Acne is literally the WORST. And just when you think you’ve got things under control, another crop of pimples will appear somewhere on your face. Concealer can hide a lot of things, but it can’t conceal texture (can someone invent this, please?) We are always being given various reasons for why we get acne and what we should and shouldn’t be doing to get rid of it so that we can enjoy clear, glowing skin. We separate facts from fiction about break-outs and blemishes so that you know what works and what doesn’t. Knowledge is power (and clear skin!)
Myth #1: Eating Junk Food Causes Acne
If you have a really unhealthy diet then this will be reflected on your skin, but the occasional naughty snack is not going to turn you into a pizza face. In fact, the only food that could potentially trigger acne flare-ups are those that contain hormones, which are dairy products such as milk and cheese. And these hormones don’t affect most people. For those who do notice a correlation between downing a milkshake and an increase in pimples, it might be worth switching to dairy alternatives. We hear almond milk is pretty tasty.
Myth #2: Wearing Makeup Makes Acne Worse
This depends on what type of makeup you are using. If you wear foundation that is thick and clogs your pores, it may well result in a break-out. If you are prone to acne, you need to be more ingredient-savvy when it comes to your cosmetics. Switch oil-based foundations for something lighter such as mineral makeup. When it comes to skincare, use water-based lotions and serums rather than heavy creams. It should go without saying, but it’s also crucial that you remove all your makeup at the end of the day to prevent zits from forming while you sleep.
Myth #3: Washing Your Face More Will Keep Acne at Bay
Wrong! While it kind-of makes sense – squeaky-clean faces can’t fall victim to impurities, right? – washing your face more could actually aggravate the problem. But why? If your face is cleaned too often, it strips it of the natural oils it needs. This causes skin to go into sebum-producing overdrive and it is this sebum that results in acne. Stick to washing twice a day, and use a cleanser that is gentle. You only get one face, so give it a break and the TLC it rightfully deserves.
Myth #4: Skin Becomes Oilier in Summer
Ladies, while it might SEEM as though your skin is greasier in the hot summer months, this is actually not oil but sweat. Skin doesn’t decide that it’s going to create more oil during this season but the moisture on its surface can make you appear oilier and cause your makeup to head south. Using products that contain salicylic acid and exfoliating regularly to remove build-up should prevent your skin from freaking out. And just in case you thought that you didn’t need moisturiser in summer, you’d be wrong, but switch to something lighter if your skin is problematic .
Myth #5: Your Acne is Your Fault
Consider this myth officially busted! If you are looking after your skin well, then your acne is in no way your fault. The main reasons behind them are hormones and genetics, so you can thank your parents for your skin woes. That being said, it is still a condition that you can have some control over. Figuring out what type of skin you have and what type of acne you have is the first step to conquering it as you can then choose the appropriate products. If you need guidance, dermatologists are there to help guide you in the direction of healthy, glowing, spot-free skin.
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