Acne Myth Buster

There are some pretty hearty myths out there that seem to survive scientific evidence that proves them wrong. As dermatologists and acne experts, the Doctors believe in knowing the facts so you can address your skin concerns effectively. We’re here to put these myths to rest once and for all:

Myth #1: The Sun is Good for Your Acne

FALSE!! First of all — and we’re hoping this isn’t news to you — there is no such thing as a healthy tan! Sun exposure damages skin and what you see as a “tan” is the body’s reaction to this injury. Sometimes people with acne think the sun will dry out their blemishes. Unfortunately, sun exposure aggravates acne. Small amounts of sun exposure may appear to help your acne at first, as the blue band of visible light helps to sterilize acne bacteria. But sun exposure eventually leads to shedding dead skin cells which clogs pores, a crucial step in the acne cycle. And in some instances, sun exposure leads to post-acne dark marks. The UNBLEMISH Regimen includes a sunscreen as the final step to protect skin from sun’s rays.

Myth #2: Sunscreen Causes Acne

FALSE!! We recommend a noncomedogenic sunscreen, which won’t clog pores. In fact, it’s important to protect all skin, including acne-prone skin, from the sun. See Myth #1 above!

Myth #3: If You Have Acne, You Can’t Use Moisturizer

FALSE!! There are plenty of people who have both dry skin and acne, and moisturizer helps skin feel more comfortable. Just make sure you’re using a noncomedogenic moisturizer, or hydrating serum like Active Hydration Serum. In fact, both SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimen users can add in Active Hydration Serum to hydrate skin and prevent dryness. Moisturizing can actually help reduce shine, as oil production can be the result of too-dry skin overcompensating with oil.

Myth #4: Attacking Acne by Stripping Oil from Your Skin and Scrubbing it Senseless is a Good Idea

FALSE!! Drying the skin’s surface with ingredients like rubbing alcohol leaves the skin parched and irritated, with greater susceptibility to infection. And be wary of harsh scrubs containing things like apricot pits. They can tear your skin, in which case your acne may take longer to heal and leave behind scars.

Myth #5: Spot Treatments Are the Best Way to Treat Acne

FALSE!! Spot treatments may help dry up a new pimple, but that pimple started forming weeks before you were aware of its existence! That’s why we manage the entire acne cycle with a full-face approach. And our SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimens are based on the fact that acne is treated most effectively through prevention, not spot by spot.

Myth #6: Acne is Caused by Eating Greasy Foods, Chocolate or Caffeine

FALSE!! Medical studies have found that diet — including chocolate, pizza, potato chips and French fries — rarely affects acne. Of course, we’re not suggesting you rush out to binge on any of those foods, they’re bad for you for a host of reasons, acne just isn’t one of them. There is some research that links a high glycemic diet — processed foods and simple sugars like breads — to breakouts.

Myth #7: Acne Can Be Cured

FALSE!!  There is no cure for acne. But like other skin conditions, you can help prevent and control mild to moderate acne blemishes. Our SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimens work with each step of the acne cycle to deal with the specific cause of blemishes. You just have to use the Regimens consistently to keep acne in check. Eventually you may use these less frequently or switch to another Regimen such as REDEFINE.

Myth #8: Acne is Your Fault

FALSE!! This is perhaps the most damaging myth because it exacerbates the feelings of shame or embarrassment that often accompany acne. The Doctors always say that acne is not — and never will be — your fault. It’s caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, bacteria, clogged pores, stress, medications, irritation, even traveling. Many of these factors you cannot control. What you can control is how you manage your skin condition on a day-to-day basis.

Myth #9: Glass Cleaner and Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples

FALSE!! We’re not sure where this myth originated, but it really doesn’t matter because it’s not true! Household cleaners are harsh and toothpaste is, well, for your teeth. Neither should ever be used on your skin. In fact, both can irritate skin. We recommend using only clinically tested ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to effectively address your acne, and they should be used with a full-face approach that prevents blemishes from forming in the first place, not spot treatments.