Acne Myths

Since there is not definitive cause for acne, many misconceptions and myths have sprung up about things that can aggravate or reduce acne outbreaks.

Myth: Acne is related to diet

Truth: Extensive scientific studies have not found a conclusive link between diet and acne. This means that you can eat chocolate and your acne will not get worse. Even though there isn't scientific prove of a link between diet and acne, many health professionals say you should still experiment with you diet to determine if some foods affect the severity of your acne.
Myth: Acne will clear up by washing more often

Truth: Acne is not caused by dirt - it is a blockage deep within the narrow follicle channel caused by cells and sebum created by the body. It is impossible to wash these blockages away, and anything more than a gentle cleansing can damage and overdry the skin and lead to more acne.
Myth: Exposure to the sun can reduce acne

Although exposure to the sun may temporarily clear up your existing acne, it can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future.
Myth: Sex causes acne

This misconception started in the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex or masterbating. There is absolutely no scientific evidence link sex or the lack of sex with acne, so don't believe the hype.
Myth: Popping pimples makes them go away faster

Popping a pimple can make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but it can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples you can actually push bacteria further into the skin, causing more swelling and redness - and sometimes causing a red or brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.
Myth: Wearing makeup causes acne

As long your cosmetics are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. If any product causes skin irritation, you should stop using it immediately and talk to your doctor. If you continue to use the product it could case acne breakouts.