Updated May 2022
To say there's a lot of misinformation out there on the subject of acne would be an understatement. We are constantly hearing new do's and don'ts about the causes of acne and ways to prevent it. So what's true and what's a myth? We've picked four of the most talked about topics when it comes to acne and discuss them below.
Myth #1) Chocolate Causes Acne
Contrary to what your parents may have told you as a child, eating chocolate will not cause you to break out. Chocolate may not be healthiest snack choice on the planet (unless it's dark chocolate, which is healthy in moderation, of course), but there's no scientific evidence linking it to acne. There is actually little evidence out there that supports this claim. So this is one rumor that can now be laid to rest.
There are, however, reports that link carb-filled/sugar filled diets to acne prone skin. So eating a well-balanced diet filled with good carbs, fruits, and veggies, is not only good for your overall physical health, but for keeping your skin clear, healthy, balanced as well.
Myth #2) Sun Exposure Clears Up Acne Blemishes
Some people believe that tanning for long periods of time will eliminate and/or prevent acne blemishes. The truth, however, is that it only masks the problem by making blemishes less noticeable. A bright-red blemish may turn into a more golden brown after laying out under the sun for several hours. The real problem is the damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Even if your acne looks less noticeable, the sun's ultraviolet rays will damage your skin, leaving it dry, irritated and even burned in some cases.
Note: if you're worried that sunscreen lotion will clog your pores, choose a product labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic,” meaning it doesn't clog the pores. Still in search of a good sunscreen? Our Triple Defense Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is reef-safe, noncomedogenic, and offers improved skin radiance, oil control and instant hydration.
Myth #3) Only Teenagers Experience Acne
Acne isn't a condition that's limited strictly to teenagers. While rates of breakouts are certainly higher among adolescents, anyone can develop a facial blemish, regardless of age. Some estimates suggest that nearly 1 in 2 men and 1 in 4 women experience acne in their adult years. It's important to remember no matter what age to always wash your face at the end of the day, and to help keep those blemishes away use a product that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Two great products are our Clarifying Detox Mask or our Glycolic Acid Peel Pads with Blue Agave.
Myth #4) Touching Your Face Can Spread Acne Around
I'm not sure who started this myth, but it's time to lay it to rest. The general belief is that touching your face with your hands will spread bacteria-causing acne around, making new blemishes appear in areas that were otherwise acne-free. Granted, constantly touching your face throughout the day may increase the amount of oil on your face, but it's not going to spread bacteria-causing acne. The bacteria responsible for acne lies deep within the pores – an area that's impossible for your hands to reach.
0 comments
