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Top 4 Things You’ve Heard About Acne That Are Just Wrong

May 31, 2017

Seriously, stop the rumors. Living with acne is hard enough without all the well-meaning morons out there spreading pretty little lies about what’s what with your face. We’re here to offer some relief - from both acne and bad acne advice.

1. “You just have to keep your face cleaner.”

While it may seem logical that the more you clean your face the less it will break out, there is such a thing as too clean. Washing too often can strip your skin of oil and disrupt the moisture balance, causing your sebaceous glands to overproduce oil and leading to further breakouts. Gently cleansing twice daily will sufficiently remove excess dirt, oil and makeup residue without over-drying.

2. “Don’t worry, you’ll grow out of it.”

When most people think of acne, a pimple-faced teenager comes to mind. The assumption is that once you’re past the point of puberty, acne will vanish along with those raging hormones. But the unfortunate reality is that acne is a chronic condition that can continue - or even begin - well into adulthood. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne affects nearly 40 to 50 million people. Breakout factors like stress, hormones, and diet contribute to adult onset acne. The good news is, there are plenty of effective ways to treat chronic acne.

3. “Put some toothpaste on it!”

If we had a nickel for every time we heard this one, we’d have a lot of nickels, and nickels are as useless as toothpaste on your zits. This not-so-secret skincare secret is a crowd favorite for an inexpensive, quick and easy fix to an emergency breakout. Some ingredients in toothpaste have potential to dry out a pimple, but when it comes down to it, toothpaste is made for your mouth, not your face. Using products on your skin that weren’t developed to be used on your skin can lead to irritation - trading one skin issue for another. When it comes to decreasing size and scope of your zit, it’s best to stick to clinically-proven acne treatments that are both safe and effective.

4.“Get some sun. It’ll dry right up.”

While certain visible light wavelengths can be used to treat various types of acne, exposing your delicate acne-prone skin to harmful UV rays is not a good idea. UVA and UVB rays can cause unsightly wrinkles, sunspots and skin cancer. Lathering up with your favorite SPF before heading outside is always important, but especially when you have an acne flare-up. Speaking of sunscreen, no, it does not clog your pores. If you’re looking for a painless, reliable way to get rid of acne fast, check out ESPADA blue light acne treatment, now available at Sephora! This dermatologist-tested device is expertly engineered and has the FDA’s stamp of approval. Did we miss any acne urban legends? Let us know in the comments below!