Debunking 5 Common Acne Myths

December 21st, 2020

There are a lot of myths about acne circulating in the mainstream media, and this information can be damaging to the self-confidence of patients who suffer from acne – OR hinder people from finding an appropriate treatment solution. Today we’re busting some of these common acne myths!

Acne. This four-letter word has caused immense amounts of trauma and destroyed the self-confidence of so many individuals across the world. What begins as a “normal” teenage stage sometimes continues into adulthood and past the child-rearing years. Our skin is designed to efficiently and seamlessly remove waste and debris from our pores. When this process goes wrong, sores can build up, fester, and pop. Although experts aren’t positive about the universal cause of acne, this doesn’t mean that you can’t work closely with your dermatologist to find some relief and remission.

Acne Myth #1: People With Acne Have Bad Hygiene

One of the biggest myths about acne is that only people who are dirty or unhygienic get the condition – which couldn’t be further from the truth! Acne can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, excess sebum production, and a host of other issues. Bad hygiene could certainly exacerbate an existing skin condition, but, more often than not, acne sufferers find that if they cleanse their acne-prone skin more frequently, the problem gets far worse. While simple things like changing pillowcases bi-weekly, avoiding touching your face, and frequent water rinsing throughout the day may help reduce the symptoms of acne, they certainly aren’t the “end-all” solution.

Acne Myth #2: Acne Will Go Away When You Get Older

We’ve all heard it from our parents, our aunt, and our grandparents: “I had acne when I was a teenager, but it went away on its own. Just hang in there a few more years.” Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all acne sufferers – many of them see symptoms persist for ten or more years, and several patients don’t get acne until they are well into their adulthood. Even for those who aren’t significantly affected emotionally, scars build up from years of inflammation, popping, and scratching. So don’t just hang in there – get the help you deserve to help you be more comfortable in your own skin.

Acne Myth #3: You Just Need to Get More Sunshine

Whenever someone notices that their symptoms fade with a certain treatment, it’s natural for them to recommend it to others; however, we must remember that every person’s acne struggle is different and unique. What works for you will most likely not work for your friend. Unfortunately, one of the major suggestions for acne, until recently, was that sufferers should get more sunshine.

This leads to a complication, however; when you are outdoors in the sun, you should always be wearing some kind of sun protection. If you’ve ever struggled with skin problems, you’ll know how difficult it is to find a product you like that doesn’t irritate your skin. For those that went out in the sun without lotion, they have increased their risk for skin cancer.

Acne Myth #4: You Have to Exfoliate

Our skin naturally exfoliates, and there’s no reason that we need to intervene and speed up this process. In fact, many fad acne products facilitate drying up the outer layers of the skin so that we shed skin faster. Exfoliation that occurs too fast or too forcefully – by a device, chemical, or another tool – can cause pain and damage to the deeper layers of our skin. Skip the exfoliation, cleanse your skin with natural ingredients, and keep moisturized. Your dermatologist will help you develop a strategy that will help you keep your acne under control.

Acne Myth #5: Pimple Popping Is Fine

Unfortunately, even though whiteheads and blackheads are unsightly, you really shouldn’t be popping those bad boys. By breaking the skin open – skin that is covered in an attempt to heal – you are introducing copious amounts of dirt, oil, and bacteria that would have remained outside of the sore. Try to think of acne-prone skin like the scabbed-over surface of a cut or scrape. Just as you risk infection to the area of a wound, you also risk infection when you pop open your pimples. If you struggle with a desire to pimple-pop, talk to your dermatologist about treatment options that reduce white and blackheads.

For more information about acne, its symptoms, and treatment options, check out our blog post: Acne 101: What Causes Acne, Types Of Acne, & Acne Treatment Info. It is extremely important to work closely with a dermatologist who’s familiar with your specific skin and your acne history. A specialist will be able to provide targeted treatment options, help you keep an eye on any changes, and make changes to your treatment based on your skin’s reaction.

If you’re looking for acne treatment in Tampa, don’t hesitate to request a consultation with one of our talented dermatologists today!