Acne is a very common condition, affecting around 1-in-3 people at some time during their lives.
But even for something so prevalent, this disease is still not fully understood by most people, and there are a lot of myths surrounding the condition.
Hopefully this article puts to bed some of those myths
But even for something so prevalent, this disease is still not fully understood by most people, and there are a lot of myths surrounding the condition.
Hopefully this article puts to bed some of those myths
Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne
This myth is understandable, because your diet can affect your acne, but it just doesn’t cause it.
There are no clinical studies which link chocolate or greasy food with developing acne, so don’t worry, that’s not how you get it. There is a myth that greasy foods mean greasy skins, but this isn’t true.
Foods high on the glycemic index which are loaded with carbs (think potatoes, white bread, rice) can increase glucose and insulin levels, which may affect the development and severity of acne already present.
Conversely, foods low on the index can help control an outbreak. Either way, a healthy diet is always recommended.
There are no clinical studies which link chocolate or greasy food with developing acne, so don’t worry, that’s not how you get it. There is a myth that greasy foods mean greasy skins, but this isn’t true.
Foods high on the glycemic index which are loaded with carbs (think potatoes, white bread, rice) can increase glucose and insulin levels, which may affect the development and severity of acne already present.
Conversely, foods low on the index can help control an outbreak. Either way, a healthy diet is always recommended.
Only teenagers get acne
As we’ve mentioned before, acne isn’t something only teenagers suffer from. Adult acne is a serious problem, and actually on the rise.
We’re still not 100% sure what causes adult acne, (changing hormones play a big part when it comes to teenagers), but genetics are thought to contribute in up to 80% of cases. Stress and diet may also factor in.
Acne effects adults in the same way it affects teenagers; loss of confidence, social anxiety, and even depression are all common symptoms. Meeting members of the opposite sex and forming new relationships can feel impossible to someone suffering from the condition.
We’re still not 100% sure what causes adult acne, (changing hormones play a big part when it comes to teenagers), but genetics are thought to contribute in up to 80% of cases. Stress and diet may also factor in.
Acne effects adults in the same way it affects teenagers; loss of confidence, social anxiety, and even depression are all common symptoms. Meeting members of the opposite sex and forming new relationships can feel impossible to someone suffering from the condition.
Acne means you don’t wash
Astonishingly, this myth still exists! Having acne doesn’t mean your face is dirty. In fact, those who suffer from it tend to wash their face more often than those who don’t.
This can actually be a problem, as cleaning your face too often can leave it dry, irritating the skin and aggravating the problem.
As a general rule for washing with acne, clean twice per day with a mild soap and gently pat dry.
This can actually be a problem, as cleaning your face too often can leave it dry, irritating the skin and aggravating the problem.
As a general rule for washing with acne, clean twice per day with a mild soap and gently pat dry.
Popping a pimple will get rid of it
No! It may be tempting, but don’t pop pimples, and certainly don’t do it when you suffer from acne.
Popping a white head may make it less noticeable, but that’s only a short-term gain. In the long-term you’re making things worse.
By squeezing a spot, you’re pushing bacteria, oil and dead skin cells further into the skin, driving the problem deeper. The spot will not only take longer to heal, but you’ve now opened it up to risk of infection.
Squeezing spots can also lead to scarring, some of which will last forever.
Popping a white head may make it less noticeable, but that’s only a short-term gain. In the long-term you’re making things worse.
By squeezing a spot, you’re pushing bacteria, oil and dead skin cells further into the skin, driving the problem deeper. The spot will not only take longer to heal, but you’ve now opened it up to risk of infection.
Squeezing spots can also lead to scarring, some of which will last forever.
All acne medicine is the same
Everyone is different. We all have unique medical history, skin type, and reactions to treatments, so why would all acne medicine be the same?
There is a wide range of acne treatments available, and sometimes it can be trial and error to find which one works for you, but all acne is treatable to some degree.
Here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, we have many options available, including microdermabrasion, Blue Light Treatment, and a range of creams and oral medication.
There is a wide range of acne treatments available, and sometimes it can be trial and error to find which one works for you, but all acne is treatable to some degree.
Here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, we have many options available, including microdermabrasion, Blue Light Treatment, and a range of creams and oral medication.
Come see us for a consultation
If you suffer from acne, and you’re not sure what do next, book in for a consultation at the Vein and Skin Clinic.
Acne is something that affects everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender. In recent years acne treatments have come along in leaps and bounds, including the latest advanced laser procedures.
If you would like to know more about the options available to you, or want to ask us anything, our friendly and experienced staff, including a doctor and our highly experienced cosmetic nurses, will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Call us today on 0800 639 968 or email us via ourcontact page. We’d love to do our best to treat your problem.
Acne is something that affects everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender. In recent years acne treatments have come along in leaps and bounds, including the latest advanced laser procedures.
If you would like to know more about the options available to you, or want to ask us anything, our friendly and experienced staff, including a doctor and our highly experienced cosmetic nurses, will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Call us today on 0800 639 968 or email us via ourcontact page. We’d love to do our best to treat your problem.
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