Teen acne myths

You may be getting your acne information from a variety of sources—family, friends, beauty magazines, etc.—but, unfortunately, a lot of that information can be unreliable. Myths about what causes acne—and what to do about it—get repeated so often that it’s easy to start thinking that some of them may be true. However, misinformation about what really triggers breakouts and blemishes, and what you should do to heal and prevent breakouts, can be one of the biggest obstacles between you and a clear, healthy complexion.

Here’s the truth about 5 popular acne myths:

Myth #1: Acne is caused by dirt

Not true. Acne has many causes, but dirt isn’t one of them. Pimples form when genetics and hormones trigger a cycle of excess dead skin cells that mix with excess amounts of your body’s natural oils and clog your pores. This chronic cycle has nothing to do with dirt—in fact, too much washing or use of harsh scrubs—or even ordinary soap—can strip your skin of essential oils, causing dry, flaky skin. Overly dry skin can also cause your oil glands to overcompensate and produce more oil than your pores can handle. Washing more than 2-3 times a day can lead to a frustrating cycle of dryness, too much oil, clogged pores and aggravated breakouts.

Myth #2: Certain foods cause acne

Not true. There are no specific foods directly linked to acne, and most people can eat everything in moderation, including chocolate and french fries, with little risk of causing a breakout.  For a small percentage of people, however, acne flare ups may be triggered by seafood and table salt (both of which contain a high concentration of iodine), dairy and animal products, and processed foods, which can spike blood glucose levels.  Even if you’re not susceptible to these reactions, your body as a whole (and perhaps your skin) will be better off with a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and fresh produce. Its fine to indulge every once in a while, just use common sense. And if you believe your acne is food related, a food diary can help you trace patterns and determine triggers.

Myth #3:  Makeup causes acne

It’s possible. Some makeup includes ingredients that are comedogenic (known to clog pores). However, these days it’s easy to find cosmetics made with non-comedogenic ingredients. Make sure to shop for products clearly marked “oil free,”  “non-comedogenic” and “hypoallergenic.”  You may also benefit from makeup medicated with salicylic acid, which can help fight acne while your wear it. However, it’s important to remember that excessive sweating and humid conditions can cause even the right kinds of products to clog pores and cause acne.  It’s important to remove your makeup before strenuous exercise and treat your skin with a medicated cleanser after. It’s also crucial to remove your makeup completely, every night, before going to bed.

Myth 4: Acne is caused by too much sex

Not true. What is true is that androgens, the sex hormones all of us begin producing during puberty, are one of acne’s main contributing factors. However, while these and other hormones may initiate sex drive, your sexual habits have no effect on acne. Same goes for masturbation.

Myth #5:  Stress causes acne

Emotional stress can have a variety of physical effects on the body, including acne. You may have noticed more breakouts before midterms or a big date and during other stressful periods. The reason for this is that when the body encounters stress, it releases a “survival” hormone called cortisol, which triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.  More oil can lead to clogged pores and increased blemishes. Some teens are more affected by stress acne than others, but everyone can benefit from finding ways to reduce and manage stress. Exercise and meditation are great ways to release tension while using a medicated acne-fighting system can also help keep your skin under control even when the pressure is on.

Models used for illustrative purposes only.