8 ACNE MYTHS DEBUNKED
By: Dr Priyanka John
Tags: Skincare, Acne, Skin Care Treatment, Skin Care Tips, Mythbusters

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Dealing with acne is no joke. It’s every teenager’s nightmare and has certainly given a lot of my patients sleepless nights.

The skin condition, which reminds us of our awkward teenage years (thanks, hormones), can manifest in numerous ways. Sometimes, they are tolerable, and other times, it’s harrowing.

Acne aka Acne Vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition arising from the pilosebaceous hair follicles that can result in pigmentation and scarring, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.

Acne affects various parts of the body and affects individuals of all ages, making it all the more annoying. It can cause severe mental distress and can take a severe toll on our self-esteem and confidence.

With various resources on acne, I’m here to set the record straight on some of the most common myths around the internet.

1. Eating junk food cause acne.

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There is no proven scientific research that says junk food results in acne outbreaks. However, according to DermnetNZ, food with a lower glycemic index such as brown rice, green vegetables, fruits, raw carrots, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and bran breakfast cereals reduce the chances of developing acne.

2. Acne will go away on its own.

This is partially true when it is a minor case of acne. A few eruptions come and go due to different precipitating factors. However, a severe case of acne typically does not resolve on its own. Without treatment, acne can often progress and worsen. It is best to consult your dermatologist when you notice repeated flair-ups, hyperpigmentation, painful cysts and scarring of the face.

There are multiple treatment options at various stages of acne such as topical medications, oral antibiotics, retinoids, chemical peels and laser. Consult your dermatologist for proper skincare routine and treatment options.

3. Over-the-counter medication like steroids provides quick relief from acne.

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This is a nightmare not only for someone dealing with acne but also for the dermatologist. OTC medications are terrible treatment options as they are not specific to treating acne. Flair-ups are quite common with those who misuse potent steroids, skin whitening creams, topical antibiotics and other triple combination drugs that include steroids, antibiotics and antifungals.

Steroids are potentially dangerous when self-prescribed as this can lead to

Stretch marks (striae) in armpits or groin

Stinging sensation

Easy bruising (senile/solar purpura) and tearing of the skin

Pigment alteration (Hypopigmentation)

Skin thinning

Excessive hair growth (Hypertrichosis)

A topical steroid can cause, aggravate or mask skin infections such as impetigo, tinea, herpes simplex, Malassezia folliculitis and molluscum contagiosum.

4. Retinoids are safe in pregnancy.

Retinoids are unsafe in pregnancy. Both topical and oral retinoids are extremely dangerous during pregnancy. Retinoid usage such as isotretinoin (Accutane) during pregnancy can cause adverse effects on the developing embryo and fetus including miscarriage, and congenital disabilities such as hearing and visual loss, congenital heart defects, thyroid-related issues and growth defects.

5. You need to wash your face more.

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Washing your face more often won’t treat your acne. Repeated washing more than twice daily may do more harm than good. Washing your face is helpful to reduce bacteria, but you shouldn’t overdo it as it can wash away the essential oils which serve as a protective barrier against bacteria.

6. Toothpaste can clear a pimple.

Toothpaste contains fluoride, which is not safe on your skin. It can worsen acne. Spot treatment containing salicylic acid is a better option.

7. Moisturising is bad for oily skin.

People with different skin types suffer from acne. All skin types can develop whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

If you have an oily skin type, using a moisturiser may not seem like the best idea. However, moisturising your skin, even if oily, is a critical part of your skincare routine. Eliminating a daily moisturiser will dry out your skin and cause it to produce even more oil — which is worse! Find non-comedogenic moisturisers that contain safe ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe that is suited to your skin pH.

8. Sunscreen can cause acne.

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With skin cancer on the rise, sunscreen has become more of a necessity. If your skin is particularly prone to acne breakouts, you should choose a sunscreen with the right ingredients. Sunscreens that contain mineral oils and silicone should be avoided — they will clog your pores and causes skin irritation. Water-based sunscreens is a better option when it comes to sunscreens.

Don’t fret it, don’t pop it; Patience is the key!