Words can bend the truth in a way nothing else can.

There is a lot of information out there on the internet.

And it can be difficult to differentiate between true and false.

Because the myths are widespread and everyone seems to believe in them.

Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics aims to destroy these myths for you with interesting facts.

These myths could mislead you into doing something harmful to your skin.

It might be subtle or severe.

But you can’t take a chance with your skin, right?

It could spoil all your beauty plans.

Like making your acne worse before going out on a date or attending an event.

Does that thought haunt you when you think about it?

So, it’s time.

Let us take on those myths so they never reach you ever again.

MYTH#1 The easiest technique to fight acne is to wash your face multiple times a day with skin products.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

One of the most common myths about acne.

But have you ever heard that an excess of anything is bad?

So if you overdo it, you’ll have to face the consequences.

Overwashing your face might be just as problematic as not washing it enough.

It might deplete your skin’s natural oils.

Which can potentially lead to even more dramatic breakouts than usual.

Dr. Shaunakk Patel, the dermatologist at Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics, suggests you wash your face gently but not more than twice a day.

So that the irritation of dryness doesn’t make your acne worse.

MYTH#2 Acne is caused by eating greasy foods.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

No doubt, if you touch your face after eating oily food, it can clog your pores.

Which could cause acne.

But directly eating greasy food can not lead to acne.

If you wash your hands after eating the food, there won’t be any issues.

The sugary things you consume can cause acne.

Because they have a high glycemic index.

The glycemic index is a system for assigning a numerical value to carbohydrate-containing foods based on how much they raise blood sugar levels.

Increased blood sugar levels cause inflammation and increase oil production.

So the pizza is not what causes the acne, but the sugary beverage you drink does.

MYTH#3 Acne breakouts are limited to the face.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

There is a difference between acne breakouts being common on the face and being limited to the face.

They can appear on the chest, shoulders, and back,

Acne-like breakouts can even appear on the scalp.

It develops in areas where you have a high concentration of sebaceous glands.

Which are basically the oil glands.

Wearing sweaty clothes can lead to an increase in its production, which leads to acne on the body.

MYTH#4 You will have clear skin if you consume eight or more glasses of water per day.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

There is no evidence that consuming less than eight glasses of water is linked to dry skin or acne breakouts.

Every person who has had acne must’ve heard this myth more than once in their life.

It is definitely important to pay attention to what you eat, drink, and exercise.

It is important to follow your dermatologist’s topical and possibly even by-mouth regimen.

All of these things are elements that contribute to acne.

But there is no miracle cure for acne that involves simply drinking water.

MYTH#5 You won’t get acne as an adult if you didn’t get it throughout adolescence.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

It is true that acne mostly develops during adolescence.

And it goes away as an adult.

But for some people, the acne might break out even after 25.

It is mainly due to hormonal changes, diet, or even stress.

Adult acne, especially that which is more severe, can sometimes be resistant to topical treatments.

That’s when it is time to consider by-mouth medications.

Dr. Shaunakk Patel would suggest a hormonally based medicine that can be successful for adult-onset acne.

Particularly the one that is a hormonal driver.

Get in touch with him to get an accurate medication suggestion based on your skin type.

MYTH#6 You shouldn’t pop a pimple on your own.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

There is a correct way to pop your pimple.

If that’s not followed, it could escalate the situation even more.

You don’t want to spoil your date night.

If you do it the right way, it can work like a charm for you.

However, the majority of people do not do so.

Patients frequently attempt to bust super-inflamed pimples that simply refuse to drain.

And in certain cases, the best treatment is to use an anti-inflammatory.

Therefore, do not attempt it.

It has the potential to cause more scarring and difficulty for you.

You want to make sure your skin and your fingertips are both clean.

Apply gentle downward and inward pressure around the pimple using two cotton-tip applicators, such as Q-tips.

If you’re putting in too much effort and they’re still not coming out, kindly abandon the operation.

MYTH#7 It will work for you if someone else’s acne remedy works for them.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

There are different skin types for people who suffer from acne, like oily, dry, or even sensitive skin.

But, there are a multitude of ways to treat acne.

So the remedy is subjective according to the skin type.

There can be a combination of medications which you might need according to your acne type.

The acne type influences the remedies as well.

Plus, medications that fit into your lifestyle.

Because some people prefer topical treatment or by mouth medications.

And a dermatologist crafts a remedy according to these preferences.

So, these three parameters; skin type, acne type, and lifestyle are the basis of the remedy.

MYTH#8 Applying toothpaste to a pimple will help it disappear.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

Many people apply huge amounts of toothpaste to their acne as a remedy.

But, has anyone ever asked why?

Toothpaste contains the preservative triclosan.

It’s an element that helps to prevent bacterial contamination.

And it was because of its antibacterial characteristics that toothpaste was first used to treat pimples.

But, the fact is triclosan was banned by the US FDA because it causes skin allergies.

And so, it was removed from toothpaste.

So there is no meaning for toothpaste to use as a remedy anymore.

Plus, toothpaste contains harsh ingredients which dry out your skin, causing a mess.

So, we suggest you use toothpaste only to brush your teeth.

Much more effective acne-fighting substances exist that can be utilized in a better way.

Benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment has proved to be very effective.

It can dry out acne, reduce inflammation, and prevent microbial or bacterial growth.

MYTH#9 Acne always clears up by itself.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

Between the ages of 7 and 24, around 85% of people will develop acne to the point where it is nearly considered physiologic.

As a result, the majority of those people’s acne will clear up during their teenage years.

However, for a substantial number of people, their acne does not go away on its own.

Even acne that clears up during adolescence can leave scars that are permanent.

Dr. Shuanakk Patel advocates treating acne when it becomes emotionally or physically bothersome.

Because emotional or physical scars are permanent and will follow you for the rest of your life.

MYTH#10 Acne breakouts can be treated with aspirin.

BUSTING THE MYTH:

Aspirin is often taken to treat fever or cold-like symptoms.

They have anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s made of a chemical that’s similar to salicylic acid.

Which is a popular acne treatment.

It works by removing excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, allowing the pimple to dry up.

But an aspirin cannot cause the same effects as salicylic acid on the skin.

So, instead of using that, Dr. Shaunakk Patel suggests actually using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is a very effective treatment for acne and works as an antiseptic to reduce the germs on your skin.

However, if you prefer something more natural, a cool compress can be an ideal remedy.

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Conclusion

Acne is something you shouldn’t take lightly.

The false information on the internet may seem like it is justified with facts.

And falling for this misinformation is very easy to fall for.

So, before going on the internet, consulting a dermatologist and getting to know your skin could be a great step for you.

You see, the myths we mentioned above are all very popular among teenagers.

And these myths can spread like wildfire.

Being a dermatology clinic it is the duty of Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics to bust these myths.

And also educate the people with the right information and facts.

If you have severe acne and you think that the remedies can’t deal with it.

Without any hesitation, get in touch with a dermatologist here.

If you are already ready to treat your acne, book an appointment with us.