Acne myths and facts

Your friends, mom, and aunts must have already shared their acne knowledge with you. But do you know that myths and misconceptions about the causes and treatment of acne are just too many. As a first step in acne treatment, let’s get our acne facts right!! 

Myth #1: I can’t really get my acne treated. I just have to it to wait to grow out of it.

Fact: You will be glad to know that this is not true! It is possible to treat your acne. Though acne does subside over time in most people, untreated acne can leave unsightly scars. Moreover, acne and acne scars can adversely affect your self-image.

Myth #2: Acne occurs because you don’t keep your skin clean enough.

Fact: It is important to clean your skin on a regular basis, but understand that dirty skin is not the prime cause of acne. So washing it repeatedly or using harsh scrubs and face washes will not help. It can actually flare-up acne and leave your skin dry and itchy.

Myth #3:  Fatty and fried food causes acne. Chocolate, pizza, french-fries are particularly bad.

Fact: Fatty and fried food is not the healthiest of all food options, but you cannot directly blame your french fries for your acne. Nutritious and balanced diet does good to your body and your skin is no exception. However, if you notice that certain food items flare-up your acne, it may be better for you to avoid these foods.

Myth #4: Acne is a problem of the teens. Adults don’t get it.

Fact: You will be surprised to know that one in four people in the age group of 25 to 44 years have active acne. Women are particularly prone to it because their body is exposed to hormonal fluctuations during periods and pregnancy.

Myth #5: It is possible to squeeze out your pimple “safely” and get rid of it.

Fact: Squeezing your picking at your pimples will damage structures under the skin and can leave a permanent scar. It can also make you pimple more inflamed. Leaving your pimple alone is the best. There is nothing like squeezing and picking safely. 

Myth #6: Sunlight improves acne.

Fact: Too much exposure to sunlight is bad for skin in more ways than one. You may find your existing zit a little dried up after sun exposure, but in the long run it’s not good for you. If you are using common acne medications such as tetracycline and retinoid, sun exposure can cause bad burns. We recommend a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more when stepping out in the sun for everyone, irrespective of acne.

Myth #7:  Acne is a part of growing up. It’s not really something for which you need to see a doctor.

Fact: Thinking of acne as a normal aspect of young age is perhaps the greatest misconception of all. You don’t have to just go on living with your acne. Acne can badly affect the social life and self-esteem of a young adult. Effective treatments are available for it and there is no reason why you not seek treatment. Mild cases of acne may be controlled with over- the- counter products, moderate and more severe acne may need prescription medications that you skin specialist can tell you. Treating acne can prevent permanent scarring and of course do your confidence a lot of good!