Do you think you already know all there is to know about acne?
You may be surprised that some of the things you've heard about
acne - like what causes it and how to deal with it - aren't
actually true. Keep reading to find out some fast facts.
Myth #1: Tanning clears up skin.
Fact:
Although a
tan
may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and
irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. In fact,
there's no link between sun exposure and acne prevention, but
the sun's rays
can
cause premature aging and skin cancer. Always protect your skin by
choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15
that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means
it won't clog pores.
Myth #2: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.
Fact:
Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good
idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause
acne
. Every individual is different, though. Some people notice their
breakouts are worse after eating certain foods - and these foods
are different depending on the person. For example, some people may
notice breakouts after eating chocolate, while others are fine with
chocolate but notice they get breakouts after drinking too much
coffee. If that's the case for you, it can help to cut back on
that food and see if it makes a difference.
Myth #3: The more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts
you'll have.
Fact:
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. Also, avoid scrubbing your face, which can irritate
the skin. As a general rule, wash your face twice a day with mild
soap and water in a circular motion and gently pat dry when
you're done.
Myth #4: Popping pimples will help them go away faster.
Fact:
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, dead skin cells, and oil further into the
skin, causing more swelling and redness - and sometimes causing a
red or brown mark or
scar
to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars
(dents and pits) will last forever.
Myth #5: Don't wear makeup if you want clear skin.
Fact:
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. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams
that hide pimples while helping treat them.
If you've had moderate to severe acne, though, 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: If you keep getting breakouts, it helps to use more
acne medication until the breakouts stop.
Fact:
Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl
peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause
overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.
If over-the-counter acne 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.
Reviewed by:
Patrice Hyde, MD
Date reviewed: December 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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