Acne can affect anyone, no matter their age or skin type. Even though most of us have dealt with some form of acne at one time or another, there remains a relatively large amount of misunderstanding surrounding it. With information coming at us from all directions, it is often quite hard to distinguish fact from fiction.
Only Teenagers Are Affected
With an estimated 85% of teenagers experiencing some form of an acne flare-up, it is easy to see how this first myth came about. The truth is acne doesn't always clear up when an individual reaches adulthood. The majority of those affected by acne in their adolescent years continue to struggle with it well into their later years. A recent study determined that 40-55 percent of adults in the US have been diagnosed with and still struggling with acne.
Tans With Heal Acne
Getting a tan is one of the more dangerous myths on our list. Tanning leaves your skin vulnerable to other serious conditions, such as premature aging and skin cancer. Tanning doesn't heal acne. Instead, it serves as a means of camouflaging any flare-ups. It will not do anything to help promote the healing of the acne, and exposure to the sun's UV rays will encourage the darkening of any ache scars already present.
Pop That Pimple
Contrary to what you may think, the last thing you want to do is pop your acne pimples, which can worsen the situation. When popping a pimple, you create a means for bacteria to release into your skin. The presence of additional bacteria can cause more and even worse breakouts to occur. Popping can also lead to acne scarring as it will interfere with your skin and its natural healing process.
No Need To Moisturize
Whether or not you find you are prone to acne breakouts, you will still need to ensure that you moisturize. When you fail to moisturize your skin, you leave it vulnerable to irritation, which can increase the number of breakouts no matter your skin type. With that said, remember that certain heavy moisturizers often contain ingredients that will only prove to irritate skin that is already acne-prone.
Washing Your Face
Many are not aware of just how complex a disorder skin acne is. Flare-ups aren't solely based on whether or not you wash your face frequently. It is essential to know that washing your face more than twice a day will most commonly lead to skin irritation due to drying out, possibly leading to even more acne breakouts. Acne can also become worse with vigorous scrubbing and overuse of cleaning products.
Treat With Toothpaste
Dermatologists say that this particular myth is one that they see pretty often. The reason is that toothpaste has long been touted online as a miracle cure for acne and safe to use as a home remedy. The truth about this claim is somewhat complicated in that, yes, toothpaste will work on drying out any existing pimples. However, that is where its effectiveness ends, as it will not aid in preventing the possibility of any future breakouts. Then, there is the fact that toothpaste contains the harsh ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate, which is known to clog the pores of the skin and make your acne even worse.
Pops Up Overnight
It may seem that an acne flare-up occurs suddenly overnight ,but it turns out the growth of the acne will begin weeks in advance, deep within the skin, before the first pimple even surfaces and becomes visible. Acne must be treated at its source, below the skin, with routine maintenance utilizing proper skincare and prescription topical medication in as-needed situations. By treating acne at the primary source, you will be more likely to prevent flare-ups and the resulting appearance of pimples.
Genetics
Studies have shown that if your parents suffered from acne flare-ups, you may also. Genetics, and the genes involved, influence the response your skin has to inflammation triggers. With that said, if you have an acne flare-up, your system will likely produce a significant inflammatory reaction triggered by the bacteria in acne. The same genetics that makes you prone to acne can also play an important factor in your skin's sensitivity concerning hormonal changes, which can play a part in acne flare-ups.
Chemical peels are proven effective in the prevention and treatment of acne. Call us today to schedule your chemical peel at one of our two convenient locations in Austin and Georgetown.