Acne is a common skin problem that most people encounter at some point in their lives. Even if you’ve never had acne growing up, you would’ve witnessed friends or family members groaning over acne breakouts that were caused by the overwhelming accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells in their hair follicles. What’s most scary about such a condition is that it can quickly morph into unsightly blackheads or pus-filled pimples that are hard to treat and leave scars that linger around for a long time.
According to reviews by skin experts at New York Skin Solutions, the lack of understanding about how acne develops and how to treat acne breakouts are the key reasons why many face recurring problems. Here are some of the top acne myths you need to be mindful of if you want to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Myth 1: Only teenagers get acne
While it is true that acne most frequently appears during the adolescent stage, it is not uncommon to see people in their 20s and 30s develop acne problems — even if they had not experienced these problems when they were younger. The truth is, not only do teenagers get acne, but studies have found that a significant number of adults between their 30s and 50s face skin troubles.
According to reviews by experts, at least 25% of men and 50% of women in Asia are prone to acne problems. Genetic problems, excess sebum, hormonal imbalances and habits such as poor diet and skincare routine are major factors contributing to worsening skin conditions.
Myth 2: Eating certain foods gives you acne
Whispers in the grapevine suggest foods such as chocolate, caffeine, milk, and other junk food can cause acne, even if there aren’t sufficient studies to support such assumptions. However, reviews by experts at New York Skin Solutions acknowledge that making healthier food choices can help improve acne problems.
Research has found that foods that raise blood sugar levels release more insulin into the body, and this process quickens oil gland production. As a result, the excess sebum generated easily leads to acne breakouts. If you’re hoping to find remedies for your acne condition, try avoiding insulin-inducing foods such as white bread, pasta, sugar, and white rice. On the other hand, consuming foods with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly decrease acne.
Myth 3: Stress results in acne
Stress does not cause acne to appear, but studies have revealed that if you already have acne, emotional stress can worsen it. For example, scarring problems due to acne can cause more psychosocial anxiety and further exacerbate the acne condition. This is why skin experts at New York Skin Solutions tend to review every client with special care and place much emphasis on therapeutic interventions to reduce the spread of acne.
Myth 4: You get acne because you’re not washing your face enough
Studies have shown that washing your face twice a day is more effective than just once, but anything more than that is not helpful because it can dry out your skin. Essentially, acne is not the result of dirt or uncleanliness. The bacteria that cause acne problems are already on your skin and feeding on excess sebum. Of course, washing your face will help reduce excess oil and remove dead skin cells to prevent further aggravation of the problem, but twice a day is enough. Bear in mind that over-scrubbing the skin can cause micro-tears that are doorways to more infection and inflammation. For that reason, clients who visit New York Skin Solutions for skin reviews are often advised to use skin exfoliators in moderation.
Myth 5: Sunscreen makes you break out
On the contrary, you should not skip sunscreen if you’ve got acne-prone skin because not having proper coverage can lead to overexposure to UV light, worsening the skin condition. Research has found that sunburn can cause inflammation in the skin and lead to even more intense acne flare-ups.
The trick here is to choose the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin. Always pick an alternative with a lighter texture and less harsh chemical ingredients like methoxycinnamate and zinc oxide if you have acne problems. Reviews by New York Skin Solutions suggest that sunscreen products like their UV Care Cream not only provide UVA/UVB protection but also contain many natural ingredients that help to/ soothe inflamed skin.
Myth 6: Makeup causes acne
Even though heavy makeup like liquid foundations can clog pores and further exacerbate acne, there are lighter options that are still permissible for those with acne-troubled skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the key is to select oil-free cosmetics that won’t clog pores, or are non-comedogenic. Additionally, if you want to use makeup on acne skin, make sure to apply cosmetics gently and thoroughly remove them at the end of the day. Regular cleaning of makeup brushes is also a must to keep any bacteria out of the way.
Myth 7: All skincare products work the same for acne
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to skincare products. If you have acne-prone skin, it is best to apply products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that treat acne and stay away from those with heavy oils that will irritate your acne.
Not sure what is safe for your skin? Experts at New York Skin Solutions have reviewed many skincare products and found that the CICA Soothing Cream and Soothing Gel are two in-house products that are great for acne-prone skin. They contain many natural ingredients with healing properties to reduce skin sensitivity and soothe inflamed conditions with appropriate hydration.
Myth 8: Acne will go away on its own
This is not true, and acne could leave permanent scars in severe cases. Don’t leave your deteriorating skin condition to chance, and always seek professional skin treatments before it reaches more severe stages. If you don’t know where to start, speak with skin specialists at New York Skin Solutions for customised solutions to your skin condition. Their Activ-Clear treatment uses a triple-action approach to soothe sensitive skin, treat clogged pores and balance sebum production and overall skin health. Book a trial session to experience the Activ-Clear Acne facial at any of their 9 outlets located around Singapore!
