Acne Myths

Myth : Poor skin hygiene causes acne.
Fact  : Blackheads are not dirt, but are impactions or collections of dead skin cells and oil found inside the follicle opening. The skin should be washed regularly twice daily.  Excessive washing can cause problems with drying of the skin.

Myth : Acne is a teenage disease.
Fact  : The majority of people develop acne around puberty and adolescence. Acne will subside spontaneously after four to five years in 70 percent of people, but it can and does persist in a further 30 percent of people well into adult life. The incidence of acne at 40 years of age is more than one percent in men and around five percent in women.

Myth : Acne is something you will grow out of.
Fact  : Acne does persist through into whole adult life for some people. Acne may develop significant and permanent scarring of the skin. It is very important to start the treatment of acne as soon as possible.

Myth : Fatty food and chocolate cause acne.
Fact  : Studies have shown no correlation between diet and acne, but a good balanced diet should help your management of any chronic disease, like acne.

Myth : Acne is caused by sex or masturbation.
Fact  : In most majority of patients acne is not because of an abnormal level of the male hormone and has nothing to do with whether you have, or don't have a sex.

Myth : Squeezing acne makes you feel better.
Fact  : To squeeze acne spots is a great danger causing more damage to the skin and this could ultimately lead to permanent scarring. Never squeeze blackheads with your fingers.