Myths About Acne

Acne Myths
Acne is a common skin condition, so it's no surprise that there are so many conflicting myths as to what actually causes it. Allow us to help clear up some of the most common acne myths.

Acne is a result of poor hygiene.
Not true … in fact, it's the opposite. If you wash your face vigorously and frequently, you can actually make your acne worse. Why? Because acne is not caused by dirt! It's caused by oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which means if you're washing with a basic cleanser, it will not help treat your acne. Your skin needs a cleanser that contains an active ingredient, such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, to help treat acne-causing agents and prevent future breakouts.

AcneFree Tip: For Moderate acne, use the AcneFree Purifying Cleanser that contains Benzoyl Peroxide. For Severe acne, use the Antibacterial Cleansing Wash, which contains a prescription-grade Benzoyl Peroxide formula. For sensitive acne-prone skin, use the Corrective Cleanser, which contains a gentle Salicylic Acid formula.

Acne is caused by poor diet.
False. Research has shown no connection between acne and diet. Chocolate, pizza, sodas and fried foods won't cause acne! If you're treating your acne properly, there's no need to worry if your diet is affecting your skin.

AcneFree Tip: Eating healthy may not help your acne, but it can help you feel better about yourself. Do your part by eating healthy, while AcneFree does its part by clearing up your skin!

Acne only affects teenagers.
Not true. Although 90 percent of teens are affected by acne, 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men get acne during their adulthood and can suffer from it for a long time.

AcneFree Tip: Research has shown that heredity and genetics are factors associated with acne. Ask your parents or family members if they've suffered from acne and see if they have any helpful advice as to how to treat it.

Wearing makeup and shaving makes acne worse.
You don't have to stop wearing makeup as long as the cosmetics you're using are labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog pores, causing cause breakouts. If you are using a cosmetic that seems to be irritating your skin, stop using it and replace it with a gentler product, since irritation can cause acne.

Individuals who have acne and shave should use safety or electric razors, and should shave lightly around blemishes to avoid nicking the skin, which can lead to irritation and infection.

AcneFree Tip: Use a light moisturizer with SPF before you apply makeup or after you finish shaving.

Sun exposure helps clear acne.
In some cases, sun exposure can actually make acne worse. While a tan might temporarily camouflage breakouts and discoloration caused by acne, there is no evidence that tanning clears up acne. Also, if you're using an acne treatment system that contains Benzoyl Peroxide, it is important to stay out of excessive sun exposure and use a sunscreen, since the combination of sunlight and Benzoyl Peroxide may cause blotching and/or dark spots.

AcneFree Tip: Make sure you use an oil-free sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF labeled non-comedogenic before going outdoors.

Stress makes you breakout.
True. When you're stressed and tired, your skin needs additional support and protection. Stress can have a negative effect on hormones that can cause your acne to flare up.

AcneFree Tip: Relax your mind, body and face with the AcneFree Gentle Acne Scrub. It's infused with oatmeal and jojoba to exfoliate and soothe your skin.

Acne is curable.
Unfortunately, acne has no cure. And since it takes up to two-to-three weeks for a pimple to break out, daily maintenance with proven acne medicines is the best way to keep it under control. Begin treating your acne by selecting the AcneFree system that's appropriate for your skin type and continue your regimen, even after your skin starts clearing up.

AcneFree Tip: Since acne is an unpredictable, genetic/hormonal condition, it's extremely important to continue your AcneFree treatment, even after your skin starts clearing up. With daily maintenance, you can enjoy clear, healthy-looking skin.