Despite acne being a common skin problem, many people do not know why they have acne, and those who do often reference myths. For example, one might say that their acne breakout is due to a change in diet. Is this accurate? Not necessarily. Learn more with the following myths below.
1. Dirt and Poor Hygiene Causes Breakouts
Acne breakouts are often a result of biological reactions that occur under your skin. This is why poor hygiene does not trigger breakouts. You can spend days without washing your face and not get acne.
Plenty of people who observe hygiene and take care of their skin still get acne. Therefore, proper hygiene does not guarantee clear skin with no acne. Also, washing or scrubbing your face repeatedly will not get rid of your acne.
Repeated scrubbing might worsen or inflame your acne. If you have acne, focus on treating it at the source. This means consulting a qualified professional to understand whether it is from hormonal imbalance or not.
2. Acne Only Affects Teenagers
According to John Hopkins, acne is more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. The skin condition affects up to 85% of this demographic. However, acne does not just affect teens and young adults.
It can affect anyone, including adults in their 30s and 40s. Acne prevalence in teens and young adults is mostly due to hormonal fluctuations, which spike during their pubescent years. The fluctuations can also occur at later stages due to pregnancies, menstrual cycles, illness, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise.
3. Pimple Popping Gradually Eliminates the Acne
Having pimples is like having red buttons on your face. You often just can’t resist popping these pimples. Some say that popping these pimples gradually eliminates them.
Unfortunately, popping pimples often have unintended consequences such as scarring, discoloration, or infection. Popping a pimple can create a wound that gets infected and becomes painful. This might increase the acne’s lifespan. Instead of popping them, seek alternative ways to shrink the pimples.
4. Acne Goes Away on Its Own
Theoretically, many believe that if your acne breakout came on its own, it should disappear on its own. However, because acne breakouts have triggers, without understanding and treating the cause, you could live with them forever.
For some, acne breakouts do not bother them after developing coping mechanisms. For others, acne is painful or embarrassing, and they have to manage it. Regardless of your situation, visit a skincare expert to help you manage the acne and prevent future breakouts.
5. Acne Spread Is Limited to the Face
Although face acne is more common, it is not the sole area where acne spreads. Breakouts can also appear on sites such as your chest and back. Body acne has the same triggers as face acne.
6. Greasy Foods Can Cause Acne
You have probably heard your friends, colleagues, and family members tell you to change your diet to eliminate the acne breakout. This is a valid concern since food dictates most body functions. However, this does not mean that ditching greasy foods such as fast foods will guarantee clear skin. No link between greasy foods and acne is clear yet. Therefore, continue enjoying your greasy food but in moderation to avoid other related health problems.
Everyone’s acne is different and could be from varying causes. Therefore, do not rush to your favorite skincare influencer for acne remedies and tips. Consult our dermatologists here at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists for a proper diagnosis and acne treatment plan. We look forward to helping you have the clear, acne-free skin you want and deserve!
