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Acne Facts & Myths

Despite scientifically based facts, there are several myths circulating about acne's causes and treatments. Some may have some truth to them, but the explanation is often not relevant to what the true cause of your acne is. Misconceptions about acne should be corrected to provide the best acne treatment possible and to further prevent acne.

  1. Myth #1: Tanning and sunbathing cures acne.

    • A tan causes the skin to become darker which may temporarily conceal the redness of the acne, but it will also leave your skin dry and irritated. There is no link between sun exposure and acne prevention; however, tanning and sunbathing can increase the risk of premature aging and cancer. Protect your skin by choosing a noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic (won't clog pores) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

    Myth #2: Fatty and greasy foods cause acne.

    • Studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. In some cases, you can notice that your breakouts are worst after eating certain foods. For some, eating fatty and greasy foods worsens their acne, but will not cause acne. Such foods include those that have high Calcium content (milk) or high Iodine content (seafood). Cut back on the food you believe is worsening breakouts to see if it makes any difference.

    Myth #3: Washing your fact often prevents breakouts.

    • Washing your face will help remove dirt and oil from your pores, but poor hygiene is not actually the cause of acne. Oil combines with dead cells beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to reach. Wash your face with mild soap and water twice a day as a general rule to reduce bacteria.

    Myth #4: Wearing make-up can result in acne.

    • In some cases, wearing make-up can cause acne. This is because some cosmetic products can cause unhealthy clogging of your pores. The best way to avoid acne in this case is to choose products that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, which won't clog pores.

      Some cosmetic brands and concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, acne-treating ingredients, to help fight acne.

    Myth #5: Sex and masturbation can cause acne.

    • This myth was used in the 17th century to discourage people to engage in sexual relationships before marriage. Sex and masturbation have no connection to acne, although testosterone (a sex hormone) can cause acne.

    Myth #6: Squeezing pimples helps them go away quicker.

    • Squeezing pimps may make them less noticeable, but this will cause the acne to stay longer. This aggravates the spreading of bacteria by pushing dead skin cells and oil further into the skin. This can also lead to the formation of scars that can be permanent.

    Myth #7: To avoid breakouts, use acne medication every day.

    • Acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which are also drying agents. Overusing these can cause dryness of the skin and irritation, leading to more redness and blemishes. Some medications can take up to eight weeks to have a full effect, so it is always best to follow your dermatologist's advice.

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