“5 Myths About Acne You Need to Stop Believing” is a collaborative post.
For many people, acne can be a persistent and frustrating problem. It can sometimes flare up without warning, and it can be a problem for older adults as well as teenagers.
There’s no cure for acne – but there are a number of myths that surround it. If you’re struggling with your acne, or your skin in general, then your confidence might be low. You might be willing to try anything. But it’s important to avoid treatments that might do more harm than good. Let’s take a look at five persistent myths.
Myth 1: Acne Is Caused by Poor Hygiene
You might hear people say that a spotty person simply needs to wash more often. But there’s actually no correlation between acne and hygiene. In fact, it’s more than possible to make acne worse by washing more often than you should. Your skin cells contain a number of beneficial oils, which can help to stop acne from occurring. Overwashing can strip these oils away.
Myth 2: Eating Greasy Foods Will Cause Acne
It might seem to make intuitive sense that greasy food causes greasy skin. But there’s no good evidence for it. Pizza, chips and fried foods in general might, however, be bad for you for other reasons – and thus it’s worth moderating your intake. A diet that’s filled with junk, moreover, might not contain the vitamins and minerals needed to support the health and function of the skin.
Foods with a high glycemic index can cause rapid rises in blood sugar, which can drive insulin production. This, in turn, can stimulate a group of steroid hormones called androgens, which have been linked with acne. So, while there is a link, it’s not a direct one.
Myth 3: Acne Only Affects Teenagers
Acne might be common during adolescence, but that doesn’t mean it can’t persist well into adulthood. Periods of hormonal change, and stressful events, can both drive acne in older people, too. Eating the right foods, and developing a consistent skin care routine, are both essential.
Myth 4: Popping Pimples Makes Them Go Away Faster
If you have a large, pus-filled pimple in a conspicuous place, then you might be tempted to pop it. But this can actually cause scarring, and prevent the body from healing properly. Look instead to spot treatments, and pimple patches.
Myth 5: You Should Skip Moisturiser if You Have Oily Skin
A moisturiser can help to regulate oil levels, even in people with oily skin. It’s often just a matter of picking out the right moisturiser. Look for something lightweight and non-comedogenic, and don’t be afraid to experiment with several different brands.
