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updated October 12, 2008

Acne Myths

Myth #1

The best possible way to get rid of pimples is to pop them

This is a Big myth.

Many people just can’t help popping their zits. The infamous art of popping pimples is only a short term solution to your acne problems. Squeezing pimples can aggravate acne and help spread acne causing bacteria. Also, popping or squeezing the pimples out can eventually lead to the formation of scars, which in grave cases, can be permanent

Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but popping can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples and zits, you can actually push bacteria deeper into the skin and cause more swelling and redness — and sometimes causing a red/brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.

Myth #2

More medication is always better

This is Big myth!

Acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Using too much medication may cause over drying and may even lead to irritation and more blemishes. Many times products that contain these harmful chemicals will often sell accompanying products that will help moisturize your skin.

If over-the-counter acne treatment medication doesn't seem to work on your acne, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Also, if you're taking a prescription acne medication, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions — some medications may take up to 8 weeks to make a significant difference.

Myth #3

Exposure to the sun will help get rid of acne

This is a myth.

Getting a tan or exposure to sunlight may cause the skin to become darker; temporarily concealing the redness of the acne. But once the tan disappears, the acne is still there.

Sun burn is actually a form of skin damage. Sun exposure causes irritation which can actually lead to acne. Worse, it can increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. People may see not notice signs of acne when they are tanning, but they will often notice their skin breaking out as it heals from sun damage. The sun is a short-term band-aid which will often bite back with more acne in the weeks following exposure. Having said that, I don't want to give the impression that the sun is evil. It is not the enemy. For instance, we get our vitamin D from the sun.

Limiting sun exposure on acne prone areas of your body is prudent, but some exposure from time to time is not only unavoidable, but it may be good for you on certain conditions. Limit the time you are expose to the sun and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure the sunscreen that you do use will not clog pores. Such sunscreen is referred to as nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic.

Myth #4

The more you wash, the clearer your skin!

This is a myth.

This is a classic myth. Believe it or not, poor hygiene is actually not the cause for the outbreaks of acne. Oil combined with dead cells, produces acne. This combination occurs beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to reach and clean away.

Pores do not get blocked from the top down due to "impurities". Rather, the walls of a pore stick together within the skin, starting the formation of the visible signs of acne. Although washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from your pores, washing too much can lead to dryness and irritation, causing more breakouts. Far from preventing acne, frequent washing may actually irritate pores and cause them to become clogged. A washcloth can add even more irritation.

However, gentle washing with a good acne scrub and water and patting the face dry at least twice daily is the best way to reduce bacteria. Remember, bacteria is the actual cause of skin infection that eventually leads to acne breakouts.

Myth #5

Makeup or cosmetic products cause acne

This can also be true.

As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. However, it is a known fact that certain cosmetics products can actually cause or worsen your acne.

If you've had moderate to severe acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you're acne isn't aggravated.

And even if a product is labeled nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, you should stop using it and talk to your doctor if you notice that it's irritating your skin or seems to cause breakouts.

Myth #6

Stress may cause acne

This is actually true!

Stress has been known to potentially have some effect on hormones. Hence, it theoretically can promote acne. Carefully choosing an effective acne treatment program can be more powerful than any effect that stress may have. In fact, remedies to relieve stress, such as certain psychiatric medication may even cause acne as a side effect. Stress itself is not going to single handedly cause or prevent stress. It may be well worth it to spend time carefully choosing the right acne treatment rather than stressing over stress.

Myth #7

Dietary anomalies cause acne breakouts.

This may be true.

It seems that certain groups of people throughout the world experience no skin problems, such as acne, and even have better skin. Is there a connection between the food that they eat and their skin conditions? Has their diets really contributed to their acne-free skin? There is a big different in the diet that these group of people eat and the diet of people in modern society.

There is actually no scientific basis on the belief that a greasy diet, including French fries, pizza, or chocolates, can be a cause of acne.

This myth can be helpful for influencing children to consume more vegetables and fruits rather than the less nutritious pizza and chocolate bars. There are certain foods that may worsen acne symptoms, but not necessarily cause acne. Such foods include those that have high Calcium content (milk) or high Iodine content (seafood).

Every individual is different. Some people notice their breakouts are worse after eating certain foods — and these foods are different depending on the individual person. Discovering a dietary way of preventing acne may be a future reality.