Debunking Common Acne Myths
Acne is among the most common skin problems around. Most people have probably experienced it at some point in their lives. Although it doesn’t really cause any detrimental effects to your health, it can be stressful.
Acne is generally defined as a chronic inflammatory skin condition that comes in various forms: whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pustules, papules, or nodules. The classification can range from mild to severe. While it’s more common among adolescents, it can affect adults as well.
There are several factors that trigger acne breakouts which is probably the reason why it’s a bit of a challenge to cure. As with other bodily conditions, you’ll need to pinpoint exactly what’s causing it in order to get rid of it properly. In theory, it sounds relatively easy to trace what’s causing an acne breakout and follow through with a solution. After all, there’s more than a handful of information about this condition available everywhere, right?
Not exactly.
While the abundance of information may sound convenient, it can cause a little bit of a problem. Not everything that is said or believed about acne is true. It’s easy to confuse myths as actual facts when it’s spread around carelessly. In order to properly take care of your skin and prevent unwanted acne, here are some common skin superstitions that you need to stop believing.
Myth 1: Washing Your Face As Often As You Can Helps Get Rid Of Acne
This misconception about acne is probably one of the easiest to believe. After all, isn’t acne caused by dirt and bacteria? If frequent hand-washing can help to eliminate disease-causing bacteria then why can’t I do the same thing with my face to help prevent pimples and breakouts? Well, for one thing, the skin in your hands and face are not exactly similar.
Over-washing your face can deplete it of its natural oils and ruin your skin’s natural barrier against dirt and pollution. When your skin is stripped off its natural oils, it exacerbates the problem. When your skin is dehydrated, your oil glands overcompensate by producing more oil, which can lead to skin congestion or clogged pores.
If you’ve developed a habit of washing your face more than twice a day, it’s time to stop. You are doing more harm to your skin than good. Washing your face twice every day is enough to keep it clean and healthy.
Myth 2: Stronger Products Deliver The Best Results
While this may be applicable when choosing cleaning agents for your bathroom, having the same mentality towards choosing facial cleansing products is not ideal. When it comes to acne-treating products, two of the most widely used ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic acid prevents breakouts by unclogging pores. Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, kills pimple-causing bacteria. Both ingredients can be used simultaneously to get rid of acne effectively.
However, when it comes to choosing the right product, getting one with a higher benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid content doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more effective. In fact, it can do more damage to your skin by causing irritation. If you must use a product with benzoyl peroxide, a concentration of 2.5% should be enough.
Myth 3: People With Oily Skin Can Skip Moisturizer To Avoid Clogging Their Pores
Moisturizers are not exclusive for people with normal or dry skin. People with oily skin also need their share of skin hydration. Skipping moisturizing can impair the skin’s natural balance, leading to a slew of breakouts. If you suspect that a particular moisturizer is causing you to breakout, then perhaps you’ve chosen the wrong type of moisturizer for your skin. If you have oily or sensitive skin, your best choice is to pick a non-comedogenic product to avoid skin congestion.
Myth 4: Sun exposure can heal acne
A healthy amount of sun exposure is generally good for the body. However, prolonged exposure can damage your skin. When your skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, it becomes dry and ends up producing more sebum. If you’re trying to fight acne, an increase in sebum production is the last thing you’ll need. Whether you’re trying to get rid of pimples or just trying to maintain good skin, always make it a point to wear sunscreen.
References:
https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20826624,00.html
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/5-common-acne-myths-debunked
https://www.forhers.com/blog/13-common-but-inaccurate-acne-myths-busted
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/beauty-trends/advice/a40485/adult-acne-myths-facts/
https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/debunking-common-acne-myths