From greasy food & sunbeds to treating spots with toothpaste, we investigate the truth behind common acne myths
Most of us will experience acne at some point in our lives. While it’s one of the most common skin conditions, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. We’ve investigated some of the most common acne misconceptions to give you the truth about breakouts.
Separating facts from fiction: what’s the truth?
Acne is a very common skin condition that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. It causes spots and bumps on the skin – most commonly found on the face, back and chest.
Acne happens when the tiny holes in our skin (hair follicles) become blocked. Our skin produces a substance called sebum, which keeps the skin lubricated. When the skin produces too much sebum, the pores become blocked and causes what are known as blackhead or whitehead spots.
The normally harmless bacteria that naturally live on the skin can then invade these blocked pores, causing an infection and leading to papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.
What are some of the most common myths about acne?
Myth: Only teenagers get acne
Our sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. So yes, while many people do experience acne during their teenage years, changes in hormones during your adult life can also cause acne.
Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy can affect the amount of sebum our skin produces, which can lead to acne. As women generally experience more changes in their hormone levels, adult acne tends to affect women more than men.
Myth: Greasy food & chocolate causes spots
Whether it’s chips, chocolate or crisps, many people believe that overindulging on greasy and sugary foods causes breakouts. However, there's no evidence to suggest that eating these foods can cause acne.
However, there's some evidence to show that a high GI diet can contribute to acne.** “High glycaemic index (GI) diets that include things like sugar and sugary foods, white bread, potatoes and white rice, have been shown to cause or aggravate acne,” says Susie Gawler, dermatology lead for Boots Online Doctor. “Switching to a low GI diet may lead to fewer spots.
“There's also some evidence that consuming milk and dairy products may trigger acne in some people, but this hasn’t been studied in as much detail yet.”
A healthy, balanced diet is recommended as it’s good for your heart and supporting your overall health.
Myth: It’s caused by bad hygiene
There’s also no evidence that acne is caused by dirty skin or an inadequate hygiene routine as most of the biological factors that trigger acne are beneath the skin, not on the surface...
However, regular cleansing and exfoliation will help keep dead skin cells, make-up and other impurities from sitting on your skin for too long. Acne on the forehead and around the hairline has some links to hair products like waxes and oils, whereas cheek and jawline acne can result from frequent phone use – touchscreens harbour large numbers of bacteria on the surface and placing your phone against your cheek places these directly on the skin.
Acne around the jawline, mouth and lower half of the face is more commonly linked to hormonal changes.
Myth: Acne is infectious
Acne isn't infectious and can't be passed on to other people.
Myth: Picking or squeezing spots is the best way for them to heal
It's very tempting to pick or squeeze at spots, and many people believe this is the best way to help them heal. However, doing so can actually introduce infection, delay healing of existing spots and increase the risk of scarring.
Myth: Using a sunbed can help get rid of acne
You may have heard that sunlight or using a sunbed can help manage acne, but there's no evidence this is true. In fact, a number of medicines used to treat acne can make your skin more sensitive to light. So, exposure can lead to skin damage and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer in later life.
Make sure you read the information leaflet which comes with your medicine to check if your medicine can make your skin more sensitive to light. If it does, then you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight, as well as other sources of UV, such as sunbeds.
Myth: You shouldn’t wear make-up over spots
If concealing acne with make-up will help you feel more confident, then there's no reason you shouldn’t do this. However, it’s worth checking that any products used are non-comedogenic (don’t cause spots). It’s important to check you’re using the appropriate products, such as an oil-free foundation or a light BB cream for coverage, and make sure to gently cleanse them away with a non-comedogenic cleanser at the end of the day.
Myth: Exfoliating your face every day will prevent you from getting spots
It’s a good idea for people with oily skin to gently exfoliate their skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and impurities. It’s not necessary to exfoliate every day – in fact, over-exfoliating can end up irritating the skin and affecting your skin’s barrier which could potentially make the problem worse.
“Avoid using abrasive or grainy scrubs,” says Susie. “Choose a liquid exfoliant instead, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid cleanser.”
However, if you're on a prescribed acne treatment, it might be better to hold off on exfoliating all together. “Many acne products in themselves are potentially drying or irritating to the skin, so in this case it’s better to stick to a gentle regime of an oil-free cleanser and moisturiser along with your prescribed treatment,” she suggests.
Myth: Toothpaste is an effective treatment for acne
Toothpastes are usually filled with lots of drying ingredients like alcohol and baking soda which will work to dry out a spot. But these ingredients are also irritants that can harm your skin’s barrier, leading it to overproduce oil to compensate and the risk of more breakouts. Toothpaste, therefore, shouldn’t be used and it may be worth considering a specially formulated spot treatment instead.
Myth: Acne is a trivial problem & I shouldn’t bother my doctor about it
It's true that mild acne can often be managed with a good skincare regime and off the shelf products, but this isn't always the case. It’s important for acne to be treated effectively, and without unnecessary delay as the longer it persists, the more likely it is to result in scarring, which is much more difficult to treat than the acne itself.
“Acne is an inflammatory skin disease, which can result in permanent scarring, low self-esteem and psychological distress,” says Susie. “Effective treatments are available, so don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you think you might need it. And if the acne doesn't respond to the first treatment you're offered, others are available, so ask for a review.”
You may also be able to access treatment through our Boots Online Doctor Acne Treatment Service.* After completing an online consultation, a clinician will review your answers and provide advice and prescribe treatment if appropriate, so you can face forward with confidence.
