The truth about pimples - 10 common acne myths BUSTED!

Hey evre.one!

Let’s talk acne. Whether it’s just an occasional pimple here and there or more chronic, acne can be a huge bummer. Those pesky red bumps and blackheads can really mess with your self-confidence. When you’re doing your own google research, there are some common misconceptions floating around and a LOT of misinformation. This can be confusing, so we’re here to help. Let’s bust some acne myths together!

1) Washing your face more often = clear skin

“If I wash my face 5 times a day, surely my pimples will go away, right?” Wrong! It may be tempting to scrub your face clean to get rid of oils, thinking it will clear up your skin. However, our skin actually needs those natural oils to keep it balanced. Scrubbing your face may lead to your face over-producing these oils and disrupting your delicate skin barrier. This could make your acne worse over time. Instead, we recommend that you wash your face with a gentle cleanser, once in the morning and once at night before heading to bed. Our Oh So Extra Pineapple & Coconut Face Cleanser won’t strip your face and gently cleanses while hydrating. Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Then, use lukewarm water to rinse off.

2) It’s okay to pop your pimples, it will make them go away faster

We know it’s super tempting to squeeze and pop those annoying bumps - especially the ones full of pus! Popping pimples can be satisfying temporarily but in the long run, it could backfire. You could end up with skin inflammation, permanent acne scarring and infections. If that wasn’t bad enough, the oils and bacteria in the pus can spread nearby and cause more breakouts. We know it’s hard but please leave your pimples alone! Instead, try slapping on a soothing mask to calm your skin and reduce the appearance of breakouts. Our It’s a Vibe Kiwi & Avo Face Mud Mask will detoxify and draw out impurities while also soothing any skin inflammation or redness. Avocado, kiwi and aloe vera to help repair your damaged skin and make your face fresh and supple.

3) Wearing makeup causes acne and breakouts

Makeup itself doesn’t clog your pores and wearing it is fine - as long as you remove it correctly. Micellar water or oil-based cleansers will melt down all makeup, especially waterproof makeup. Then, follow with a gentle cleanser to really make sure all of it is gone. If you use makeup brushes or beauty sponges, make sure to clean these once a week as a good rule of thumb. Makeup tools can house a nasty mix of oils, bacteria and dust, which can transfer back and forth onto your face. Creating a good habit of washing these regularly will help prevent new breakouts!

4) Only teenagers get acne

Acne and pimples affect people of all ages! Don’t think that the battle is over once you become older. Although acne may be more common during your teenage and puberty years, all adults alike can suffer from it, too. Also, if you don’t have acne in your teens, you can potentially get it later on. Maintaining a gentle, balanced skincare routine will definitely help. 

5) Miracle products or acne treatments can give you instant results

Some products will claim that they can miraculously clear up your skin overnight. And that’s all it is - a mere claim. You will never find a product that will magically solve all your skin problems in a short period. Clearing up your skin takes time and most acne treatments will take up to 8 weeks to really show results. Be careful, as some acne treatments are really effective due to the strong level of ingredients. These could dry out your skin and strip the skin barrier, only making matters worse. Always follow instructions from your doctor or on the packaging and never use more than you should.  In most cases, severe cases of acne are due to hormonal imbalances so it is best to consult your doctor to see what professional treatments can help. 

6) If you have acne, it’s okay to skip moisturiser 

Moisturiser is always a must. You should always apply moisturiser as the last step of your AM/PM routine, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin! A moisturiser helps your skin balance oil levels and maintains a strong skin barrier. Skipping this important step can cause your pores to overproduce oils - leading to more breakouts! If you’re looking for a non-greasy but effective moisturiser, have a go with our Super Nice Manuka Honey and Vitamin E Face Moisturiser. A mixture of plant-based oils restore skin balance, plus leave your face soft and plump - minus the greasiness. As a bonus, Mānuka honey is a natural ingredient great for treating breakouts. Along with Vitamin E, these 2 ingredients allow your skin to repair and heal.  

7) Acne goes away with time

Although it would be nice, unfortunately, acne doesn’t magically disappear on its own. Don’t wait it out and expect your face to clear up. Have a consistent skincare routine and if your acne is still severe or not improving, always seek advice from the pros. We recommend visiting your GP or dermatologist if you have any concerns.

8) Chocolate and junk foods cause acne

What you eat doesn’t directly cause acne to form, but diet may play a role. It’s always good to eat a balanced diet though, not just for your skin but for overall bodily health. Drink lots of H2O so your body can easily flush out toxins. Eat sugary and processed foods in moderation, as these can spike your blood sugar levels and cause your skin to overproduce oils. More oils = more potential for acne formation! Instead, eat a balanced diet full of ‘real’ foods to heal your body from the inside and keep those sugars at bay. 

9) Putting toothpaste on your pimples helps them go away

This one’s a big no-no. Toothpaste can actually make your skin worse. Dabbing it on pimples will not make them disappear - instead, it can leave your skin more red and irritated. Leave that tube of toothpaste for your teeth only. 

10) Having acne is not a big deal

Acne is a very real problem that isn’t just skin-deep. If left untreated, it can leave you with permanent scars into adulthood. It can affect us in many ways and can have lasting consequences on how we feel about ourselves. Acne can be a big point of insecurity and can affect your self-esteem - especially if you suffer from severe acne that won’t seem to clear up. If you’re ever feeling down in the dumps, remember that Youthline has a ton of great resources from mental health to body image issues - and a 24/7 helpline if you ever need a chat. Most importantly, we just want to remind you that your acne in no way defines who you are as a person and you are so much more than your skin, acne and pimples are normal and we all get it!

We hope you learnt a thing or two, until next time!