Acne Myths

While society blames poor diet, stress and a number of bad habits as leading causes for the outbreak of acne, the truth is that these things have little or nothing to do with it. And while proper nutrition, exercise, plenty of sleep and regular washing are great for the complexion and general health, they really don't do anything to prevent or cure acne. So what can you do to prevent breakouts? For starters, learn to separate the myths from the facts.

Myth: People get acne from poor hygiene.
Fact: Acne begins below the surface of the skin when the hair follicle becomes plugged. Bacteria that cause inflammation in the hair follicles of your skin may contribute to the formation of acne pimples and blackheads. However, the blackheads aren't plugged with dirt, and the pimples simply won't get better with repeated washing. In fact, over-washing may actually irritate your skin.

Myth: What you eat plays a big part in how your skin looks. For example, chocolate and greasy, fried foods cause your skin to break out.
Fact: No one has been able to prove that chocolate causes acne. The only way fried foods may promote blemishes is if the oil in which they are cooked gets onto your skin and isn't completely washed off. Sometimes a poor diet reflects a stressful lifestyle. In some people, stress itself can trigger an outbreak of acne by increasing production of hormones.

Myth: Using makeup causes acne.
Fact: Some makeup can promote the clogging of pores. Look for makeup labeled "non-comedogenic," which is specially formulated not to clog your pores or aggravate skin.

Myth: Frequent washing of the face can reduce the oil and prevent new breakouts.
Fact: No matter how much you scrub, you can't prevent clogged pores. And washing too frequently or with harsh cleansers can over-dry and irritate your skin. Your body may produce more oil to combat the dryness. Try a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil^® cleansers, formulated for all skin types. Learn more about skin care with our Personal Skin Analysis.

For more facts about acne, print the Acne Fact Sheet.

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