. Here are some common myths about acne.
Myth 1 – Acne is due to dirty skin
Most people believe that acne breakout is the result of dirty skin. Some therefore even end up washing their face several times a day, which can be harmful for the skin. Washing your face too often and too aggressively can in fact make the acne breakout even worse. This can ultimately lead to irritated skin. It is best to wash the face only once or twice a day with a mild cleansing solution and no harsh products. Make sure to cleanse your face once at night to get rid of any sweat and dirt from the face.
Myth 2 – Squeeze pimples to remove them
It is difficult to resist the temptation to pop those zits. However, this almost always causes further inflammation and makes the acne look worse. It is best to keep your hands away from the pimples. Instead, use any cream or lotion to help it shrink in size.
Myth 3 – Junk food leads to acne
While it is true that diet and skin health are related, it is not right to blame junk food entirely for an acne breakout. Most of the times, acne is the result of genetics and hormonal imbalance. However, people who are already suffering from pimples, when they take sweet foods, it can increase the insulin level, disturb the hormonal balance and worsen the acne. Also, for many people it has been found that milk consumption can lead to a higher risk of acne. Some studies have found that a low glycemic diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is good to keep the skin free of acne.
Myth 4 – Acne disappears on its own
It is a mistaken belief that you have to silently suffer your acne. There is a wide range of acne treatments available to clear your skin of the ugly pimples and prevent the occurrence of the same in the future. Acne is the result of clogged pores on the skin. There are many ways to unclog the pores and clear the acne marks from your face.
Myth 5 – Tanning beds help to clear the skin
While it is true that a tan may mask acne for a period of time, but it can lead the skin to be irritated and dry, which in turn can lead to even more breakouts. In fact, doctors say that there is no connection between acne prevention and sun exposure. The sun’s harmful rays can cause premature aging and even skin cancer. It is best to keep your skin protected by applying a sun screen of SPF 15.
Also Read: Tips for younger looking skin
Myth 6 – Avoid makeup for a clear skin
If you use cosmetics that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, there is no reason why you should worry about acne breakouts. In fact, several makeup products these days contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that is good to help fight acne. If you are suffering from moderate to heavy acne, it is best to talk to your doctor about the best makeup products that you can use.
Myth 7 – Using excessive medication might help to fight off acne
Most acne medication contains drying ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that if used too often can lead to irritation, over drying and more blemishes.
Myth 8- Acne is exclusively an adolescent disease
This is one of the most prevalent myths about acne. While acne is more common in the adolescent period, there are many adults too who have acne due to hormonal imbalance.
Myth 9 – Acne generally affects people who have oily skin
Wrong. People who have dry or sensitive skin suffer from acne as well. Acne is typically the result of enlarging of the oil glands, inflammation, bacteria and hormonal changes. People of any skin type can suffer from acne.
Myth 10 – Toothpaste can cure acne
Applying toothpaste on a zit could cure it, but can also be pretty dangerous. The fluorides present in the toothpaste can worsen acne.
These are some of the acne myths to go around. Do not pay any heed to them and talk to a dermatologist about acne treatments that will suit you.
Also Read: Large Pores and Acne: What’s the Connection?
