We’ll just come out and say it; there is a lot of misleading and downright wrong information out there about acne. Thankfully, scientific research has dispelled a lot of these ‘acne myths’. This now breaks us out of the “naive” category when discussing acne and what causes it. We have taken six of the most notorious of these acne myths to discuss in quick detail.
Fact or Fallacy? Find out the truth about common acne and its myths.
Acne Myth 1. Acne is caused by eating certain foods
We must warn you that although this myth has been around practically since the time of the Model T, there is still no scientific evidence. There is no general rule here, although it is but true that there are individuals who get acne attacks as a result of eating some kinds of food. But you need not worry, as you can gorge on all the pizza, chocolate and other fat-laden foods as you wish and not see your acne aggravated.
Second Myth – Acne and dirty skin are closely intertwined with each other
Nobody wants to have dirty, grimy skin, but that would not be the underlying cause of acne. After all, acne grows underneath the epidermis, and is a byproduct of dead skin cells and sebum. It’s not dirt that clogs your follicles.
Myth Number Three – Acne can be remedied by washing your face often
In a way, related to Acne Myth Number Two. Clean skin per se does not prevent acne. In fact, you can even aggravate your acne even more if you wash your face too often. Your face might break out with acne if left without oil.
Fourth Myth – Acne is a teen’s disease
It is true that 9 out of 10 teenagers experience acne, but it is also true that about 1 in 4 adults get it also. Acne seems to be connected with hormones which would explain why teenagers have such a high incidence of acne, but adults are also going through hormonal changes at various times in their lives.
Acne Myth 5. Stress causes acne
Scientific evidence shows that stress is not that large of a factor in acne. It was believed for many years that stress caused bouts of acne but it simply isn’t so.
Acne Myth 6. Acne can be cured
Many people view acne as a disease that can be permanently cured. And this is science, not Chicken Little speaking here. Acne can be controlled and prevented through proper skin care, but it cannot be cured.
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