3 Common Acne Myths to Steer Clear Of
Kids, teens, and even adults have to cope with some form of acne. It’s a common part of puberty, and some people think that once they’ve passed that phase of life, acne will automatically stop. However, adults and preteens get acne too.
This makes acne the subject of much discussion, thus leading to many myths and rumors that we’d like to “clear up” for you. Clearing up some of the common fables about acne can help you all get through it!
Acne Myth #1: Just Pop Your Zits and They’ll Go Away Faster
Acne Fact: We’ve talked about popping zits before, and I’m sure we’ve all followed this myth at one time or another. Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily; however, picking at your face can actually cause the zit to stay around longer. Did you know that popping a pimple pushes bacteria from the zit further into the skin, making the area around the acne even more reddened and inflamed? Pimple-popping devices — such as “blackhead extractors” advertised in magazines — aren’t any safer. Sometimes, popping a pimple will cause a brown or red scar to form that could last months; and scars, in the form of dents and pits, can last forever.
If you are bummed because a huge zit arrived just in time for a special event, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide gel to dry it. Your Utah dermatologist (Aspen Dermatology) can also recommend treatments for severe scarring.
Acne Myth #2: Wash Your Face More and You’ll Prevent Breakouts
Acne Fact: Sometimes we wonder if this myth was created by face soap companies looking to promote their products. Unfortunately, hygiene isn’t related to the development of acne. Washing the face each day gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface dirt, but too much cleansing or washing too vigorously can lead to dryness and irritation — which can actually make acne worse.
Dermatologists in Utah usually recommend gently washing — not scrubbing or rubbing — the face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and patting the skin dry. Kids should steer clear of harsh exfoliants or scrubs, which can actually irritate blemishes. In addition, toners containing high concentrations of alcohol can dry out the skin and should be avoided.
Acne Myth #3: I’ll Just Bake Off My Zits with a Tan…
Acne Fact: Even though a tan may temporarily cover the redness of acne, there’s no evidence that having tanned skin helps to clear up acne. People who tan in the sun or in tanning booths or beds run the risk of developing dry, irritated, or even burned skin. They’re also at increased risk of premature aging and developing skin cancer.
We recommend to keep skin safe by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. You should also wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (or SPF) of at least 30 that’s labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic,” which means the product won’t clog pores. Ask your doctor whether a sunless tanning product would be a better alternative.
It’s especially important for kids who use prescription acne medications (including oral contraceptives, which are often prescribed to help clear up acne) to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. These drugs can make skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and the rays from ultraviolet tanning booths.
We hope you’ve found these myths about acne helpful.
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