Five Acne Myths

Think you’re past that awkward, acne-ridden stage you had as a teen? Think again. The fact is, zits happen when our body produces excess sebum, the natural oils of the skin, which can clog our pores. Add dead skin cells in the mix, and you get a whitehead, which could turn into a blackhead, which then becomes a pimple (thanks, Mother Nature!)
   
Adult acne is very much a fact of life, and you can thank the fluctuation of hormones (which cause the body to produce more sebum) for that! This excess sebum in turn clogs your pores, which can then turn into a pimple. Because of this, everyday occurrences can cause acne…from your daily commute to work (pollution, dirt, and oil can clog your pores), to your sleeping habits (turning in before taking off your makeup? You’re clogging your pores, thus asking for a massive breakout!).

Armed with these little nuggets of info, let’s go on to debunk the top five acne myths you most probably still believe in.

1. Peanuts can cause acne.
Unless you have a peanut allergy that causes you to break out, peanuts (or other fried foods) won’t cause pimples. Some doctors believe that a high fat, high sugar diet can cause an increase in sebum production—coupled with the fact that eating too much greasy, fatty foods can displace other nutrients that are critical for healthy skin (read: eating a serving of crispy pata might mean you’d say “no” to a platter of fruits and vegetables.)

2. Chocolate will make you break out.
Quite the opposite, really. When taken in small amounts (read: not the entire box), dark chocolate may be good for the skin. That’s because it contains flavonoids called catechin and procyanidin, which act as antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent free radicals from breaking down healthy skin cells. So why does chocolate get such a bad rap? Women usually crave for milk or white chocolate when it’s “that time of the month,” when their estrogen levels drop and androgen levels spike up. And unlike dark chocolate, milk and white chocolates contain too much dairy, sugar, and additives, making it less beneficial than dark chocolate.

Also read: 4 Ways To Brighten Up Your Skin Instantly

3. The sun can get rid of acne.
Unfortunately, it can’t. It can, however, give you a tan, which can camouflage a pimple. Said tan can also speed up your skin’s aging process, giving your premature wrinkles, and ups the chances for you to get skin cancer. People believe that the sun’s drying, burning effect on the skin can “burn” a pimple out. But why expose yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays to get a partially “burnt” pimple?

4. Prevent pimples by washing your face often.
Wash your face twice a day. Any more and you can irritate and dry out your skin. What’s more, excessive washing strips your skin of oil—prompting your sebum glands to work overtime to compensate for the lack of moisture. Excess sebum = higher chances of acne.

Also read: How To Banish 'Bacne'

5. You can’t wear makeup over a zit.
You totally can, as long as you don’t plan on going full-on drag. Pick makeup that’s non-comedogenic and oil-free, so it’s gentle on your skin and won’t clog pores. Still iffy about putting on your “face”? Loose, mineral powder foundation applied with a light hand should do the trick. And always, always make sure you remove all traces of makeup before you hit the sack!

Also read: Nip Zits In The Bud