Acne is so common, but something none of us wants to admit to or address. It’s a complex skin condition that comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some people experience good skin days and then sudden flare-ups out of nowhere, some get stress-related acne, and some experience a consistent presence of acne in some form or another, including painful breakouts.
Your trusted skin experts at Face Perfect Clinic in Leeds are going to breakdown the breakouts and expel all of the myths surrounding acne, so let’s get started.
Myth: People have acne because they don’t wash their face
People with acne are often the most scrupulous with face washing because they’re trying to stay on top of it and beat it once and for all. They are the people who will have tried most high-street brands available and most natural remedies, so this myth is definitely damaging.
Myth: You have acne because your skin is dirty
This is partly linked to the above, but let’s pick this apart anyway. Acne isn’t caused by having dirty skin; it can be very difficult to pinpoint exactly ‘where’ someone’s acne comes from. Fluctuating hormone levels can cause acne flare-ups during menstruation or times of high stress. For some people, their skin naturally produces higher oil levels and this contributes to spots. Acne is almost entirely biological and goes deeper than just the surface of the skin.
Myth: You have to go on medication to treat acne
There are well-known prescription-based oral medications for acne, but these aren’t for everyone. This medication can come with side effects that can sometimes present themselves as mild, and sometimes be very aggressive. This is why a lot of people opt for topical options such as prescription skincare and other treatments like a course of chemical peels to bring their acne into submission. If you want to find out more about these, just ask us and we can arrange a skin consultation.
Myth: Acne only happens to teenagers
Wrong! This is why there’s such a taboo around adult acne because it’s not something reserved only for the confusing time of puberty. Fluctuating hormone levels during puberty do oftentimes contribute to acne, this much is true, but those same hormones can contribute to acne in adults as well. Acne can also present itself because of stress, medication, and hormonal changes in the body like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). To label it as a ‘teenage thing’ is very damaging and inaccurate.
Myth: Acne is caused by not taking your makeup off
Acne is exacerbated by not taking topical makeup products off like foundation and concealer, but these products aren’t the cause of it. People with unproblematic skin can sleep in makeup and wake up with nothing more than a dirty pillowcase, but for acne sufferers, you could cause excess oil production and unnecessarily clog your pores. This isn’t to say that acne is caused by makeup, because it’s not, but it’s vital we treat our skin properly.
Myth: You should always pop your spots
Quite the opposite! You should always refrain from popping your spots, especially if you’re in the midst of a particularly aggressive breakout and your skin is inflamed. We know it’s tempting, but popping your spots can lead to scarring because you’re breaking the skin when its already sensitive and angry. Certain skincare products, like Pore Therapy by Obagi’s Clenziderm range, can be applied to the skin to help the spots dry out naturally, but you should always stop yourself from popping them.
Myth: Acne is contagious
Acne is not contagious. Acne can be hereditary in that you can inherit sensitive skin or oil production levels from your parents if they experienced it too, but it’s you can’t pass it from one person to another through physical touch or being around someone.
Myth: You will always have bad acne
Acne can’t be cured, but this doesn’t mean you will always have bad acne. It can be successfully treated with skincare products, treatments, and changes to your lifestyle. This will help minimise future breakouts, cause less scarring, and create a healthy complexion you can enjoy without having to worry too much about visibly aggressive acne.
Treatments for acne in Leeds
Speak to one of our skin experts at Face Perfect Clinic in Leeds to start your journey to healthier, happier, more even skin. We understand how acne can make you feel, and we will find a tailored treatment plan best suited to you and your skin’s needs. Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
