Common Acne Myths You Should Avoid
Acne: it's just a teenage problem, right? Wrong. That's just one of the many myths that circulate around acne, causing confusion for anyone experiencing the skin condition, and even more confusion about the best way to treat it. Below, we dispel the most common acne myths, as well as explain what causes acne and the best at-home products and treatments you can use to help treat acne symptoms.
Common acne myths: are they true or false?
From toothpaste as a spot treatment to acne only being a problem during teenage years, let's take a look at some common acne myths.
Acne is just a teenage problem - FALSE
Acne is related to the balanced of hormones, which is why acne is associated with puberty. However, hormonal changes and fluctuations can happen throughout life, especially in women, which can cause acne outbreaks.
Wearing makeup causes acne and makes existing acne worse - SEMI-TRUE
Not all makeup products cause acne, but using a heavy product or one with an oil base can block the opening of the hair follicle, causing a blockage. For a light and breathable alternative to traditional foundations, we recommend Oxygenetix ACNE Control Oxygenating Foundation. This foundation is formulated with breathable, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial ingredients; it is also non-irritating to sensitive skin.
Acne is caused by poor hygiene or unclean skin - FALSE
Acne is mostly caused by dead skin cells that get stuck in the oil that is coming from the oil gland; this causes a blockage that leads to acne. DNA and hereditary reasons also play a role in whether you're likely to be affected by acne.
Toothpaste can treat acne - FALSE
Although toothpaste has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it can cause irritation to skin, so it's best to keep toothpaste for your teeth only. If you have a breakout, use a targeted acne treatment designed for skin.
You shouldn't pop or squeeze spots - TRUE
Squeezing, picking or popping spots can cause damage to skin. It can also increase the chance of scarring and the acne spreading and becoming worse.
Sunlight will cure my acne - FALSE
Short exposure to UV rays can have a temporary anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, but longer exposure actually has an acne-causing effect by promoting the acne related blockages in the hair follicles. UV rays are also extremely damaging and exposure is directly linked with skin cancer.
So...what's the truth about acne?
Stress does affect acne
There are many different factors that can cause acne such as lifestyle, medication and hereditary reasons, but the main influences on acne flare-ups are hormones and stress.
The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing vital hormones including cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol has a number of functions including helping to regulate metabolism by releasing glucose for energy and instructing glands within skin to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts. This combination of added stress along with changes in our daily routines to both lifestyle and diet is the likely culprit for acne flare-ups.
It's important to take care of skin from the inside
When experiencing breakouts, it's important to take care of skin from the inside as well as the outside. It is good practice to be drinking lots of water and eating a well balanced diet every day, but a nutritional supplement will support skin from the inside even further. Our go-to recommendations for acne-prone skin are Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Accumax and DMK EFA+.
The wrong skincare regime can make acne worse
We always recommend seeking expert advice when it comes to your homecare regime, but especially so with acneic skin. The tendency is to over-exfoliate and strip the skin, but this can cause more problems and worsen acne symptoms. If you are unsure on the correct products, complete our online skin test for personalised product recommendations.
At-home treatments to improve acne
The effects of stress on skin in combination with products that over exfoliate and strip skin can lead to further inflammation. Use a good cleanser, ideally with Salicylic Acid in, such as Mesoestetic Purifying Mousse Cleanser. Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and works by exfoliating, unclogging pores as well as delivering anti-bacterial properties. You should also incorporate a Vitamin A (retinol) product into your routine to use in the evening to help skin's cellular turnover and normalise skin. A weekly peel at home also helps to support skin by removing any build up of dead cells on the skin's surface, which is likely to cause blockages in the future. We've included our top recommendations below; these treatments should be used once per week.
DMK At-Home Enzyme Treatment
The DMK At-Home Enzyme Treatment is designed to remove dead cell build up, improve circulation and leave you with a fresh and radiant glow. The at-home treatment replicates DMK's in-clinic four-phase system, which duplicates skin's chemistry by using the following protocol:
1 - Remove dead skin cells that lead to congestion, dry skin, fine lines & skin discolouration.
2 - Rebuild live cells by providing protein, amino acids and nutrients.
3 - Protect skin from sun damage, free radicals and other environmental factors.
4 - Maintain the best possible skin functions using the purest botanical ingredients for continual rejuvenation.
Mesoestetic Pure Renewing Mask
Using both chemical and mechanical methods of exfoliation, this mask is ideal for keeping oily and acne-prone skin under control. Cellular renewal is stimulated to help keep skin clear and smooth, whilst kaolin absorbs excess sebum to prevent the build-up of oil, for a smooth and soft complexion.
Formulated for acne, congestion, blackheads, open pores and dull or oily skin, this masque works to clear ducts plugged by dead cells and sebum on the surface of the skin to prevent pimple eruptions. Formulated with Sulfur and Kaolin the masque tightens pores, purifies, heals and soothes inflammation and skin irritation.
Image Skincare Clear Cell Clarifying Masque
This masque is formulated with Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Kaolin to eliminate the toughest acne lesions in just one application. The masque immediately draws out impurities that clog pores and lead to red acne lesions. It can also be used as a targeted spot treatment, as well as a full face mask. Ingredients including Green Tea, Mallow and Manuka blends add vital soothing nutrients.
We're here for you
Shop all acne skincare products online at Face the Future, or contact our customer service team on shop@facethefuture.co.uk or 0113 282 7744 for further advice.
Written for you by: Claire, Face the Future
