Do fried food products encourage an acne outbreak? Does too much exposure to sun rays become a reason for acne? Does washing of face thrice a day help you reduce the effects of acne? Should I leave chocolate to resist acne?These are some questions that we generally ask when we don’t have any clear-cut information or facts about acne. Instead of getting tensed, it’s better to consult a good dermatologist to know the facts and myths about acne.

Here are some of those myths and facts about acne that you have to keep in mind in order to care for your skin without straining yourself too much.

Myth: Tanning clears acne.

Fact: It’s true that an exposure to mild sun rays helps the skin to get strength and softness, but intensive UV rays can make skin dry and irritate skin cells. In fact, there is no direct link between the exposure to the sun and the prevention of acne. Moreover, UV rays can cause premature aging and, sometimes, lead to skin problems including skin cancer. Sunbath in the morning is good for skin health, but you should apply a sunscreen with at least SPF (Sun protection Factor) 15 to resist tanning.

Myth: A victim of constipation means a victim of acne too.

Fact: Constipation may raise health issues and become a serious digestion problem but there is no direct connection between acne outbreak and constipation problem. In many cases, constipation becomes a reason for mental stress that leads some hormonal changes which can trigger acne. Your body also gets stressed when your stomach is not fine and this condition can become a cause of rough and dry skin.

Myth: Eating chocolate and drinking soda can cause acne.

Fact: There is a lot of research on the linkage between diet and skin complexion, but there are no clear-cut findings that approve the idea that chocolate and caffeine products cause the acne outbreak. Some research studies suggest that milk products can influence hormone levels in the body, but it’s not directly related to acne.

Myth: Teenagers are more affected by acne.

Fact: Research studies say that more than 50% of women face acne between the ages of 25 and 45 years while about 25% men experience it in the same age group. So, it’s just an acne myth that is not corroborated by the facts. During teenage, hormonal changes take place in the body at a faster rate, that’s why teenagers seem to be more affected by the acne more.

Myth: Frequent facials will clear skin from acne.

Fact: Facial is a process that involves massage, scrubbing and application of lotion’s layer to detoxify the skin. It enhances skin’s glow, that’s true, but massage could also aggravate oil glands of the skin. The over production of skin oil becomes a cause of acne. In addition, constant contact of chemical elements to the skin makes the condition worse.

If you take facial treatments with natural products then it will surely discourage acne and resist the breakouts of blackheads and whiteheads.

Myth: Junk foods encourage acne.

Fact: Probably we think that those who eat greasy foods and fried items or junk foods are prone to acne breakout. There are some studies that establish a tentative link between fast food consumption and acne, but no certainty in most of the cases. Generally, people with acne have an oily skin and the consumption of more greasy foods can aggravate this condition, whereas we frequently associate it with fast foods.

An oily complexion is a different case, in which skin pores are clogged, promoting acne breakout. It’s not fair to complain about your diet without knowing the facts about acne. In fact, the consumption of milk and dairy products can increase the risk of acne, but it remains for a short time and disappears on its own.

Myth: Acne is a usual skin condition that goes away with time.

Fact: It’s partially true as in many cases, acne breakout happens naturally and disappears with time. But, waiting for that time when acne go away on its own may take years. You must go for acne treatment and consult a dermatologist in order to diagnose it as early as possible.

Myth: Natural products like lemon juice, honey and garlic will provide instant relief from acne.

Fact: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon juice and garlic are good to treat acne but they have a better effect when consumed orally rather than applying directly on the acne. Sometimes, lemon juice can irritate skin texture and cause swelling of the soft skin that takes more time to treat.
Those who apply toothpaste may also experience the breakout of pimples. Honey is widely recommended to smooth skin treat acne with utmost care.

There are many more acne myths and facts that you can clarify with an expert rather than assuming on your own. After all, it’s your skin and you won’t like to compromise it with false statements and bogus experience.