Acne is a skin issue that nobody ever wants to talk about, yet it’s something many of us have had to struggle with at some point in life. A few of us who read this may currently be suffering from acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, more than 50 million Americans yearly suffer from acne. Because June happens to be National Acne Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to book your appointment.
With the plethora of information about acne, it’s difficult to differentiate the truth from fiction, and that’s why we’re here to clear the air on the top 5 commonly-repeated myths about acne:
Myth: Moisturizing is not good for oily skin
Washing your face excessively could strip your skin of its natural oils, which could produce an increase in oil and cause more breakouts. Applying the right cream or moisturizer following your facial wash aids in regulating oil production and retaining your skin’s healthy moisture levels throughout the day.
Myth: Sunscreens can trigger acne
The important thing is to be aware of the ingredients. When your face is susceptible to breakouts, steer clear of chemical sunscreens as well as product ingredients such as oils or silicone. Opt for a natural sunblock like zinc oxide, which doesn’t clog or irritate the skin.
Myth: Acne is caused by dirt on the skin
It is highly unlikely that the acne is due to dirt on your skin since most of the acne-producing triggers are under the skin, not on its surface. That being said, if you skip on washing your face once or twice, it should not lead to acne breakouts.
Myth: Do not wear makeup if your face is acne-prone.
If you’re cleaning your brushes frequently and selecting the appropriate products for your skin, makeup won’t irritate your acne. Many people hide their imperfections with concealers and CC creams to boost confidence in themselves, which is perfectly acceptable.
Myth: Teenagers are the only ones who get acne.
Acne among adults is more frequent than ever, and the amount of adults suffering from acne has increased in the last 20 years, particularly for females. The causes vary from changing hormones, medications, lifestyle choices, or even poor skin care.
Treatment Options
The most encouraging aspect of spreading awareness about acne during Acne Awareness Month can be to let people know that this issue is manageable. Many treatment options for acne are readily available. The treatment chosen is largely determined by the acne’s severity, the patient’s age, the kind of acne they suffer from, and the effectiveness of the over-the-counter acne treatments.
Photofacials, lasers, and chemical peels effectively kill undesirable bacteria and ease skin inflammation.
Tips & Tricks to Prevent Breakouts
Make sure to clean your phone each day. Our phone screens are full of bacteria and germs, and we press them on our faces each day without realizing the damage. Clean your phone daily with an antibacterial wipe before it touches your face.
Eat Healthy & Stay Hydrated. Instead of eating greasy fast food, you can have an energizing diet that includes foods full of vitamins and nutrients. Try it for a few weeks and see how your skin changes.
Make sure you sleep on a clean pillowcase. By simply changing your pillowcase, you’re reducing the exposure to bacteria and the toxins that your makeup might have.
Exfoliate. Exfoliating your skin two or three times per week is important to rid yourself of dry or rough skin. After applying a gentle exfoliant, your skin will look radiant and glowing. Make sure not to exfoliate too heavily, though.
Start Your Journey to Acne-Free Skin Today!
It’s vital to keep in mind that acne is something that should be treated by a professional. We hope that those who are plagued by untreated acne will take advantage of Acne Awareness Month to seek treatment for the first time and learn more about how to manage this uncomfortable condition. To book an appointment with Allure Skin and Laser, please contact (480) 888-1223 or click here.
