There are some pretty hearty myths out there that seem to survive scientific evidence that proves them wrong. As dermatologists and acne experts, the Doctors believe in knowing the facts so you can address your skin concerns effectively. We’re here to put these myths to rest once and for all:
Myth #1: The Sun is
Good for Your Acne
FALSE!! First of all — and we’re hoping this isn’t news to
you — there is no such thing as a healthy tan! Sun exposure damages skin and
what you see as a “tan” is the body’s reaction to this injury. Sometimes people
with acne think the sun will dry out their blemishes. Unfortunately, sun
exposure aggravates acne. Small amounts of sun exposure may appear to help your
acne at first, as the blue band of visible light helps to sterilize acne
bacteria. But sun exposure eventually leads to shedding dead skin cells which clogs
pores, a crucial step in the acne cycle. And in some instances, sun exposure
leads to post-acne dark marks. The UNBLEMISH Regimen includes a sunscreen as
the final step to protect skin from sun’s rays.
Myth #2: Sunscreen
Causes Acne
FALSE!! We recommend a noncomedogenic sunscreen, which won’t
clog pores. In fact, it’s important to protect all skin, including acne-prone
skin, from the sun. See Myth #1 above!
Myth #3: If You Have
Acne, You Can’t Use Moisturizer
FALSE!! There are plenty of people who have both dry skin
and acne, and moisturizer helps skin feel more comfortable. Just make sure
you’re using a noncomedogenic moisturizer, or hydrating serum like Active
Hydration Serum. In fact, both SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimen users can add in
Active Hydration Serum to hydrate skin and prevent dryness. Moisturizing can
actually help reduce shine, as oil production can be the result of too-dry skin
overcompensating with oil.
Myth #4: Attacking
Acne by Stripping Oil from Your Skin and Scrubbing it Senseless is a Good Idea
FALSE!! Drying the skin’s surface with ingredients like
rubbing alcohol leaves the skin parched and irritated, with greater
susceptibility to infection. And be wary of harsh scrubs containing things like
apricot pits. They can tear your skin, in which case your acne may take longer
to heal and leave behind scars.
Myth #5: Spot
Treatments Are the Best Way to Treat Acne
FALSE!! Spot treatments may help dry up a new pimple, but
that pimple started forming weeks before you were aware of its existence!
That’s why we manage the entire acne cycle with a full-face approach. And our SPOTLESS
and UNBLEMISH Regimens are based on the fact that acne is treated most
effectively through prevention, not spot by spot.
Myth #6: Acne is
Caused by Easting Greasy Foods, Chocolate or Caffeine
FALSE!! Medical studies have found that diet — including
chocolate, pizza, potato chips and French fries — rarely affects acne. Of
course, we’re not suggesting you rush out to binge on any of those foods,
they’re bad for you for a host of reasons, acne just isn’t one of them. There
is some
research that links a high glycemic diet — processed foods and simple
sugars like breads — to breakouts.
Myth #7: Acne Can Be
Cured
FALSE!! There is no
cure for acne. But like other skin conditions, you can help prevent and control
mild to moderate acne blemishes. Our SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimens work with each
step of the acne cycle to deal with the specific cause of blemishes. You just
have to use the Regimens consistently to keep acne in check. Eventually you may
use these less frequently or switch to another Regimen such as REDEFINE.
Myth #8: Acne is Your
Fault
FALSE!! This is perhaps the most damaging myth because it
exacerbates the feelings of shame or embarrassment that often accompany acne. The
Doctors always say that acne is not — and never will be — your fault. It’s
caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, bacteria,
clogged pores, stress, medications, irritation, even traveling. Many of these
factors you cannot control. What you can control is how you manage your skin
condition on a day-to-day basis.
Myth #9: Glass
Cleaner and Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples
FALSE!! We’re not sure where this myth originated, but it
really doesn’t matter because it’s not true! Household cleaners are harsh and toothpaste
is, well, for your teeth. Neither should ever be used on your skin. In fact, both
can irritate skin. We recommend using only clinically tested ingredients such
as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to effectively address your acne, and
they should be used with a full-face approach that prevents blemishes from
forming in the first place, not spot treatments.
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