Acne - The seven most important myths about pimples

Acne - The seven most important myths about pimples

We all know how annoying and embarrassing acne can be, not to mention how difficult it is for most people to get rid of. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially those under 30, but adults are also affected. But why does it keep coming back? Well, don't believe everything you read or hear.

Here are the seven most important acne myths:

1. Squeezing pimples will get rid of them - no, sorry, that just doesn't work. When you pop a pimple, the germs and bacteria that cause it get under your skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and even infection. If you continue to do this, another possible problem that may develop is scarring, which may be permanent.

2. Chocolate and fried foods cause pimples - although this sounds logical, it's also not true, which is good if you enjoy eating chocolate and the occasional hamburger or fried chicken. No studies have proven this and it may only be a psychological belief that this is true. Of course, it doesn't help if you have greasy hands and wipe your face with them while eating - that doesn't help.

3. Stress causes blemishes – not true either. Stress is a part of life, now more than probably ever in history, and certainly a part of growing up and for that matter your entire life. Are you worried about tests at school, your performance at sporting events, or problems at home? Will these things cause your body to explode with skin flare-ups? No, fortunately that is a falsehood - and that's a good thing, otherwise we would all go to the dermatologist regularly.

4. Sun exposure will clear up acne – I have to tell you I believed this too. The sun damages your skin, causing it to become dry, burned, and irritated, and can even put you at risk for skin cancer later in life. This myth arose mainly because as your tan increases, your skin becomes darker and pimples and pimples become less noticeable.

If you must go out in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and don't forget to wear sunglasses and a hat.

5. Wash your face as often as possible to clean your skin - not a bad idea to wash your face and the rest of your body regularly too (your family, friends and colleagues will be happy about this - just kidding of course) too, but that alone isn't enough.

Washing your face removes excess oil, dirt, and even dead skin cells, but scrubbing too much or roughly irritates the skin and dries it out, making things worse. Wash your face once or twice daily with a mild cleanser and dry your skin with a soft towel.

6. Don't wear makeup - using non-comedogenic (does not clog pores and does not contain perfumes) makeup products in moderation should not be a problem. These products don't clog pores and some even contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

7. It is better to use more medication - too much acne medication can irritate your skin and cause redness and dryness. Using more over-the-counter or prescription medications than recommended causes more harm than taking none at all. Plus, medications have side effects like nausea, headaches, and other unpleasant reactions if you overdo it. It is best to follow the instructions provided.

As these seven myths have shown, many things you may have imagined causing acne actually don't. To get clearer skin, eat a balanced diet and exercise. If you need to take something to clear your skin faster, talk to your doctor or try one of the safer over-the-counter products first.

Inspired by Ken Black