It's time to change the way you think about these acne myths. Photo: NDTV
New Delhi, India (BBN) - Spot a zit on the face and you're bound to go berserk. You go through every pimple zapping product you can get your hands on and steam your face constantly, all in the hope of flaunting a clear face again.
Since you read these beauty tips online, they're bound to be true, right? Not really. Following everything you read might just do more harm than good, especially if it's something that just isn't true, reports NDTV.
Here are 5 common acne myths that we've all believed were true at some point, which we're finally busting today.
1. "YOU AREN'T WASHING YOUR FACE ENOUGH"
It's time to change the belief that unclean skin is the root cause behind acne because it really isn't. In fact, when skin is over washed, that can cause more skin damage and coarseness than a tiny pimple. Don't overdo it when washing your face, twice a day is more than enough.
2. "WHAT YOU EAT DOESN'T MATTER"
It really does. If you don't think those sugary milkshakes and countless Chinese takeouts don't make a difference to your skin, think again. In recent times, acne has been linked to gluten, dairy and excess sugar intake so keep an eye on your diet if you find yourself breaking out for no good reason.
3. "ACNE PRONE SKIN DOESN'T NEED MOISTURISER"
This myth sounds so realistic, that's why it's the most commonly believed one. Most acne prone skin has abundant facial sebum; hence, many say that moisturising it only makes it oilier. In actuality, leaving this skin type dry causes it to produce sebum as a form of natural lubrication. So don't listen to the rumours, just find a lightweight, non-clogging moisturiser instead.
4. "POPPING THE PIMPLE GETS IT OUT"
Yes, it can be tempting to just dive in and pop the red zit residing on your face for the past week but hold your horses. Pimple popping by an untrained individual opens the skin, allows bacteria to enter and doesn't even get all the pus out. The result: a bloody, red mess that will leave a scar which will take months to fade. So keep your hands down already.
5. "THE STRONGER THE PRODUCT, THE BETTER"
In theory, it can seem like a good idea to break down a pimple with highly acidic products. Practically, that doesn't work. Acne products often contain acids which, in the right quantity and prescribed by a specialist, can ease the problem. When too strong and too harsh, they can cause chemical burns. Now that's far worse than a pimple, don't you think?
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