Does dirt cause acne? Does popping pimples always lead to scarring and does sun exposure cure acne.
Welcome to Part 3 of our acne series where we will be tackling some of the age-old myths that swirl around acne. Let’s clear the air and get the facts straight.
Myth 1: Acne is caused by dirty skin.
Sure, cleanliness matters, but acne isn’t just a result of dirt. There’s a whole symphony of factors at play, like hormones and genetics.
Myth 2: Popping pimples always leads to scarring. I have to admit, I used to be the queen of pimple-popping!
While popping pimples can increase the scar risk, not all popped pimples turn into permanent souvenirs. The right extraction techniques can work wonders.
Myth 3: Sun exposure cures acne.
Ah, the sun, our sunny friend. It might give you a temporary glow, but it can also lead to some not-so-fun skin damage. So, nope, not a recommended acne remedy.
Myth 4: Acne only affects teenagers.
I used to think acne was a teenage rite of passage, but it can strike at any age, even in our adult years.
Myth 5: Using more acne products is better.
Guilty as charged! I used to pile on the products, thinking more was better. But the truth is, less is often more when it comes to managing acne. Keep it simple and consistent.
Myth 6: Makeup always worsens acne.
Remember when folks told you to ditch the makeup when you had acne? Yeah, me too. But there are makeup options out there that won’t clog your pores or make matters worse.
Myth 7: Toothpaste is an effective acne treatment.
Confession time—I tried the toothpaste trick too. It can dry out pimples, but it’s not skin-friendly and can actually make things worse.
Myth 8: Exfoliating daily prevents acne.
Over-exfoliating can make your skin throw a tantrum, leading to increased sensitivity and, you guessed it, more acne. Keep it gentle, my friend.
Myth 9: Acne is caused by eating chocolate.
Chocolate, oh, how I love thee! But there’s no strong evidence connecting chocolate to acne for everyone. Eat in moderation, my friends.
Myth 10: Acne is contagious.
Good news, acne isn’t a contagious bug. You can’t pass it on like a hot potato at a picnic.
Myth 11: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
I’ve always wondered about this one. Good hygiene is important, but excessive washing or using harsh products can backfire and make acne worse.
Myth 12: Stress is the sole cause of acne.
The only stress I had was about having acne, but alas, it’s not the sole villain. Hormones and genetics also play starring roles.
Myth 13: You can outgrow acne.
I thought I’d outgrown it, but acne had other plans. While it may ease up with age for some, it doesn’t always pack its bags and leave for good.
Myth 14: Natural remedies are always safe and effective for acne.
I never really ventured into natural remedies, but they can be a hit or miss. What works for one might not for another.
Myth 15: Scrubbing vigorously removes acne.
Dodged a bullet there! Vigorous scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
Myth 16: Excessive washing helps acne.
Thankfully, I didn’t fall for this one. Over-washing can strip your skin’s natural oils and lead to more acne drama.
Myth 17: You can cure acne with a single product.
Oh, the dream of a magic potion! But effective acne management often needs a combo of the right skincare routine, lifestyle tweaks, and sometimes medication.
Myth 18: Only topical treatments work for acne.
Sometimes, it takes more than creams and serums. In severe cases, a dermatologist might prescribe oral meds to tame those acne beasts.
Myth 19: Acne is caused by poor digestion.
This one’s a bit off the beaten path, but digestion can indeed throw some curveballs. Still, it’s not the sole acne culprit.
Myth 20: Acne is only about appearance.
Acne can play mind games too. It messes with your self-esteem and mental health, not just your reflection.
So there you have it, 20 acne skincare myths—busted!
Before I forget, and this is no myth ShaRique has an acne combo, with everything you need to fight acne, from the inside out on special for R499. In addition, if you want to just read all about acne then get yourself this ebook on everything you need to know about acne.
Part of four of our acne series will focus on acne marks and what to do about them.
ALSO read| Acne Part 1 – causes and types of acne
Also read| Acne Part 2 -acne skincare routine