Ask The Doctor

The following are a list of common acne myths we encounter from patients. It’s time to set the record straight.

MYTH: Acne is caused by diet.

TRUTH: A lot of research has gone into this. There has been no connection between specific foods and acne outbreaks.  This means you can eat what you want. Some people swear certain foods give them outbreaks. This may be true for them but it doesn’t mean it will be true for you.

MYTH: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

TRUTH:  Acne is not caused by dirt or surface skin oils. Although excess oils, dead skin and a day's accumulation of dust on the skin looks unsightly, they should not be removed by vigorous scrubbing. Vigorous washing and scrubbing will actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach to hygiene and acne is to gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, pat dry--and use an appropriate acne treatment for the acne.

MYTH: Masturbation or sex causes acne

TRUTH: Don’t believe it!  This myth was probably started by parents to discourage children from pre marital sex.  Sex does cause hormone changes but this doesn’t lead to acne.

MYTH: Acne is for teenagers. I can't get acne if I'm an adult.

TRUTH: 25% of all people between the ages 25- 44 have active acne? Many adult women have acne due to the constant fluctuation of their hormones during each menstrual cycle. Medications (like birth control pills) and pregnancy can also contribute to adult acne.

MYTH: Picking or squeezing a pimple safely is the best way to get rid of it.

TRUTH: There is no safe way to pick or squeeze a pimple. In fact, your attempts can cause the pimple to become inflamed, cause the infection to spread to other areas or leave a permanent scar. Although it is very tempting to pick at your pimples, you are better off in the continuing your acne therapy and letting your pimples heal with the proper treatment prescribed by your doctor.