Acne Myths and Truths

We will now present many of the popular myths surrounding the condition of acne and why they are just that, myths.

Myth: Increased stress leads to increased acne

Although your mother may tell you that if you would just calm down, your acne would clear up, this is not true.  What really is true is that stress has a very small effect on acne. Although not a root cause of the condition, it does increase the amount of the chemical cortisol, which leads to increased production of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the body. This increased amount of oil, means that the skin must work harder to eliminate the oil.  Unfortunately, what is true is that the medications taken by people today to reduce stress actually are more guilty of increasing acne than the stress itself.

Myth: Acne is Contagious!

This is a completely untrue statement.

Myth: Teenagers outgrow Acne and it is Best Left Alone

Acne will not go away because of age, however if left untreated the condition could potentially worsen in the long run. Remember that acne is a problem for people of all ages!

Myth: The Sun Will Eliminate Acne

Although this seems to be the case, the sun appears to clear up existing breakouts but in the long run the damage caused to the skin may irritate acne. The reddening of the skin resulting from sun exposure may appear to reduce blemishes quickly; however this is not changing the blemish, only the surrounding skin.  The sun causes harmful damage, irritates the skin and eventually may increase the number of breakouts. The reason for more breakouts is that the sun exposure will increase the amount at which skin cells die and slough off, causing more pores to be clogged. Thus sunscreen is recommended during all sun exposure.

Myth: Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, and reduces acne

This is another myth. In reality, sweating increases the amount of oil on the skin and may irritate acne.

Myth: Acne is directly proportionate to a lack of sexual activity

The hormonal surges experienced by teenagers really have nothing to do with acne. The same holds true with adults and sex, hormones, sex and acne are completely separate issues that are generally unrelated to one another.
 
Myth: People with acne need to wash their faces more often

This is untrue. In some cases, washing too often is as bad as not washing. Acne results from a build up of dead skin, oil and bacteria deep within the skin. Dirt is not one of the things that cause acne. 

Myth: Acne is skin deep, and is not a big deal!

While acne does appear on the skin, the cause and effect are actually more related to what you don’t see when you look in the mirror. Half of acne prone people report hearing negative comments on their skin condition, and other feedback such as suggestions for treatment from other people in their lives. This is not related to any resulting scars, either. Thus, severe acne can result in low self-esteem and depression over one’s appearance. These two things are harmful to a person, and can have lasting negative effects. This, it is important to seek medical treatment for all acne cases, no matter how mild.

Myth: There is a cure for acne

There currently exists no cure for acne. However, the medical community has discovered many medications that alleviate the symptoms and breakouts resulting from the condition. Preventative treatment is the most effective way to eliminate the stigma of acne, and there are many options on the market which fit into all budgets. 

Myth: Spot treatments will help to eliminate acne

In actuality, there is proof that by the time a blemish shows up on the skin, there have been weeks of development time for that pimple.

Myth: Moisturizer creams and makeup are bad for people with acne

Not true, people with acne should use moisturizers! Many cosmetic companies are now making cosmetics that are noncomedogenic. That means that they are carefully formulated to avoid clogging pores.