5 of the Most Common Acne Myths Debunked
Photo: Getty.
Rumor has it that chocolate-eaters inevitably struggle with acne, and that skipping a shower after a sweaty workout session will leave you with a sudden epidemic of pimples to deal with. In fact, the amount of myths out there probably surpasses the number of cleansers you’d find in your local drugstore’s skincare aisle. But is there any real truth to some of the most common skincare beliefs? To get to the bottom of of some of the biggest “skin sins,” we had the pros weigh in.
Skip moisturizer—it’s pretty much a recipe for clogged pores.
Oil and moisture are two separate issues. “Even oily skin needs sufficient hydration to keep it balanced,” says Renee Rouleau, the celebrity aesthetician responsible for Demi Lovato’s glowy skin. By skipping moisturizer, oily skin can become dehydrated. This spikes oil production as skin’s means of keeping itself moisturized and often results in a slew of unwanted breakouts. The bottom line: Don’t be afraid of moisturizer. Just look for lotions that say “noncomedogenic” — they won’t gunk up pores. Two to try: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer or Renee Rouleau Daily Mattifying Solution.
Subscribe now to Teen Vogue to get Volume III: The Icons Issue + a free gift!
Eat greasy foods and you’re guaranteed to break out.
Forget everything you’ve ever heard about foods that cause flare-ups. Counter to common belief, greasy foods don’t necessarily speed up your skin’s oil production. If you have acne-prone skin, though, it might be worth cutting back on high glycemic index foods (like potatoes, cereal, and white bread). New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says data has shown these foods can spike inflammation in the body, which may cause breakouts.
Related: 8 Mistakes You Make When You Have a Zit
Sunscreen clogs your pores.
Sunscreen is essential for everyone, but if you’re using acne meds (especially oral antibiotics or retinoids), you’re extra sensitive to UV rays. Don’t skip out on SPF: A noncomedogenic formula will keep you covered while leaving pores unplugged. Need more incentive? Those dark marks that remain after zits heal may take longer to fade if left unprotected, and that’s the last thing you want to deal with.
All oils are created equal.
Not all oils work on all skin types. Certain formulas are too dense to penetrate the surface of skin, and can leave you with a greasy complexion. Others, like tea tree, lavender, and coconut oils, are perfect for acne-prone skin because they have powerful antibacterial properties that help treat pimples while also soothing skin, Dr. Zeichner says. Take each for a test-drive by adding a few drops to your moisturizer before massaging it into skin.
Sweat from working out causes body acne.
Not necessarily, says Dr. Zeichner. “At the most basic level, whether you develop acne—on your body or face—is determined by your genes,” he notes. “Some people can sit in sweaty workout clothes all day and not get a single pimple,” he says. Others break out even if they shower right away. If the latter sounds like you, see a board-certified dermatologist who can help you treat your body acne.
This story originally appeared on Teen Vogue.
More from Teen Vogue:
10 Things You Own That You Need to Clean Immediately
47 Awkward Celebrity Yearbook Photos
Surprising Celebs Who Modeled for Abercrombie
Taylor Swift's Top 10 Red Carpet Looks Ever
