Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. It affects roughly 50 million people in the U.S. each year. Although acne is thought to end after puberty, many still struggle with their skin well beyond their adolescent years. There are countless treatments and recommendations for acne-prone skin, and just as much bad advice as good. The experts at Innovative Medspa want to debunk 3 common myths about acne.
1. Acne is solely dependent on genetics.
While genetics can play a role in how likely you are to develop acne, it does not guarantee you will experience prevalent breakouts. Our skin’s health is ultimately determined by lifestyle habits and environment. Certain lifestyle choices can help maintain healthy, acne-free skin; choices such as sustaining a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep and more. Some studies have found that eating foods that are rich in zinc may help prevent as well as treat acne.
2. Popping pimples will help get rid of acne breakouts faster.
It is important to know when a pimple is fully formed before popping it. Although it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands, only a licensed skincare professional should be extracting pimples. Attempting to pop a pimple before it is fully formed can inadvertently cause further damage, leading to permanent scarring. You run the risk of pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, ultimately prolonging your journey to clear skin. On darker skin tones premature extraction may cause or exacerbate discoloration.
3. Tanning can clear acne, while sunscreen clogs pores and irritates acne.
Whether it’s artificial or natural, tanning can actually aggravate acne. UV rays are known to dry out the skin. This causes excess buildup of dead skin cells that clog your pores, leading to more breakouts. Additionally, these harmful rays reach the deeper layers of the skin, damaging and killing our skin cells – leading to hyperpigmentation.
Yes, there may be some sunscreen products that can irritate acne. It is important to do your research to find the right one. Studies have shown that sunscreens that contain zinc oxide can actually benefit acne-prone skin. Zinc oxide helps fight against the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. The SkinBetter Science SHEER SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick is the perfect sunscreen for anyone who struggles with acne. It has been awarded the 2020 Self Healthy Beauty Award as well as the 2020 Smart Beauty Award.
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