Myth #1 : Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them

Fact : Popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it. Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.

Myth #2 : Makeup causes acne

Fact: Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin. Cosmetics labeled "non-comedogenic“ or "non-acnegenic" are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.

Myth #3 : The more acne medicine the better

Fact: Some people believe that if their acne gets worse, they should use more medicine. However, excess use of acne ointments, may actually irritate the skin. Always follow the directions for the acne medications.

Myth #4: The more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you'll have

Fact: Hygiene isn't related to the development of acne, either. Washing the face each day gets rid of dead skin cells, excess oil, and surface dirt, but too much cleansing or washing too vigorously can lead to dryness and irritation, which can actually make acne worse. Dermatologists usually recommend gently washing ; not scrubbing or rubbing and washing the face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and patting the skin dry.

Myth #5: Stress causes acne

Fact: Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, the ordinary stress of day-to-day living is not an important factor in acne. Severe stress that needs medical attention is sometimes treated with drugs that can cause acne as a side effect.

Myth #c6: Sunbathing is good for acne

Fact: Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne. However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained. Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer. Sunbathing dries your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil exuded from the pores) and thus make the acne worse.

Myth #7: If the pimples do not clear up in a day or two, the medication is not working

Fact: Be patient. Healing acne takes time. It is important to be realistic when you are trying to find a successful acne treatment. Don't be tempted by overnight promises, you want to look for the best treatment.

Simple whiteheads or blackheads can be cleared up in days or weeks. More serious lesions may take longer to heal.

Myth #8 : Acne appears only on the face

Fact: Acne can occur on many parts of the body. It is common for people to have acne on their back, chest and neck. These areas of the body have a high concentration of oil glands just as the face does. Body acne can be treated just as successfully as facial acne.

Myth #9 :Acne is a problem only for teenagers

Fact: It is true that most teenagers have acne and that many cases will clear up during a person's early 20s. Sometimes, however, acne can persist into the 30s and 40s.

Myth #10: Acne is caused by too much sex

Fact: It’s true that androgens, the hormones all of us begin producing during puberty, are one of acne’s main contributing factors. While these and other hormones may initiate sex drive, your sexual habits have no effect on acne.

Myth #11: Acne is caused by the foods you eat

Fact: This myth has been around for a long time, but contains no truth. A considerable amount of research has been performed to determine if certain foods, for example, chocolate, pizza, and French fries, may cause acne or make it worse. Research has shown there is no connection between what you eat and the development of acne. If you still think that certain foods cause you to breakout then you can simply avoid those foods. Typically, if your acne is being treated appropriately, there is no need to worry about what foods you eat.