There are many 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 that prove they don’t work.
It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact when it comes to acne because when you’re armed with the right information, it will be much easier to find effective ways of treating and preventing future acne breakouts. Plus, some of these myths are quite harmful and can do much damage to your skin.
Myth #1 – Dirt causes acne
You are forgiven for thinking that your blackheads—the dark spots on your pores—are dirt trapped in your pores. The pores actually become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria and when exposed to air, darken in color. It is NOT dirt.
Myth #2 – All forms of makeup cause acne
It’s true that makeup 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 only buy makeup that’s labeled non-comedogenic, oil-free, and/or Paraben-free. Makeup with these labels provides you with the assurance that it won’t clog your pores, and will not contribute to the development of acne.
Myth #3 – Chocolate causes acne
Chocolate is bad for your diet and your overall health only when consumed in large quantities. In fact, having a piece of dark chocolate every day can actually be beneficial to your health due to the antioxidants found within the dark chocolate. Chocolate has been removed from the list of foods that cause acne. Not all scientists agree about this claim, but there are some foods that do cause acne, and chocolate is not one of them. If you want to be extra careful in preventing acne, avoid sugary foods, milk, and foods with high amounts 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, irritation, and inflammation. Here is our advice: When in doubt, consult your dermatologist. Your dermatologist could then prescribe a stronger, yet more controlled dosage of acne treatments, giving you a more effective acne solution without harming 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 best to get rid of 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.
