Three Major Acne Myths Debunked
Acne affects teens and adults alike. Many patients who seek our expertise regarding their acne issues tell us they’re nearly hopeless that they’ll ever find a solution. Before we discuss potential treatment options with these patients, we initially assess their basic understanding of acne including its cause, contributing factors, and why certain acne treatments don’t work for everyone.
During personal consultations, we notice that the following acne myths are still widely believed:
1. Acne and breakouts are a result of dirty skin.
People who mistakenly believe that acne is a result of dirty skin often overclean their faces with harsh facial scrubs and cleansers. This is not good because too much scrubbing will only increase skin dryness and irritation, leading to more breakouts. The dark color of blackheads has nothing to do with dirt. Rather, it’s caused by oxygenation which occurs when the combination of excess oil and dead skin cells in the open pores is exposed to air.
2. Acne treatments that tingle when applied mean that they’re actually working.
This is not always the case and tingling or stinging skin should not be the basis of whether an acne product is working. Ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus make anti-acne products tingle but most of these ingredients irritate the skin and may only worsen the actual acne. However, trusted acne products with glycolic acid or salicylic acid may also tingle so it’s important to consider both the ingredients in your products and how they make your skin feel. Look for noticeable results after an extended period of use to determine whether you are experiencing “good tingling” or painful stinging.
3. Acne is caused by eating too much chocolate and dairy.
The truth is that acne has to do with the proliferation of a certain strain of bacteria. However, the main reason behind such sudden proliferation is still unclear and may be influenced by genetics, hormonal shifts, and certain medications. Dairy might be making your acne slightly worse, but this is not a guarantee. Other people could have acne breakouts in response to sugars, greasy food, or non-food-related factors.
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At K Plastic Surgery, we have helped men and women alike reduce acne breakouts with customized treatment plans that may include skincare, laser treatments, chemical peels, and/or facials. Call our office or fill out an online contact form to learn more about acne treatments offered by Dr. Kayastha, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Albany, NY.