Acne Myths Debunked!

Today I would normally post a tutorial of sorts but I think I covered tips and tutorials for this week's topic on Tuesday.

I decided that I would talk more about the myths surrounding acne and it's corrective measures.

All acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, which is made up of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and a hair. These units are found everywhere on the body except on the palms, soles, top of the feet, and the lower lip. The number of pilosebaceous units is greatest on the face, upper neck, and chest. Sebaceous glands produce a substance called sebum, which is responsible for keeping the skin and hair moisturized. During adolescence sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more sebum under the influence of hormones, also called androgens. After about age 20, sebum production begins to decrease.  [About.com]


Spot Treatments Are Out There And They Work For Quick Resolution

False. People often ask if putting toothpaste on your zit will get rid of it by the next day.  The truth is in short, no it will not.  It will dry it up for a time but it doesn't actually clean out the infected area.


Popping The Zit Will Make The Zit Go Away Faster

False. Popping zits can actually spread the bacteria and cause scarring!  The scars, like all scars, will eventually go away but they take a lot of time to do so.


There Is A Cure for Acne

False. Just like the common cold virus, acne cannot be cured.  There are medications that help with acne, like Acutane, but it doesn't get rid of it for life.  Proper washing in moderation and consistency will help stave any break outs.


Wearing MakeUp Daily Causes Acne

False. The only way makeup can cause acne is if you don't wash it off after days of use.  Like anything else that has the potential to clog your pores, make sure you wash it away daily.  If you have an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient in the makeup, you may also break out.


Wearing Special Makeup Will Cure My Acne

False.  Again acne cannot be cured!  Some cosmetic companies will say almost anything to get you to buy their product.  Be smart!


Lotion Will Make My Acne Worse

False.  If you have acne, you will notice you have it whether your skin is oily or dry.  Moisturising it will not exacerbate the condition.  Along with this one, some people have reactions to certain ingredients in the lotion.  I would try to find a hypo-allergenic lotion or see a dermatologist if necessary. 


SPF Makes Me Break Out

True.  For some people, they have a reaction to the ingredients in the SPF lotion.  It doesn't cause acne, it inflames it.  There are SPF powders available for purchase so have no fear!


The More You Wash Your Face The Less You Will Break Out

False.  Everything in moderation.  If you begin to over wash/exfoliate your skin, it will become irritated and prone to infection.


Acne Will Go Away If You Drink Lots of Water

False. Drinking your daily intake of water is great for your body, but there is no proof that it will cure or make your acne go away.


The Sun Will Get Rid Of Your Acne

False. While a tan will help mask the redness of acne and temporarily dry up the breakout, prolonged exposure to UV rays will increase the likelyhood of your pores plugging up.  You also run the risk of exposing yourself to premature wrinkles and skin cancer.


Having Bangs, Wearing Hats Causes Acne

False.  Hats don't have the ability to cause acne itself, but the sweat and dead skin cells rubbing into the pores on your forehead may irritate the pores, making acne appear.  It is the same principle with hair, except when we have bangs or hair in our face we tend to be constantly wiping it out of our eyes with our hands.  So on top of hair product build up, which has a tendancy to irritate our skin to begin with, we sometimes have the dirt and oil from your hands being rubbed into your pores.