Recent scientific findings are changing the way we think about and treat acne. Never-the-less, there are still many acne myths that continue to circulate and endure. This article will try to clear up some of the misunderstandings about acne.

Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance.

Acne can affect much more than just your appearance. Acne, whether mild or severe, can lead to low self-image as well as a sense of depression. Sometimes individuals with severe acne tend to go through social withdrawal.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

Lack of cleanliness should not be associated with acne outbreaks. While skin infections are associated with acne, it’s the combination of oil and dead skin cells that produce the acne. Since acne is located beneath the skin’s surface, it’s impossible to just clean away.

You should gently cleanse your skin with soap and warm water once or twice daily to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Scrubbing too hard can actually worsen the acne.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods.

The first food that may come to your mind is chocolate! Chocolate has long had a reputation to be a pimple producer. However, studies have shown that there is no scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for other foods such as, potato chips and sugar.

Some foods, however, can “aggravate” (not cause) your acne condition. Milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood, can aggravate your acne.

Myth #4: Acne has to run its course.

With the medications that are available either over-the-counter or by prescription, there is no need to wait for acne to run its course. See your dermatologist to determine the best course of action for your type of acne.

Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better.

Excess, is not always better. Medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Too much acne ointments may just irritate the skin even further. Always consult your dermatologist for dosages to use.

Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne.

While exposure to sun does dry out excess oil in your skin, this will only give you short-term improvement in your acne. In the long run, your skin adapts and the acne is unfazed by your drying attempts. Plus, there is strong scientific evidence that too much sun exposure can damage your skin and put you at a higher risk for some types of skin cancers.

Myth #7: Makeup causes acne.

There are some makeup products on the market that can clog the pores in your skin, which is bad for your overall skin health. Cosmetics that are labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” are safe to use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.

Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition.

Acne is NOT just a teenage condition! While most teens do go through some periods of acne breakout, so do many adults. Typically, acne generally clears up by the early 20′s. However, some people experience acne well into their 40′s, and for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.

Myth #9: Acne is related to sex.

Most of us have heard this myth at one point, celibacy or too much sex causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.

Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

No. Popping pimples may actually worsen the acne by spreading the bacteria that is causing the acne around to other parts of the body. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases, can be permanent.