June is Acne Awareness Month – it’s the perfect time to debunk or confirm a few myths about pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Usually found on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders, acne is one of the most common skin conditions we see in both teenagers and adults. If you’re suffering from acne, request an appointment at Boise Dermatology & Medspa to get an effective treatment plan from Dr. Brooks. Read on to learn more about acne and what is fact or fiction.
Fact or Fiction: Eating greasy foods causes breakouts.
Fiction. Since many who suffer from acne have oily skin, it’s understandable why people think greasy foods cause acne; however, that is not the case. Though digesting French fries, burgers and the like will not cause acne, getting grease from your hand on your skin won’t be doing your complexion any favors: the grease can clog your skin and lead to an acne breakout.
Fact or Fiction: Dirt in your pores causes blackheads.
Fiction. Due to the color of blackheads, we see why people might think dirty skin causes blackheads, though they’re not from dirt at all: Blackheads form when oil and debris in the pores darken as they react with oxygen in your skin and the air. Called an “open comedone” technically, a blackhead is a pore that has become clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Fact or Fiction: Sun exposure clears up your skin.
Fact, with caveats. While wearing sunscreen or an oil-free moisturizer with SPF, you can benefit your complexion with a little bit of time in the sun (10-15 minutes). But while the sun might help dry out your skin and reduce sebum production, too much sunlight can make it worse; dryness and dehydration can prompt your skin to produce more sebum, leading to more breakouts.
Fact or Fiction: Toothpaste on a blemish clears it up.
Fiction. Nowadays it’s not an effective treatment. Long ago, toothpaste was formulated with zinc, which can improve acne breakouts. Today, however, there’s probably not zinc in your toothpaste. What’s worse is that toothpaste is formulated with chemicals that are likely to dry out and irritate your skin. Putting toothpaste on a zit may actually do more harm than good.
Fact or Fiction: Only people with severe acne need a dermatologist.
Fiction. You don’t have to have severe acne to enjoy the clear-complexion benefits a dermatologist can provide. It’s easy to forget that acne is not just a cosmetic issue – it’s a medical condition that should often be treated by a doctor. If you’re suffering from acne, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist so your condition improves and doesn’t get worse.
Schedule an appointment with Boise Dermatology & Medspa
When it comes to acne, there are many effective treatments available, tailored to the type of acne and patient preference. Dr. Brooks is a board-certified dermatologist with over 17 years of experience; if you are suffering from acne, request an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Brooks by contacting Boise Dermatology & Medspa online or by phone at (208) 888-0660.