If you have frequent acne breakouts, you’ve probably noticed that everyone seems to have an opinion about the cause of these breakouts. Friends, family or acquaintances will tell you you should stop eating fast food or that you’re washing your face too often or not enough. Although they mean well, their advice might not exactly be helpful, especially when what they think they know about acne is based on myths.
Here, let’s clear up eight myths about acne so you can be better equipped to clear your next breakouts.
Myth #1: Adults don’t get acne
Many people believe that acne is a problem only teenagers struggle with. The truth is that adults can also get acne, no matter their age.
Adult acne is generally located around the mouth and chin, while teen acne can appear anywhere on the face, chest and back. Adult acne is often more inflammatory, while teen acne involves more blackheads and whiteheads.
And unfortunately, since adults have a lower skin cell turnover rate, it takes more time for their skin to heal from a breakout. The good news is that you can get an acne scar treatment to help with your condition.
Myth #2: A poor diet causes acne
We all generally agree that a poor diet causes acne breakouts. People will tell you you must avoid potato chips, chocolate, fast food, or soft drinks. Others believe that eating dairy products instantly causes breakouts.
But there is no direct link between what you eat and what happens to your skin the next day. Of course, eating greasy potato chips and then touching your face is not a good idea. But your hormones and genes are much more likely to be guilty of acne breakouts than what you eat.
That being said, switching to a healthier diet could help improve the health of your skin.
Myth #3: Poor hygiene causes acne
Many people believe that poor hygiene causes acne and will just assume that a teenager with acne never washes their face. But teen acne is caused by hormonal changes, which result in the skin’s oil glands producing excess oil. This oil clogs pores, bacteria get involved, and acne appears.
Of course, proper hygiene can help clear your skin. But washing your face too often can dry your skin and worsen acne.
Myth #4: Stress causes acne
Another common myth about acne is that stress causes acne breakouts. While that might be true for some people, those who don’t have acne-prone skin don’t suddenly end up with a bunch of pimples on their faces when they get stressed out.
Stress can make acne worse, but it does not cause it. Keep in mind that acne is mostly about hormonal changes and genes!
Myth #5: Sunscreen clogs pores and causes acne
Someone might have told you that you should not wear sunscreen when you have acne, as sunscreen will clog your pores and worsen your problem.
But not protecting your skin when you spend time in the sun is not a good idea, especially since acne-prone skin can often get more easily damaged by UV rays.
But does sunscreen clog pores? Well, not necessarily. It all depends on which type of sunscreen you use. Look for oil-free sunscreen formulated for acne-prone skin or mineral sunscreen recommended for people with acne.
Myth #6: Makeup can cause acne
What about makeup? Can it cause acne or aggravate a breakout?
Again, it all depends on the makeup you apply to your skin. For example, a thick liquid foundation might clog your pores, but a light mineral powder will not.
It’s perfectly fine to wear makeup when you have acne as long as you choose products that will not clog your pores. And, of course, remember to clean your makeup brushes regularly.
Myth #7: Expensive skin care products are better
Many believe spending a fortune on your skincare products is necessary if you want them to be effective. But the truth is that a luxury brand’s cleanser and moisturizer will not necessarily be better at clearing your acne-prone skin than more budget-friendly products.
What matters is not the price of the products, but their ingredients, the way they are formulated, and whether or not they are a good fit for your skin type.
Myth #8: You should not use moisturizer if you have acne-prone skin
Finally, many people think you should not use moisturizer on acne-prone skin. This is another myth. Just because the skin is oily doesn’t mean it’s well hydrated.
All you have to do is choose a gentle moisturizer that will not clog your pores. Avoid thick creams and products containing oil; opt for a lightweight, water-based gel instead.
