There is a lot of information floating around out there about acne. The internet alone is full of of ideas, theories, tips, and explanations on acne, most providing a false sense of understanding the disease and what you can do to treat or “cure” it. Much of it is wrong, or just partly true.
In this article, we will discuss the most commonly ingrained myths about acne and discuss why they are not true. Our aim is to give people correct information about acne causes and cures.
Myth #1- Chocolate and Greasy Foods Cause Acne
There’s that common misconception that greasy food leads to greasy skin which leads to acne as if somehow the oils you eat will make their way out of your body through your skin. That’s not true. That’s like avoiding eating carrots because you’re afraid you’re going to turn orange. The oils you ingest are broken down within your digestive system and have absolutely nothing to do with the oil manufactured in your skin. For the most part, the food you eat has little to do with your acne.
Myth #2- Dirty Skin and Hair Dangling on the Forehead Cause Acne
Unfortunately, you’d have acne on your forehead with or without your hair touching your face. Remember, the acne impactions are two millimeters below the surface of the skin, and the oil is being produced within your skin is what is causing your problem. Also, you can’t scrub away acne or cleanse the dirt from your skin. Another common misconception is that a blackhead is just dirt, but it’s really the contents of the pore oxidizing when it reaches the surface. No amount of soap and water will wash blackheads or acne away.
Myth #3- Acne is Only a Teenage Disease
While it is true that acne strikes large numbers of teens, it can affect people of all ages. The youngest client we have had come in was 10 and the oldest we’ve treated is 70. Acne can strike a person at any age. There’s the “don’t worry, you’ll outgrow it” myth that circulates around, and while some may be lucky and their acne clears up, most people do not outgrow their acne.
Myth #4- I Just Have “Complexion Problems”
Acne is acne, regardless if it is just one pimple or dozens of pimples on your face. Some acne sufferers insist that they just have blemishes, problem skin, or oily skin, but that they don’t have acne. Because acne is such a taboo word, some people have a hard time admitting to themselves that they have acne. If they deny the existence of it, treatment wont occur.
Myth #5- There is No Treatment That Works
Acne research has really lagged behind the rest of the skincare industry, especially when you see how far anti-aging products have come. Many acne sufferers have tried everything from over the counter products to birth control, antibiotics, laser, diets, light therapy, Accutane… You name it. Most of these treatment options are failures, so people suffering with acne will just give up since they haven’t had a treatment that will actually clear them. Luckily for you acne sufferers, we do offer a treatment that does work.
Myth #6- If I Find The Right Cosmetics, My Acne Will Improve
If you’re a female acne sufferer, you no doubt have spent hundreds of dollars on all sorts of cleansers, creams, moisturizers, astringents, tonics, etc. Magazine ads and t.v. ads are full of products with empty promises. Many of these products will actually make your acne worse. Your answer is not in a cosmetic bottle.
Myth #7- My Acne Is a Manifestation of My Psychological Problems
Many acne sufferers do not try and seek out treatment for their acne because they are convinced it’s all in their heads. They feel that unless they try to work through their emotional problems or visit a psychiatrist, their face will continue to erupt in acne as a sign of their inner turmoil. We understand that acne can have a devastating effect on your personality, self esteem, and emotional health. However, acne typically comes first, and then whatever issues you are dealing with follows along behind it.
Myth #8- Sexual Feelings Cause Acne
Some people are are under the impression that acne is caused by “bad thoughts” or “unclean thoughts.” Adolescence is usually the time a person undergoes sexual development and experiences sexual feelings. This is also the time where acne shows up. It is the surge of sexual hormones that trigger acne in genetically prone people. So while your sex hormones share a relationship with your acne breakouts, your sexuality itself does not cause acne.
The first step to clearing your face is to discard these myths. From here on out, you will be able to clearly see what really causes acne.
