Teens will do just about anything to beat acne, but doctors in the American Academy of Dermatology say a recent survey shows teens may be doing the wrong things. One popular myth about acne is that sun exposure will cure it. Doctors say that's wrong. A tan does make acne less noticeable, but it doesn't do anything to heal acne. Instead, exposure to the sun increases risk for skin cancer and wrinkles.
Teens also scrub like crazy, hoping they can wash away the dirt and oil that make acne worse.
But while clean skin is one way to help fight acne, scrubbing may open pimples and leave sores. One of the worst things you can do for acne is pop your pimples. Unfortunately, most teens feel popping pimples will make them heal faster. Instead, it could lead to worse infections or to scarring. Dermatologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say you should keep skin clean using a gentle cleanser.