Common Acne Myths

There are a lot of myths that revolve around acne, especially regarding getting rid of acne and finding effective acne treatments. This is unfortunate because these myths persist despite the numerous studies conducted on this subject, and the wide availability of information on acne.

It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact because when you’re armed with the right information, it would be a lot easier to find effective ways of preventing acne. Plus, some of these myths are actually harmful and you may end up with a pockmarked face eventually.

So let’s debunk some of the common acne myths in this article.

Myth #1 – Dirt causes acne

You could be forgiven for thinking that your blackheads—the dark spots on your pores—are actually dirt that’s trapped on your skin’s surface. But the truth is that blackheads are developed the same way as white heads. Also, the dark color is due to the unique pigment of the blackheads. They’re not dirt.

Dirt doesn’t cause acne. Once again, acne develops when there’s an overproduction of sebum on your skin and they begin clogging the pores on your skin.

Myth #2 – All forms of makeup cause acne

It’s true that make up can clog your pores. However, it only applies to some types of makeup. If you are concerned about makeup contributing to the development of acne on your skin, be sure to buy only makeup that’s labeled either nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic. Makeup with these labels provides you with the assurance that it won’t clog your pores, and therefore not contribute to the development of acne.

Myth #3 – Chocolates cause acne

Chocolates are bad for your diet and your overall health. However, chocolate has since been removed from the list of foods that cause acne. Not all scientists agree, but there are some foods that do cause acne, and chocolates are not one of them. If you want to be extra careful in preventing acne, avoid sugary foods, milk, and those with high levels of carbohydrates.

Myth #4 – Using strong medication will help get rid of acne faster

This myth is somewhat misleading, especially when you’re buying over the counter acne treatments. Using more than what is needed will often do more harm than good to your skin, causing dry skin, rashes, or all sorts of skin irritation. Here’s our advice: when in doubt, consult your dermatologist. Your dermatologist could then prescribe a stronger, yet more controlled dosage of anti-acne treatments, giving you a more effective acne solution without hurting your skin.

So the next time you hear about a new treatment for acne, take it with a grain of salt. Do your own research first, and if in doubt, consult your dermatologist. Your dermatologist has the expertise to tell you what works against acne.

Just like any myth, myths on acne can be dangerous to your skin. So it’s always better to be well-informed before believing them. These myths could lead you to have the opposite of the clear, acne-free skin that you’ve been wanting in the first place.