The Misconceptions of Acne
The number of acne myths out there is overwhelming, so we always encourage everyone to do their research through reputable sources or to speak with a licensed professional. Acne does not go away on its own, and requires proper treatment, homecare, and maintenance to achieve and keep results!
Acne treatment is not one size fits all.
It’s no secret that the majority of us at one point or another have struggled with acne, and this battle tends to involve a lot of effort in finding ways to make it go away. We constantly hear about acne DIY’s, products and foods to avoid, and many other things we should be mindful of when it comes to this delicate skin concern, but how much of it is actually accurate?
Let’s take a dive into some common acne myths that we hear on the regular!
Eating chocolate will cause your skin to break out! NOT! Of course like all things, moderation is important, and anything in excessive quantities can be bad for your body, however many studies have shown that chocolate is likely not the cause of your acne breakouts.
Going out in the sun or to the tanning beds will clear up your acne. Yikes! This one really hurts my esthetician's heart! As much as we love the warmth from the sun and the feel-good vibes it gives, using the sun and tanning beds to “clear” acne is only a temporary fix, and can even make acne worse in the long run. The sun and tanning beds mask the appearance of acne and dry the skin out, making it appear less oily and inflamed. This may be where this myth stems from. As nice as that look of a drier and less oily complexion may seem, your skin will quickly compensate for this new lack of oil by increasing its own natural oil/sebum production! As we know, sebum is one of the main contributors to acne breakouts, so an increase in its production is going to leave you with skin that is even oilier than before, and a higher chance of more breakouts! It is always recommended to protect your skin from UV damage, whether you have acne or not. UV damage leads to more inflammation in the skin, damages collagen and elastin, increases your risk of skin cancer, and more.
I don’t need to use moisturizers if I have acne. I know this is one we’ve all heard before, or perhaps have even told ourselves. Let's clear the air, EVERYONE should be using a moisturizer, the trick is finding the right moisturizer for you! Acne treatment is not one size fits all. Whether you have dry, normal, oily, or combination skin, each of those skin types needs different products and ingredients to balance everything out, including moisturizer! It is important to maintain a good water/oil balance within the skin and to avoid drying it out. Cleansing too often can make things worse, as this strips the skin of its oil. This imbalance leads to the skin producing even more oil to combat any dryness which in turn creates even more breakouts. Using a water-based moisturizer with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera is a great option to keep the skin hydrated and balanced for oily skin types.
Popping pimples will make them go away quicker. It all started as a little white bump, and then before you know it, the dang thing is a massive, irritated, bright red nightmare on your face! We’ve all been there, that moment of weakness when you just can’t leave it alone. Popping your pimples may seem like a good idea, and can be slightly satisfying, however, extractions should be left to the professionals! There is a technique and proper post-care that is provided during extractions to ensure bacteria isn’t spread to other pores and the skin is left undamaged. Picking at your face at home not only spreads the bacteria to create more breakouts and prolongs the healing of acne lesions, but it also creates more inflammation and can even lead to acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Utilizing proper homecare with an acne spot treatment is a great way to care for those pesky pimples!
The number of acne myths out there is overwhelming, so we always encourage everyone to do their research through reputable sources or to speak with a licensed professional. Acne does not go away on its own, and requires proper treatment, homecare, and maintenance to achieve and keep results! Setting up a consultation with a licensed esthetician near you is the first step towards achieving your skincare goals!
If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly Master Aestheticians in your area, please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au
Written by Addison Kesler