These are the top 5 most misunderstood myths we often commonly hear from others. In fact, we should not let these myths bother us too much in our daily life because they are not proven medically to cause our acne. In fact do take caution as some of these practices may actually aggravate the acne condition and cause more complications.
Myth #1: Squeezing of pimples helps to unblock pores and helps in healing of acne
Anyone with acne is often guilty of this! We always feel that "popping" that pimple will clear the skin faster. But do you know that this is an unhealthy practice and should be avoided as much as possible? If you do it excessively, squeezing or picking your spots may result in greater inflammation and damage to your skin. Scars may also form and post-acne pigmentation will actually be more obvious. Fading of these scars may also tend to take longer or in the worst scenario, become permanent.
Myth #2: Your acne is the result of your poor hygiene
The main cause of acne lies in the hormones and is not the direct consequence of your hygiene! Even if you wash your face many times a day, it will not solve your acne problem at all. In fact, vigorous and excessive cleansing may strip the protective layer of your skin and result in additional irritation and redness. Gentle cleansing with a mild soap at most three times a day is recommended instead. Please do not have the wrong idea that you are able to "wash" your acne away!
Myth #3: Sun exposure can cure your acne
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that exposing your acne to sunlight can make it go away. Similarly, there is also no evidence that if you are suffering from acne, you should stay away from the sun. However do take note that if you have post-acne scars or pigmentation, excessive sun exposure has some effect on the severity of the pigmentation. So do bear in mind to use a non-oily sunscreen with sufficient SPF when you need to spend a long day out in the sun.
Myth #4: Some foods will worsen your acne
Till now, food is still not proven scientifically as a reason that will cause your acne, but its always good to stick to a well-balanced diet rich in fibre and low in fats, sugar and salt. In some people however, they do observe a flare up whenever their intake of fats and sugar increase. So if you do think you might be sensitive to any type of food, try to avoid them for your own benefit. For Asians, we believe that oily, greasy, deep fried food have a "heaty" effect on the body. For those with a "heaty" constitution to start with, their acne may become worse if they take in excess of such types of food. Well in general, everyone is different, so eat what you observe over time is good for your own body.
Myth #5: Avoid make-up totally if you have acne
Of course acne is best treated if you do not pile loads of products on your face. But not all make-up is bad for your face. Choose those that are non-comodogenic and specially formulated for acne, blemished skin. Some in fact have ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that may help to heal your spots at the same time you put your make-up. Of course, at the end of the day when you come home, a proper cleaning regime is equally important to remove all traces of make-up and grime and to allow your face some time to breathe.
I hope you do not let these myths get you down if you have acne. Educate yourself on the facts and be pro-active enough to do something about it!
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