Common myths

  • Acne is caused by poor hygiene
    Wrong! Acne happens when the oil glands (pores)face wash twice a day can certainly help your acne to some degree.
  • You can get rid of blackheads by using a good facial scrub or exfoliant
    False! Too much facial scrubbing can irritate your skin and cause more inflammation. You can’t just wash acne away or ‘clean– NEVER scrubbed!
  • Picking and squeezing pimples is a good way to get rid of your acne
    No way! Picking and squeezing pimples immediately makes acne worse and can lead to permanent, irreversible acne scarring.
  • Eating chocolate causes acne
    No! But remember – everything in moderation – even chocolate. A healthy, balanced diet is important to your general well-being but will not cure acne.
  • Make-up and moisturisers won’t affect my acne
    Warning! Some cosmetics (make-up, concealers, moisturisers) can definitely make acne worse. If you are not sure which skin
  • Using lots of over-the-counter acne medication or celebrity-endorsed acne skin systems containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid will improve my acne
    Wrong! Using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid without medical advice can actually make acne a lot worse as they can cause significant skin irritation and inflammation.
  • Sunlight, sun-bathing or sun-beds will improve acne
    Sun exposure can cause inflamed acne spots to every day.
  • Sweat from exercise causes acne
    Not true – although it is always a good idea to wash your face with a gentle water-soluble cleanser after hot, sweaty activities.
  • Acne is caused by allergies
    There is no scientific evidence that acne has any connection with any allergic reaction you may have.
  • Acne is contagious
    Acne is NOT contagious. You cannot get acne by touching a pimple on someone else’s face.
  • Stress does not contribute to acne
    Periods of increased stress can often be linked to new outbreaks of pimples or worsening acne.
  • Pregnancy will help acne
    Not true. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy can cause acne is some women.
  • Acne is not hereditary
    Not true. Studies show that the likelihood of acne is greater in people whose parents or siblings have also had acne.
  • Steroids won’t cause acne
    False. Anabolic steroids illicitly used for body-building can cause acne and are linked to severe forms of acne.