Debunking acne myths
Published on studentbodyuf.com
Let’s face it, acne sucks. It’s a never-ending cycle that doesn’t seem to ever stop, no matter what age you are.
You’ve probably been disappointed by more than a few face washes that haven’t quite lived up to their claims, and you have the full bottles underneath your sink to prove it.
Between toothpaste on your pimples, a homemade mask made from oatmeal or honey or cinnamon or avocado, the Internet includes a mass of information on what to do to get rid of those pimples.
Home remedies are not the answer to completely clear skin.
“Acne is a disease of the hormones, not a dirty face,” says Dr. Jonette E. Keri, a University of Miami dermatologist who specializes in acne.
And now I bet you’re thinking that if you have acne, you’re basically stuck with it. Not exactly. Keri says that bacteria plays a role.
“The thing that kick starts acne is the hormones that are behind the skin. When it gets oilier, the skin gets clogged, and acne begins to form,” she says.
But as easily as it forms, it’s not as easy to get rid of. Young adults who are college students or just joining the workforce may not have the time and disposable income to engage in trial and error when it comes to figuring out what works for our skin.
According to New Jersey-based acne specialist and licensed aesthetician Nikolett Ivanyi, young adults need to create a daily skin care regimen that works and suits our lifestyle.
“Everyone is different,” she says. “[There are] different skin types and acne types. Most teenagers and young adults don’t have a good skin care routine. Products can help, but lifestyle is important as well.”
So the next time you are going to bed with makeup on or not washing your face after working out, think again.
Keri advises those with acne to pick a product that seems to fit your skin type, apply to a larger area and do it regularly.
To work on preventing those stubborn pimples from even getting the slightest chance to begin their life journey onto our face, let’s debunk some myths of good skincare.
I put toothpaste on my pimples to make them go away overnight.
MYTH: Don’t lie; we’ve all tried it. But guess what—this doesn’t work. It really just dries out the pimples, and depending on what toothpaste you use, it could actually have an adverse effect on your skin. Toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium fluoride, which can both cause skin irritation, according to Future Derm. It can create dark spots on your skin that will take much longer to go away than the acne you were trying to get rid of in the first place. So, when it comes to this medicine cabinet remedy, just don’t use it.
I don’t put my phone on my face because it will give me acne.
MYTH: Kind of. Have you ever looked at your phone and seen all your finger swipes and fingerprints? Yep, that’s a lot of bacteria that has transferred to your phone from everything that your hands have touched. But according to Keri, this bacteria is a different type than what is on your skin.
What really irritates your skin is the rubbing of the phone against your cheek, not the actual bacteria. So next time you’re on a phone call, try not to press the phone against your cheek, use the speakerphone feature or a hands-free device.
Only teenagers get acne—there must be something wrong with me.
MYTH: Completely untrue. According to Ivanyi, acne is a genetic disease and can come about at various ages and in both men and women. She said that she started getting acne during her mid-20’s and sees a lot of patients with the same problem. Nothing is wrong with you.
While young adults tend to be more prone to common breakouts, an estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Spot treating is the best way to treat acne.
MYTH: Even if you only have acne in one spot, such as on your forehead, you should treat your entire face. According to Keri, that is the best way to get control of your skin.
I use warm water to pop my pimples because it opens my pores.
MYTH: Dermatologists caution against popping pimples because it can lead to more irritation and scarring, so avoid popping your pimples. Also, your pores cannot open and close, although they may feel closed or clogged at times. That’s where masks and at-home treatments can help your face feel like it is “breathing.” I enjoy trying out various types of masks made with honey. It may seem weird and sticky, but your skin will feel super fresh and clean when it comes off.
If you want your face to feel clean and satisfy the urge without popping anything, try steaming your face. Start by washing and rinsing your face. Then, boil five cups of water in a pot, transferring the hot water into a larger bowl when boiled. Put a towel over your head and steam your face above the hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Adding essential oils like lavender or mint can transform this into spa-like experience on the cheap.
Acne is a bacterial condition.
MYTH: Actually, acne is a hormonal condition. So anyone can get it, regardless of how clean his or her face is. Which is kind of unfortunate, because some people just have naturally clear skin (sigh).
In our quest for perfect skin, it’s crucial to develop a healthy skin care routine and make sure to understand that it won’t go away overnight. Acne can be controlled.
