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updated July 31, 2010

Acne Myths


Myth #1

The only way to treat your acne is through a dermatologist

This is by far the most common acne myth. There are even products basing all their commercials on this myth actually. However, it's completely untrue! Acne may be a type of medical condition. But unlike many others, you can treat it with simple and considerably cheaper over the counter drugs. Heaven forbid you save money right! But realistically speaking, the fact is that many prescription ingredients can be found in over the counter treatments, and many over the counter treatments have ingredients that are more qualified to be referred to as clinically proven, but they are only found in over the counter options.


Myth #2

Chocolate does not cause acne breakouts

Yes it does! It does not cause acne, just as other foods such as greasy foods do not cause acne. But it contributes to greater breakouts. Basically whether because they are greasy, filled with hormones like milk, or otherwise unbalancing for your body, your diet is largely responsible for many unnecessary acne breakouts as well as other skin problems in general.


Myth #3

The sun will fight my acne

The sun is never particularly good for your skin. It is always known for damaging your skin. When it comes to acne, it does not kill off bacteria like you may think. Actually, it causes more acne, because it increases your skin's natural oil production.


Myth #4

I should not use anything on my skin, because acne products cause acne

This is one I've seen rather recently, and it's completely untrue. You should not wash your skin more than twice daily as this may actually dry out, damage, and weaken your skin. However, denial is not a good policy. The simple fact of the matter is that these products ideally wash away excess oils, bacteria, and other things that build up on the skin and contribute to it. So you need these in order to keep it from getting worse or developing into something else entirely.


Myth #5

You can cure acne

Now this is the big cahoona. I've actually seen advertisements saying that they can cure acne. There is no established cause for acne, just established contributors. Therefore, you cannot target a cause that is unknown and you cannot ¡°cure¡± acne. You can treat it along the way, but you ultimately have to wait to grow out of it.


Myth #6

If you want to get rid of acne, you should stop wearing makeup

Don't get me wrong. Some makeup is bad. It clogs the pores, it causes greater acne, and it makes skin oilier. So yes, in some ways, you could say it's true. But some makeup is not that bad. Some makeup actually helps you to revitalize and protect your skin. Some have sunscreens, others have light moisturizers, etc. The best way to go is to use mineral based makeups.


Myth #7

I should pop my zits

Never pop your zits! I cannot stress this point enough. When you pop your zits, not only are you causing damage to the skin, you are actually allowing bacteria and infections in for the simple reason that these things often build up under the nails. The oils and otherwise puss will only build back up, and you will end up with a bigger problem than before.