Even though acne is, unfortunately, a very common skin condition, there are so many myths about it circulating around that it can be hard to know what to believe and that may prevent you from treating this condition properly. So, today, I’d thought we could set the record straight on a few acne myths:
1. Washing your face often prevents breakouts.
Washing your face several times a day won’t help you get rid of acne or keep the breakouts at bay. That’s because acne isn’t caused by dirt. But using a cleanser too often, especially if contains harsh detergents, will dry out your skin and irritate it, thus exacerbating your condition. Instead, you should use a mild and gentle cleanser both in the morning and before going to bed, and pat skin dry. In addition, stay away from toners that contain alcohol as those can be very irritating too.
2. If you have acne, you can’t wear makeup
Of course you can wear makeup to cover your acne. You just have to make sure it doesn’t contain any comedogenic ingredients that will clog pores and make things worse. Unfortunately even products labelled non-comedogenic can sometimes contain problematic ingredients, so read the ingredient lists carefully to make sure you buy products that won’t aggravate your acne. Here, you can find a list of coemdogenic ingredients you should avoid. In any case, if a product makes you breakout, stop using it immediately.
3. Tanning helps heal acne
Actually no. There is no evidence that getting a tan helps heal acne. Instead, it just makes things worse. While a tan can temporarily help cover some of the redness, tanning in the sun or using tanning beds and booths dry up, burn and irritate skin. Tanning also causes premature aging and increases the risk of developing cancer. And on top of that, you’ll still have acne! So stay away from the sun and tanning booths and always wear sunscreen. This is especially important for people who use prescription acne medications as they make skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you really want to tan, use a sunless tanner product instead.
4. Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them
Popping a pimple is never a good idea, especially if you have acne. It must seem like a quick solution, but it will actually slow down the healing process. That’s because when you pop a zit, you are pushing the bacteria further into the skin. That’ll make the area even more red and inflamed, and sometimes, cause scars. All things that are harder to treat than a pimple. And zit-popping devices such as blackhead extractors are just as harmful. If you have a pimple, dab some Benzoyl Peroxide or Tea Tree Oil on it to help it heal faster.
Do you know any other acne myths?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello, I am an aesthetician and have been in practice for over twenty years and as a young lady I suffered with cystic acne. I love working with people of all ages and especially with clients who have acne. I am also a very realistic aesthetician and will only inform my clients with real and accurate information am not interested in just selling a product. I have found most all people really do want the bare facts and real answers to their questions. I as an aesthetician also know people who have acne or just high amounts of comodones are going to try to extract them so instead of telling someone to never pop a pimple I would much rather teach them how to do it the correct way. I do recommend they find a aesthetician who can perform the extractions for them but we all know what happens when you wake up and look in the mirror and find a large pimple that has developed over night. So I applaud you for position myth busters which I agree are most all true .
Jennifer, hi and thank you for your comments. Your clients are lucky to have an aesthetician like you who gives them honest information instead than saying anything just to sell them products. You’re also right that a lot of people will try to pop their pimples even if they know it’s wrong and in that case, it’s best to teach how to do them properly or tell them to have it done professionally to limit the damage.
Eating chocolate will cause acne.. If that was true, I should be covered in pimples LOL! x
Stavroula @drugstoreandbargainlover´s last [type] ..First Impressions : Kerastase Bain Oleo-Relax Smoothing Shampoo
Stavroula, you and me both! So glad chocolate doesn’t acne lol.
Wow, so helpful!
Thank you so much. 
Ningrum´s last [type] ..Sustainably Happy Again
Ningrum, you’re welcome. I’m glad you find the post helpful.
I have one!: Acne is for adolescents.
Janessa, I agree, that’s so not true. Unfortunately anyone, at any age, can get acne.