Acne Myths You Need To Stop Believing

#1 MYTH: Acne is a different condition to spots

"Many of my patients believe that acne is different to spots. In fact there is no real difference between these two words. Acne is the medical term doctors use to describe bad spots, and can be medically treated."

#2 Birth control pills cause or cure acne

TRUE. Birth control pills may help some women control acne. The hormones in birth control pills can help block androgen hormones. Androgen puts oil glands into overdrive. Even if you take birth control pills, you'll still need a good acne skin care routine. To reduce acne, try Acdue Acne Treatment by Omiera Labs. This powerful facial serum fights acne prone bacteria while also addressing signs of aging. This formula also brightens up your complexion clearing your face of scars and other discolorations.

#3 Myth: Having Acne Means Your Skin Is Dirty

Nope. Acne isn't caused by surface bacteria, it's caused by bacteria deep in your pores. Washing your face too often can actually make acne worse by irritating and dehydrating your skin.

#4 Myth: Medication is the only way to treat cystic acne.

Not necessarily. According to Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection, diet can also contribute to and prevent cystic acne — those painful, under-the-skin breakouts that never seem to go away. “If a client is eating poorly, then breakouts and cysts will continue no matter what,” says Vargas. “Also, LED light therapy works wonders for cystic acne. I have cured the worst cases of acne with a combination of nutrition, LED light therapy, and regular facials,” she adds. Dr. Rachel Nazarian of the Schweiger Dermatology Group also swears by the powers of blue light therapy for treating cystic acne. “When you expose skin to blue light, it gets rid of bacteria. You have to do this several times, but it will decrease inflammation,” Dr. Nazarian explains. Cortisone shots, administered by a dermatologist, are another effective solution for cystic acne.

Although there aren’t many topical options for cystic acne, since it is so deep within the skin, celebrity skincare expert and esthetician Renee Rouleau does have an Anti-Cyst treatment that works wonders. “It’s specifically formulated to heal and reduce inflammation of stubborn cystic acne bumps,” she explains. Whatever you do, do not pick at your cystic acne. Doing so could lead to permanent scarring on your face.

#5 MYTHS: Your diet has nothing to do with your acne

FASLE. There is a connection between diet and acne. The newest research is showing that there is indeed a connection between food and acne. People who eat more unhealthy fats, dairy products, and sugary foods are more likely to have moderate acne. So, if you are dealing with a bad case of acne, you may want to look closely at your diet. Continue taking care of your complexion by following a good cleansing and using natural skin creams. Improve the way you eat by including lots of vegetables and fruits.

#6 Myth: Only teens get acne

Although teenagers are more prone to acne, because their hormones go into over-drive, acne is not an issue that is confined to only teenagers. Acne can affect people of all ages and some people who had no acne during their teenage years, go on to develop acne at a later age.

#7 Myth: You need to wash your face more often.

There are times when it works but then the causes of pimple are multifactorial. “The major players being hormones, stress, and genes—and you can’t change any of those by washing your face,” Expert says. Washing the face can be a solution but doesn’t work always.

#8 Myth: Drinking Water Cures Acne

Hydration does help your skin because water is really good for you, but drinking water is unfortunately not a cure.

#9 Myth: Scrubbing Your Face Makes Acne Go Away

Fighting the urge to scrub your face to death can be really hard, but you can't scrub off your blemishes. Exfoliating can help your acne, but over-exfoliating can make it worse because it causes irritation.

#10 Myth: You should put toothpaste on a pimple to clear it up.

Don’t! “I hate this myth,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Toothpaste is made for teeth. You shouldn’t be putting something like that on your delicate skin — you’ll irritate it.” Even though it is a drying agent that might decrease the size and appearance of your zit, try something more gentle and soothing for your skin. Vargas swears by the healing powers of raw apple cider vinegar. Or pick up a spot treatment at your local drugstore. We love Murad Acne Spot Treatment.

#11 Myth: Chocolate And Sugar Cause Acne

Chocolate is another suspected culprit for acne, which is really unfair because chocolate is amazing. Science hasn't been able to find a link between chocolate or sugar and acne. Really, they can't find any link between diet and acne.

#12 Myth: Sun clears up zits.

There’s no truth to the idea that the sun clears up acne, says King. In fact, sun decreases the immunity of our skin, making it prone to skin cancer and infections.

#13 Myth: Not wearing sunscreen will clear up acne

This is really bad advice, and you need to use sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin from the UV rays in sunlight. Exposure to the sun does kill the bacteria, which is why acne will clear up sometimes after a day at the beach, but you still need to use sunscreen. When you are shopping for sunscreen, look for brands that are labelled noncomedogenic. This means that it won’t clog your pores, nor will it make acne worse.

#14 MYTH: Acne is contagious

"Acne is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. Whilst acne bacteria has a role to play in its development, it cannot be transmitted like most bacterial infections. It is, however, not a good idea to share towels or pillows with someone else for general hygiene reasons."

#15 MYTH: Avoid makeup

"There is no need to avoid makeup if you have acne and many people choose to conceal their spots as it provides self-confidence. It is important to choose the right products for oily, blemish prone skin, opt for an oil-free foundation (e.g. Vichy Dermablend) or BB cream that provides the coverage you need."

#16 Myth: Too much physical intimacy causes acne

This is an old wives tale that dates back to the 17th century and it was probably used as a way to try and discourage youngsters from indulging in lovemaking before they were married. There is, of course, no evidence that physical intimacy causes acne. Let’s face it, if that were true, we’d all be walking around covered in acne spots!

#17 Myth: Dairy Causes Acne

People love to blame dairy for acne, but the truth is, there is not enough scientific evidence to make a legitimate connection. Drinking milk or getting extra cheese on your pizza is not the source of your blackheads.