This article is a continuation of the first article that represents myths about acne. You can read more about it here.

1. DIET IS THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF ACNE

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. I’m sure somebody recommended you also to stop eating fatty foods or chocolate and your acne will go away. We can assure you that diet doesn’t have much impact on your acne.

There are indeed more healthier choices out there but they will affect more your waistline than your skin condition. Your body actually needs food to generate energy and this happens very quickly. Oily and fatty food has no direct link to developing pimples. This cannot be mistaken with working or spending a lot of time in environments that are connected with fatty or oily food (commercial kitchens for example). When oil comes in contact with your skin it will affect your skin and increase the risk of getting acne. 

2. SLEEPING WITH MAKEUP IS FINE

In general, there is no reason to avoid makeup if you have acne, while trying to conceal the spots. But keep in mind that it’s important to choose the right product for either oily, or acne prone skin. This means eliminating any makeup products that will make your skin oilier. Foundations that have an oil free base are our recommendation.

On the other hand, sleeping with makeup is NOT fine. It will result in exposure of the free radicals, which cause the breakdown of healthy collagen. This results in clogging of pores while you sleep, which leads in the development of acne. It’s important to remember that this will not happen while sleeping with makeup for one night only (no long-term damage). Each night you sleep with makeup the more your pores get clogged up.  

3. ACNE WILL BE CURED BY SUN EXPOSURE

This is another myth that causes problems. The immediate feeling can be that the sun cures or dries out your pimples but this just camouflages the breakout. The sun actually causes something similar to using makeup overnight. The ultraviolet light damages the surface of the skin and releases free radicals.

This results in clogging of the pores, which can lead to not only acne but also to premature aging (and of course cancer). We can only recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, while being exposed to the sun. This means using a sunscreen also in winter, while also using acne medication. Both go hand in hand. Oil-free sunscreen is the right choice.  

4. ACNE IS CAUSED BY DIRTY SKIN 

Dirty skin will not affect your acne and acne is not a sign of uncleanliness. Acne is caused by the bacteria and is already on the skin. Its feeding on the excess oils and preventing this helps fighting acne. Keep in mind that you cannot get rid of these bacteria but reducing it substantially is an option.

First step is washing your face twice per day to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Use a cleanser that is specially formulated for acne. A moisturizer is recommended to prevent the formation of blackheads.

Keep in mind that excessive washing can in fact make your acne worse. More about that in another article.