• Acne is caused by dirt…..False
  Acne is caused by a number of things but dirt isn’t one of them. Blemishes form when dead skin cells mix with your body’s natural oil and plug your pores. Over washing your face 2-3 times a day will not make your acne any better. In fact, over washing the over use of harsh scrubs and “pore strips” can strip your skin of the natural oils need to keep your skin soft. All you will be left with is dry flaky skin that may actually produce more oil
   
• Acne is for teenagers, you’ll grow out of it……Misleading
  Acne, while most common during your teenage years, can affect anyone at any age. If you are a teenager, do not “wait it out” hoping your acne will go away as you get older. This could lead you to develop a severe case of acne and may lead to facial scaring. Instead read up on acne tips and follow a daily skin-care routine. If your acne is uncontrollable you may want to ask a parent if you can see a doctor for treatment and advice.
   
• Acne is just a cosmetic problem………..Misleading
  It is true that acne does affect the way people look and it is not a serious threat to your physical health but it can have an affect on many other parts of your well being. Acne can affect the way you feel about yourself and the world around you. Depending on how you deal with the issue, it can cause low self-esteem and even depression which can lead to permanent emotional and physical scars later in life. Don’t let anyone discourage you from seeking acne treatment because your acne is “just a little problem.” The sooner you deal with you condition the sooner you will be on your way to clear skin with one less thing to have an emotional impact on your teenage years.
   
• Spot treatments can help clear up acne………..False
  Unfortunately, this just isn’t true. For over 30 years, over-the-counter products have claimed that a dab of medicine directly on the pimple will clear up acne. By using this method you are really treating an old symptom to the root problem. Since a pimple takes about 2 to 3 weeks to develop, “spot” treating does nothing to stop the pimple from developing in the first place. The only way to diminish acne breakouts is to treat the whole face every day, even when your skin is clear.
   
• Certain foods cause acne……………False
  Those French fries you ate yesterday did not give you the zits you have today. Scientist haven’t found any solid connection between diet and acne. Although pizza, French fries and chocolate may not “give” you acne, you can still benefit you not to binge on unhealthy foods. Eating healthy will help to give your body the strength to help fight against acne, so use your common sense, but indulging now and then is ok.
   
• Make-up causes acne…………………..Misleading
  Most make-up today is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. When shopping for cosmetics look for products that are listed as non-comedogenic, oil-free and hypoallergenic. Remember that strenuous exercise can cause any make up to run across your skin and into your pores, so you should avoid wearing heavy cosmetics while working out.
   
• Sweating Cleans out your pores…………..False
  While working out is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, it can cause acne flair-ups in some people. Vigorous exercise stimulates oil production, which combines with heat, perspiration and friction to aggravate acne in the forehead chest and back. You can minimize irritation by wearing loose cotton clothing and by showering immediately after exercising. Swimming is probably the best form of exercise for acne sufferers; in water perspiration, friction and heat are out of the picture. But don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit that can cause body acne flair-ups.
   
• Sun exposure helps acne……………………False
  Minimal amounts of sun exposure may initially improve the appearance of acne because as the skin darkens blemishes may become less noticeable, but it truly does not help clear up acne. Prolonged exposure to the sun promotes a more rapid exfoliation of dead skin cells, so you are actually more likely to get clogged pores. Not only will your pores get clogged but the marks let by healed pimples will get darker if you spend time in the sun. Over time the sun damages your skin and increases the likelihood that your acne will leave scars. Play it safe. Use oil free sun block with an SPF of at least 15.
   
• Scrubbing and toning your skin stops acne……..False
  Since acne is not caused by dirt, excessive washing won’t make it go away. Harsh over-the-counter exfoliates can irritate or tear the skin, increasing the chances of infection and more breakouts. Likewise, alcohol based toners can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
   
• Stress causes acne……………….Misleading
  This claim is exaggerated, but based on reality. While stress does not cause acne, it can trigger flare-ups. When the body experiences stress, cortisol production increases which cause glands in the skin to produce more oil. Individual stress response varies dramatically, so rating the effects on a specific individual’s skin if difficult. There is no “typical” effect when it comes to stress and acne. Remember that even exciting things like winning homecoming king/queen or getting that date you been wanting can trigger a stress response also. The best way to decide if stress affects your acne break-outs is to keep tabs on your own personal response.
   
• Acne is curable…………..………..False
  Don’t lose hope but as of now there is no cure for acne. It is however highly treatable. The best way to treat acnes is to prevent blemishes before they start, so if your break outs seem to be sticking around you should see a dermatologist right away. There are a wide variety of treatment plans available, but remember just because your skin clears up while on the treatment plan doesn’t mean your acne is cured. It is important to continue the treatment plan even after your skin has cleared.

TRUTHS – Things that can help to keep acne at bay

• Keep your face clean…….Whether or not you have acne, it is important to wash your face daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells and excess oils. Use of a mild soap rather than bar soap is best. Exfoliation once or twice a week is also great for loosening and washing away dead skin cells. Avoid really scrubbing your skin, remember to exfoliate gently and always pat dry well with a clean towel.
   
• Drink more water….While we all know water helps with digestion and removing waste from our bodies, it also is responsible for clear smooth skin.
  Moisturize…..Many topical acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. A gel-based moisturizer works well for oily skin and a cream or lotion moisturizer works well for dry skin. Combination dry and oily skin may need both types of products for the separate areas. Always hydrate your skin before moisturizing.
   
• Use over the counter acne products sparingly…….Overuse of these acne treatments can cause redness, extreme dryness and can actually make your acne problems worse. Use the product according to the directions, if your skin gets red and stays red quit using it. Do not use more than the recommended dosage to try and get rid of major acne breakout. If the recommended dosage is not improving your acne, seek advice from your doctor who can give you more options.
   
• Use makeup sparingly……During a breakout, try to avoid wearing foundation, powder or blush. If you do wear makeup wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, select oil free cosmetics without added dyes or chemicals.
   
• Be careful of what you put in your hair…..Avoid using fragrances, oils and harsh chemicals in your hair. These products can irritate the skin along your hairline and cause breakouts.
   
• Keep your hands off your face…….This can help to avoid spreading bacteria and can keep you from further irritating already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with fingers as it can lead to infection and facial scaring.
   
• Feed your skin…….Most experts agree that certain foods which are high in Vitamin A or Beta Carotene may help boost your immunity and skin health. Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and apricots are all high in Beta Carotene.
   
• Exercise daily……..Regular exercise is good for mind, body and skin. Working out reduces excess anxiety and boosts blood flow throughout your body. When working out avoid wearing tight clothing that rubs on the skin and wearing hats, goggles or helmets that cause excessive sweating. Always shower after exercising.
   
• Relax….Experts believe our emotional state is related to all aspects of health, including skin function. Be cognitive of your stress and what causes it. Find ways to relieve stress without letting it build up possible leading to breakouts.