Acne Myths
There is a lot of information surrounding acne and it can be difficult to know what it true and false to some claims about the skin condition. We wanted to dispel some of the more common myths we hear in clinic and shed some light on the truths about acne.
Myth: Only teenagers get acne
We get clients of all ages suffering with acne in the clinic. Teenage acne is widely publicised and seemingly accepted as part and parcel of the hormonal changes encountered in your teenager years. The myth that this condition is a teenager problem and will disappear in 20’s is just not true for many. Acne is more common in adolescents but is certainly not solely for this age group.
Myth: Acne is caused by dirt
This is a common misconception and some clients will over compensate with excess washing of the skin. While acne can be related to surface hygiene this only accounts for a very small minority of cases. Most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin has no effect on your acne.
Myth: Acne needs treating with potent products
Acne can be treated in many different ways and with different types of ingredients. It is not always the case that strong formulations means it will work better. We always recommend looking at possible causes and looking at the best solutions following this. We offer online and in-clinic consultations and are more than happy to help you consider your options.
Myth: Acne prone skins should skip moisturiser
Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so some clients will decide to skip a moisturiser so not to add more grease to the skin. However, using the right moisturiser can help to manage acne, When your skin becomes dry, your body makes more oil. The extra oil can clog your pores, which may lead to more breakouts. The right moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated.
Myth: Squeezing spots will accelerator the healing
It can be very tempting and projecting out the white/black head can lead to a false sense of accelerated healing. In reality, squeezing spots can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.
Myth: The Sun can heal acne
Clients have a misconception that the sun will dry out acne. While a small amount of sun exposure is good for your general health, spending too much time in the sun can worsen both your acne and your skin as a whole. By drying out your skin, sunlight can actually boost your body’s sebum production, increasing your risk of developing spots.
We are offering both in-clinic and online consultations if you need any help with your acne concerns and product recommendations. To do this, please call 01132253938 or email info@medifine.co.uk to arrange an appointment.