Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of people at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about acne. Since June is Acne Awareness Month, we’re going to bust 5 of the most common myths about acne and discuss some ways you can treat or prevent it.
Myth #1: Acne is caused by dirt
You’ve probably been told at some point that acne is caused by dirt. But the truth is, acne is not caused by dirt. Acne is actually caused by a combination of factors, including hormones, genes, and the overproduction of oil. So even if you’re the cleanest person in the world, you can still get acne.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
Although it’s important to keep your skin clean, poor hygiene alone does not cause acne. In fact, over cleansing, and using harsh soaps and cleaners, can irritate and worsen the skin, potentially leading to more acne breakouts.
However, improper hygiene can lead to an infection of the sebaceous glands, leading to acne. So, while it is important to keep your skin clean, and to resist the urge to pop pimples – cleanliness alone is not the cause of your acne.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by eating greasy food
Despite common belief, the food you eat is not to blame for causing acne. Greasy foods may increase sebum production – the oily substance that is linked to the development of acne – but a direct cause and effect has not been established. It’s more likely the hormones in your body are imbalanced than the actual food itself. Paying attention to your diet and the nutritional value of the foods you eat can be beneficial to overall skin health, but it’s not likely to be a cure-all for acne.
Myth #4: Acne is caused by stress
Stress may cause an influx of hormones that lead to breakouts, but it is not the direct cause of acne. The concept of “stress acne” is real in some cases, but not all individuals experience breakouts due to stress. It is more likely that stress aggravates existing acne conditions and exacerbates the appearance of blemishes. Therefore, it is important to manage your stress levels rather than believe it is the singular cause of your breakouts. This means engaging in self-care activities, practicing a mindful lifestyle, and identifying stressors. Proper stress management can help keep acne in check and promote clearer skin.
Myth #5: Acne is incurable
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not an incurable condition. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an imbalance of hormones. As a result, medications and treatments that target hormone-disruption can be effective in treating acne. Furthermore, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce acne, such as incorporating probiotics into your diet and maintaining healthy hygiene practices.
So how do you get rid of acne? The best treatment is to start with a good skincare routine. This means cleansing your skin using an acne-fighting product, or professional skincare line like Environ, and exfoliating regularly.
If you are still struggling with acne, call Western New York Dermatology at 716-831-2600 to discuss one of our many treatment options, like AviClear™, a revolutionary new treatment for mild to severe acne.
