Acne Myths/FAQs
The acne product I’m using is making me break out more. Is this normal?
Yes. What you are experiencing is a purge process necessary to restore your skin’s balance and health. When beginning a new skin care product, oils and other impurities will rise to the surface and actually cause you to break out more. It is important to continue use as directed through this period in order to achieve results.
Can I wear make-up or use other moisturizers when using an acne cleanser?
Yes. Follow the directions of the cleanser, but most over-the counter medications allow use of light make-up and other moisturizers that are oil-free or labeled as ‘non-comedogenic’ as to not clog pores.
Are adolescent and adult acne different?
No. Acne has the same physiological make-up on any person, regardless of gender, age or race. The placement of acne tends to vary, however, where women tend to break out near the mouth, chin and jaw line and young adults tend to break out on the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks.
Do greasy foods and chocolate cause acne?
No. Acne is not a reflection of eating a poor diet. However, drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables with Vitamin A can help control the production of dead skin cells, which is a leading cause of acne.
Does poor hygiene cause acne?
No. Although frequently cleaning clothing, sheets and towels can help prevent skin irritation, washing your face too frequently and vigorously can cause greater irritations and more acne. It is recommended to wash your face gently twice a day with soap and using an acne cleanser to treat acne.
The acne is gone, but I have dark spots in its place. Will these go away?
Yes. Although the discolored areas, known as Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), will go away on their own, the process could take a few weeks to years. Products that contain Active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid can help aid in decreasing the appearance of PIH.
I’m using an acne product and my skin is getting really dry. Is this normal?
Yes. Common side effects of acne cleansers are dry and flaky skin. Try using a light, oil-free moisturizer in conjunction with the acne creams. You can also use a lower concentration of the active ingredient if available in similar products. If severe dryness persists, stop use immediately and consult your doctor or dermatologist. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the active ingredient and should seek medical opinion for which products to use.
I’m using an acne product and my skin is getting really oily. Is this normal?
No. This is a signal that you may be using too much product. Try decreasing the amount of cream you are applying. If symptoms persist, however, seek medical opinion for which products to use.
Are red breakouts always considered acne?
No. There are several different types of skin conditions that look like acne; including Eczema, Rosacea, Milia, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, enlarged pores, Keratosis Pilaris and Perioral Dermatitis. Some of these conditions can also be treated with an acne product, some need medical assistance for prescription medication.
Will acne products also help the breakouts on my body?
Sometimes breakouts on the body often occur from excessive sweat or irritation from clothing. Some active ingredients exfoliate the skin and clears clogged pores on all skin surfaces. Frequent cleaning and changing of sheets, towels and undershirts is also recommended to help with breakouts on the back, chest and shoulders.
The acne product I tried didn’t work. Should I just let my acne run its course?
No. For most people, results from an acne cleanser aren’t seen until three or four weeks of steady use. Make sure you have followed the instructions and are using only oil-free moisturizers and ‘non-comedogenic’ cosmetics with the product. If no results appear after six to eight weeks, try another over-the-counter product or consult your dermatologist. The active ingredients for each product differ and can help with different acne causes. Everyone’s skin is different, but acne is a treatable condition. Sometimes, it’s a matter of finding the right mix of products and sticking with a routine.
My skin clears up when I get tan. Can’t I just go to the tanning bed to treat my acne?
No. A suntan may temporarily mask the appearance of acne, but can’t treat acne. The active ingredients used in acne cleansers exfoliate the skin, decrease the number of P. acnes, clear clogged pores and perform other acne fighting functions suntans and make-up cannot.
Does popping my zit really do damage?
Yes. Not only does popping a pimple cause bacteria to go deeper in the surface and spread to a larger area, you may actually permanently damage your skin by leaving marks and scars. It may temporarily mask the appearance of acne, but only an acne cleansing regiment can treat acne and prevent acne from occurring.
Can I still shave if I have acne?
Yes. Men should be careful around acne areas to avoid nicking the skin and causing irritation, but do not have to forgo shaving because of a breakout. Safety and electric razors are less harsh on sensitive skin and work better for people with acne.
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