Common Acne Myth & What You Should Do Instead
by Claudia Christin on Feb 01, 2023
If you have acne-prone skin, you’ll most likely browse over the internet in hope to find a solution. However, the internet is like a two edged-sword, although it eased you to find information, it’s not uncommon for you to fall for an unsolicited information. Let’s go through some of the most common acne myth that you should stop believing!
1. Dirty Skin Causes Acne: Washing your face too often
Thinking that your skin is dirty hence the acne, some tend to wash their face more often. But this will make your skin more vulnerable and more prone to inflammation. The cause of acne are very multifactorial. Other factors such as genetics, hormones and stress can’t be washed away with your facial cleanser.
Although cleansing may help reduce the chance for dirt and dead skin cells to clog your pores, it is not the only issue that play as the cause of acne.
What you should do instead:
Choose a gentle, pH balanced cleanser and use it just two times a day, morning and night.
Product recommendation:
2. Exfoliate More to Remove Dead Skin Cell: Over-Exfoliating
While its true that exfoliating products can help with acne, some may look for a quick fix and think that it will clear their acne faster if they exfoliate more. However, exfoliating too much may ruin your skin barrier and induce more inflammation.
What you should do instead:
Do it occasionally and mindfully. You can either follow direction of use or use it for at most 2-3 times a week.
Product recommendation:
3. Your Diet is The Main Reason You’re Having Acne: Extreme Restrictive Diet
Greasy food, peanuts or spicy food have been put on the blame as the cause of acne. Although it may trigger inflammation, again, it is not the only reason your skin stays onyour skin.
What you should do instead:
Maintain a balance and healthy diet overall. But don’t be afraid to indulge on some of your favorite food once in a while. Remember that moderation is key!
Diet recommendation:
- Antioxidant-rich food (blueberry, strawberry, beet root, etc)
- Food that are high in fibers
- Drink enough water daily
** It’s okay to eat your favorite food once in a while
4. Natural is always better: DIY skincare
From white egg masks, apple cider vinegar, to many more DIY skincare for ‘clearer skin’, it may instead create havoc! Although it may have some anti-inflammatory to soothing properties, these natural ingredients are not refined and may silently contain phytochemicals that create reaction on your skin.
What you should do instead:
Use a well-formulated products with ingredient that target acne. Choose ingredients like AHA, BHA, Sulfur, Zinc, tea tree or other that can target different acne pathogenesis.
Product recommendation:
5. You Should Get Rid of Your Pimple ASAP: Picking & Squeezing Pimple
Picking on your pimple will never be a good idea. It may introduce bacteria and worsen the inflammation. It will either make your acne last longer or even leave marks on your skin.
What you should do instead:
You just have to leave them alone and avoid picking them at any instance. If your fingers keep on reaching for it, you can apply a pimple patch on it to prevent you from doing it.
Only if you feel like your pimple has come to its head that is it ready to be pop. Even so, this is not recommended if it is not handled with care / in a hygienic way.
Product recommendation:
6. Skipping Sunscreen
Skipping sunscreen while you are struggling with acne is actually a double-edged sword. Sunscreen is good at protecting your skin from UV rays but on the other hand, if you’re not using the right one for your skin, it may exacerbate your condition. Talk to your dermatologist if skipping sunscreen is necessary in your case.
What you should do:
If you are dealing with comedonal acne or light acne condition, you should still use your sunscreen daily especially if you are having a lot of outdoor activities. However, in somecases when your acne is on their severe stage, you can consult with your dermatologist for more personalized solution. Choose a lightweight gel formula to keep your skin protected without clogging the pores.
Product recommendation: