If you have acne, the most difficult thing about it might be fumbling in the dark for information, trying to separate reliable advice from myth. Below is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel!

Acne Myth: You get acne from not washing your face well enough. While it is true that dirt and oil cause clogs that lead to pimples, vigorous washing may make your acne worse instead of preventing it by stripping away the beneficial oils that keep your skin healthy and flexible. Wash your face gently, with an oil-free cleanser, and pat your face dry instead of rubbing.

Acne Myth: Certain foods cause acne. We’ve all heard it: pizza, French fries, chocolate. Scientific studies have shown that these things do not cause acne. However, a balanced is best for the body, and therefore the skin as well.

Acne Myth: Stress causes acne. A tough daily commute, an intense job, and pressures at home are not direct factors in acne. However, the body does respond to stress by increasing certain hormones, and that response can lead to extra production of oils in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Monitor your stress levels and make relaxation from time to time a priority. You may also experience acne if you are taking medication for stress-related illness or depression. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist as to the side-effects of such medications.

Acne Myth: Acne is only a cosmetic problem. Of course acne makes people feel self-conscious and is not a serious health threat. But the physical scars that can sometimes result, in addition to the emotional scars of having severe acne especially as a teen, can affect a person in a lifelong way. Do seek medical help for serious acne to avoid such devastation to self-esteem.

Acne Myth: You just have to wait it out. Certainly, many cases of acne clear up by themselves. However, your case might require antibiotics, or one of the many other prescription medications available to treat and prevent it. If over-the-counter products do not help within a few days, there is no sense in taking a “wait and see” approach. Avoid the embarrassment, irritation, and scarring by seeking out the advice of a healthcare professional.

Acne Myth: Only teens get acne. The simple truth is that people can get acne at any age. It is no one’s fault, and the causes and treatments vary for each person.

Acne Myth: Make-up causes acne. Most cosmetic manufactures make non-comedogenic products, which do not clog pores. Look for products that state that on the label, as well as for those that are oil-free. If you exercise while wearing make-up, be aware that you do run the risk of getting even non-comedogenic make-up into your pores as they expand with perspiration.

Acne Myth: You can spot-treat pimples. A blemish is actually a symptom of a problem that has been brewing for two or three weeks. So you will be treating only the symptom and not the problem. Therefore, prevention is the key; treat the problem by cleansing your face properly every day, even when your skin is looking perfect.

Acne Myth: The sun helps cure acne. While blemishes may be less noticeable with a tan, being in the sun promotes more rapid turnover of your skin cells, which may lead to more clogged pores. Sun damage to skin may also increase scarring due to acne. Be on the side of protecting your precious skin by using oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 15 for both UV-A and UV-B rays.