At one point or another, we’ve all experienced acne breakouts. It usually starts around puberty, sometimes a bit before and sometimes many years after, but regardless of when it manifests itself it can be quite embarrassing and make you a bit timid in social situations. There is a lot of false information out there about acne, and we thought we’d clear up some of the most common misconceptions.
So, without further ado, here are the top 3 myths about acne breakouts, followed by the actual truth:
1. You can clear up your acne by lying out in the sun.
You’ve heard this one before right? The sun will dry your acne right up and you’ll be good to go. In fact, the sun is not good for acne and can exacerbate many other skin conditions as well. The sun’s UV rays actually damage the skin and cause cellular turnover which increases the likelihood of blocked pores. So try out some traditional acne treatments before you resort to lying out in the sun.
2. Fried foods and chocolate can cause pimples.
This is the most pervasive myth about acne breakouts, one that’s been circling around for at least 40 years now. Fact is, no specific food causes acne. That grease bathing your favorite french fries is processed within your body…it doesn’t make its way up to your face. It just doesn’t work that way. Just like fatty foods don’t make you fat. It’s one of those myths that never seem to go away. The reality is, if you eat crappy food on a regular basis, your body doesn’t function at optimal levels. The result of this may just manifest itself in your skin, due to sugar imbalances, hormonal changes, etc. Some people or more prone to breakouts than others for one reason or another. So don’t give up that chocolate just to prevent acne…it won’t work!
3. Only teenagers get acne.
As we mentioned above, acne breakouts are much more common in adolescents and teens. However, adults can get acne too, for any number of reasons. It’s actually quite common. Women tend to have breakouts during their period, menopause, pregnancy or any other time when hormone levels are fluctuating. Adults tend to have breakouts when they are very stressed, or in conjunction with other illnesses. In fact, about 35% of men and women experience acne at some point or another during their adult lives.
Sure, there are other myths about acne breakouts, but these seem to be the most pervasive. The fact is, anyone can get acne at any time, and there are many different causes besides puberty. If you do experience acne, either as a teenager or an adult, know that there are treatments available and although there is no cure, it can be dealt with.
