Myths about acne

Myth: Fatty foods and chocolates affect acne
Fact: Although it is always important for general health to follow a balanced diet, there is no proof that eating fatty foods and chocolates will cause or worsen acne. In fact, there is a poor relationship between acne and diet in general. An exception to the rule is iodised table salt which may aggravate acne. But if you find that certain foods have a bad influence on your skin, try to avoid them – it may be causing an allergic reaction.

Myth: Only teenagers have acne
Fact: Rarely, babies are born with acne and some people get acne for the first time after they've reached adulthood. Most people outgrow acne; but in women it may last until the menopause. 5% of women of 40 years of age have acne; but only 1% of men in that age group.

Myth: Acne can be cured
Fact: Not yet - but don't despair, it can be treated effectively.

Myth: Poor hygiene can cause acne
Fact: Acne is not caused by dirt or surface oil. As many people believe it to be the case, they tend to overwash their skin, thereby making acne worse, drying the skin out and causing flare-ups. It is only necessary to wash your skin twice a day with a gentle soap.

Myth: Being in the sun can improve acne
Fact: There is no evidence that sunlight improves acne. Sunlight can do more harm than good as it leads to early ageing and increases your risk of skin cancer. Many medications used to treat acne can actually make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Myth: You should let acne run its course
Fact: Why run the risk of letting acne run its course? There have been great advances in the treatment of acne and with the right treatment, acne can be cleared up.

Myth: Acne is caused by stress
Fact: Stress cannot cause acne but it can make acne worse and having acne can be very stressful.

Myth: There is nothing I can do about scarring
Fact: Thanks to modern technology though, you don't have to be scarred for life! Before launching into the many ways to treat scarring, there's one sure method of preventing or limiting the extent of scarring. Treat acne itself early and effectively, for as long as necessary. There are many different ways in which you could treat scarring. Go to the section on scarring to learn everything you need to know.

Myth: Acne is an infection
Fact: Acne is a skin disorder caused by a combination of factors, including hormones and genetics.