Acne is one of the most common health conditions in the world. In fact, 80% of people from 11 to 30 years old will have some sort of acne breakout in their life — but it’s also very possible to experience blemishes even beyond that age range. With how widespread acne is, it’s not surprising that there are so many myths and misconceptions about it. Falling for these myths can make treating acne more complicated, or in some cases make it even worse. So to help you properly treat and avoid acne, here are some misconceptions you shouldn’t believe:
Myth #1: Stress causes acne
When you get stressed, do you ever notice that your skin gets stressed too? In reality, stress doesn’t directly cause acne. However, it can make existing acne worse. Plus, stress hormones can exacerbate your oiliness, which also leads to more acne. And if you’re tense, this can make wounds (including acne) heal much slower — thus allowing even more pimples to keep popping up before the old ones have had a chance to heal. To prevent this, try your best to relax and find time for rest — may it be through yoga or by indulging in hobbies.
Myth #2: Acne can go away on its own
Acne is totally normal, but it doesn’t mean it will just go away if you don’t do anything about it. Since it’s chronic, it may only get worse if you do not treat it immediately. For starters, make sure that you have a good skincare routine for acne, which should include staples such as a face wash, clarifying toner, and acne treatment. Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and aloe vera are just some ingredients you should look out for, as these can clear pore congestion and calm inflammation. When in doubt, be sure to consult with a dermatologist who can help you create a foolproof treatment plan.
Infographic provided by Venus Treatments, experts in the technology behind the minimally invasive hair transplant
Myth #4: Constantly washing your face lessens breakouts
A common tip for acne prevention (and basic skincare) is to wash your face. While it’s certainly essential in removing dirt and oil from your pores, be careful not to overdo it. Washing too often can dry your skin and irritate your skin barrier, causing more breakouts. Generally, you should wash your face twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. Again, be sure to use a face wash that’s aimed at acne prevention.
Myth #5: Wearing makeup causes acne
This may be a surprise, but wearing lots of makeup doesn’t automatically mean you’re more prone to acne. It’s certainly good to let your skin breathe and not pile on too much makeup, but nowadays there are many non-comedogenic products. This means they’re specially formulated to not clog the pores — no matter how thick or creamy that foundation may be. Some makeup products even combine skincare and contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and resorcinol. At the end of the day, don’t forget to thoroughly remove your makeup!
