Common Acne Myths You Need to Know
If you suffer from acne, you probably have your own theories as to what causes it, right? With acne breakouts affecting an estimated 80% of people aged between 11 and 30 at some point in their lives, it’s an incredibly common skin complaint – yet no one’s skin is the same.
With so many different theories and ideas about what actually causes acne, it can leave many of us feeling confused and at a total loss about how to clear it up. So, to make sure you are as informed as possible about your breakouts – and are equipped to choose the best possible treatment for your skin – here are some of the most common acne myths that you need to know.
1. If you have acne, your skin is dirty
One of the most well-known acne myths out there, many people wrongly assume that if you suffer from acne you’re lazy and simply don’t take care of your skin. But this is 100%, not the case.
Having acne doesn’t mean your skin is packed with dirt and bacteria. In fact, most acne breakouts and pimples are caused by excess natural oils and dead skin cells clogging up pores – both of which are naturally produced by your skin!
Because of the ‘dirty skin’ myth, most acne sufferers opt for very harsh, abrasive cleansers which can cause even more irritation to the skin. This can inadvertently make acne breakouts even worse, meaning a gentle, soap-free cleanser is likely to be much more effective.
2. Only teenagers have acne
As earlier mentioned, acne affects a huge 80% of people aged between 11 and 30 – meaning adults are just as likely as teens to get breakouts! In fact, it’s estimated that one in four adults aged between 25 and 44 get pimples, proving that teenagers certainly aren’t the only age group to suffer.
In addition to excess oil and dead skin cells, acne is also heavily caused by hormones. This is one of the main reasons pregnant women often go through a phase of acne breakouts. So, if you’re no longer a teenager but find yourself suffering from acne – it’s totally normal, and it’s important not to be embarrassed to get help!
3. Sun exposure helps eliminate pimples
Whilst a small degree of sun exposure has been shown to reduce the appearance of spots, believing that continued exposure can cure acne is a very dangerous myth.
It’s no secret how damaging the sun can be to your skin in general, typically causing sun spots, premature ageing and even increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. But when it comes to acne breakouts, long-term sun exposure darkens acne scars can actually increase the blockage in your pores. This can cause a higher number of blackheads and whiteheads appearing on your skin.
Now you know the truth behind some of today’s most common acne myths, you’ll be better equipped to treat your spots in an effective yet safe way. But if you find yourself continuing to struggle or if your acne is getting progressively worse, take a look at our extensive range of acne treatments available here at A New You – expertly designed to provide tailored treatment to your skin.
