Almost everyone suffers from acne at least once in their lives. While many grow out of their acne after their teens, others experience persistent acne for years into adulthood. It’s no wonder then that millions seek answers to their acne problems.
There are many different types of acne that need different treatments. From common treatments to bizarre miracle cures, people will try anything to treat their acne, yet not all of these causes or cures are true. Check out this list and learn which acne myths have been debunked.
Chocolate causes acne
Chocolate lovers rejoice! There is little evidence that correlates chocolate to acne breakouts. In fact, dark chocolate and cocoa powder have high levels of antioxidants that help combat the free radicals that damage skin.
Sugar levels however can contribute to acne.Processed chocolate with artificial sugar can boost cortisol levels that can lead to acne. Sugar aggravates acne by making the body produce more sebum, the oil produced in your pores. Thus the problem isn’t chocolate—it’s sugar.
Face masks are always good for skin
The fad of DIY facemasks is a craze that swept the nation. Lifestyle blogs and sites like Pinterest sensationalize facemasks as miracle cures. Some of these DIY treatments can help breakouts, but proceed with caution.
Some masks can worsen acne and habitual use of facemasks can damage skin. Use harsh ingredients like cinnamon and lemon sparingly and use exact measurements. Test a small patch of skin first before using and apply a mask no more than once a week.
Tanning is good for acne
Many people believe that sunshine creates enough Vitamin D in the body to reduce skin. However prolonged sun exposure causes severe skin damage.
The risk of cancer and premature aging far outweighs the benefit of a temporary tan. It can also dry out skin, which can make the pores over compensate by producing more oil. Heed your doctor’s warning and steer clear of the sun.
Sunscreen causes acne
Not all sunscreens cause acne. Older sunscreens contain oil and fragrances that can irritate the skin and clog pores, but new brands of sunscreen don’t. When looking for a skin-friendly sunscreen, look for brands that are free from oil, fragrance and PABA.
Exfoliation is good for acne
If you are treating body acne, this may be useful. The skin on your back, neck and chest is thicker, but the skin on your face is sensitive and thinner. Harsh exfoliates irritate and dry skin, causing dryness and more acne. Stick to gentle face washes and gently dab your face afterward.
Moisturizers cause acne
Like sunscreen, not all moisturizers cause acne. If you are acne prone, stick to night and day creams that are water based instead of oil based. These moisturizes retain natural oils without clogging pores.
Hair products don’t cause acne
If you have long hair that rests on your shoulders, neck and back, the products you use can cause acne. Petroleum byproducts and sulphates aggravate acne. Use products without these chemicals and always keep your hair in a clip while the conditioner sets.
Makeup worsens acne
There is much debate as to whether makeup is the cause of acne. The argument against makeup usually derives from how it clogs pores. However the problem may not be makeup but the type of makeup you use.
There is no one-size-fits-all makeup that doesn’t irritate skin. Skin-friendly makeup like bare minerals is praised by dermatologists.
In fact, some dermatologists prefer foundation as a means of protecting the skin from sun. They key is to wash off makeup everyday. Use a gently makeup remover to wash skin and be especially sensitive to the area around the eyes.
Washing your face clears acne
When it comes to acne, it’s not about washing your face as much as it is about how you wash your face.
Your skin is sensitive, so harsh rubbing will irritate and dry out skin, which can make acne worse. Prevent this issue by washing the face lightly with lukewarm water and dabbing the face gently with a washcloth after.
Popping pimples makes acne disappear
Don’t succumb to the temptation of popping your pimples. Popping pimples is a short term solution that causes a long term issue.
This habit damages pores and skin tissue and ultimately causes scars. No matter how big or how small the breakout the scars add up. Instead treat the breakout with a localized skin treatment issued by a dermatologist to clear the skin.
