Top 5 Myths About Acne

We have learned a great deal about acne and its causes over the last several years, but many of the myths surrounding it continue to be held as truth.

The following are five of the most common myths about acne:

1. Acne is a result of poor hygiene

Skin infections are often associated with acne, which may be part of the reason for this myth’s existence. Because the combination of sebum and dead skin cells – which leads to acne breakouts – occur under the surfact of the skin they can’t be washed away.

2. Eating certain foods will cause acne

Eating greasy foods and chocolate have long been believed to lead to acne, however there’s no proof of this fact. These foods aren’t healthy though, and they can lead to other health issues which can further aggravate an existing acne problem.

Having said that, there are some foods that can aggravate acne if it is already present. These include milk and foods with a high level of iodine, such as seafood. It’s a good idea to take these in moderation if you’re suffering from acne.

3. You have to let acne run its course

Many people believe the only way to deal with acne is to allow it to run its course. While this may have been true at one time, it isn’t any longer. There are many effective treatments for acne, and if you are dealing with it you should speak to a dermatologist to get more information about treatments that may be effective for you.

4. Acne is a teenage condition

While most teenagers deal with acne to some degree, it is by no means limited to them. Most people’s acne clears up by the time they reach their 20′s, but there are others who continue to have problems in adulthood. Some people even experience it for the first time in their 30′s and 40′s.

5. Sun is good for acne

Increased exposure to the sun is not a good way to deal with acne. It can cause excess oils in the skin to dry out so it may have short-term benefits, but your skin quickly adapts to the change, negating any benefit. Plus, the sun can cause serious long-term skin damage and possibly lead to skin cancer, so the risks far outweigh the benefits.