The Top 5 Acne Myths

We all know that acne is a common problem among teens. Some people who have survived their teens know firsthand that acne doesn't always clear up by adulthood. There are considerable problems that can occur with both teen and adult acne, and there are treatments to counteract both. When dealing with acne, a lot of people focus on curing acne. However, it is equally important to recognize what doesn't cause acne. Just like the persistence of gossip and rumors, there are plenty of myths about acne that are based on misinformation.This article will disect those myths and perceptions. You will have a better understanding which will dispel the misconceptions associated with those myths and have you dealing with the actual and factual.Myth #1: You can clear up acne by getting a tan.Simply untrue. Yeah, if you tan, you'll cover up the redness that can some from tanning. But that's not healing your acne or preventing future outbreaks. Not to mention the damage which can occur from tanning beds and sun bathing. You could be adding another trauma to your tender skin. As far as tanning as a cure for acne, let's say "two wrongs don't make a right"...Myth #2: Greasy/fried foods or chocolate can cause acne.There are plenty of scientific studies which shoot this down. Greasy foods and chocolate may not cause acne, but I think they might have an effect on something else...like your weight, maybe?Myth #3: More face washing = fewer acne breakouts.True, washing your face takes away oil and excess dirt, and dry skin. But...washing your face can remove the essential oils. So your face ends up getting really dry and irritated because you've overdone it. Wash your face to remove the dirt and dry skins which can clog your pores and cause acne, but also give your skins a chance to generate it's natural oils for a healthy look and shine.Myth #4: Popping pimples will help them clear up quicker.This is a big one because it's so natural to pop pimples to get them out of your face. While this can make the pimple seem less noticeable, it can actually make the healing process a longer one. Popping a pimple can push the bacteria deeper into the skin, making the surrounding area red and irritated. Devices designed to help pop your pimples, such as blackhead extractors, aren't safe either, as they can cause scars to form. If you can, leave them alone and let them heal by themselves. Myth #5: You can't wear makeup or shave if you want to have clear skin.Let's break it down like this: If you have acne, it is okay to use products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Those are two big words which mean they won't clog pores and cause breakouts. That means you have to read the labels and possibly switch to different products for relief from acne cause by products which will clog your pores. Some concealers now have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them, and, will, therefore, help fight acne. But watch out for those types of chemicals if you have dry or sensitive skins because those chemicals can wreak havoc on those skin types.There are many other myths associated with acne and what causes it. It is important to understand what really is causing your acne before you will be able to treat it. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about possible causes and treatments, or if you feel your acne may require medical attention.