12 Acne Myths Busted by Expert Acne Doctor

Be it summer, winter, or rainy season – acne or pimples, never leave one alone. Acne is a skin condition caused by clogged pores due to excess production of oil (sebum), bacterial invasion, hormone fluctuations, dead skin cell accumulation, and ingrown hair. If one has had acne at some point, they must have heard a lot of unsolicited information and remedies from everyone around them. In this article, Dr. Niti Gaur, the best Acne Doctor in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic, has busted myths related to acne so that everyone can make an informed decision about managing this condition. Read on to learn more.

Here are Some Common 12 Acne Myths Shared By Dr. Niti Gaur. 

Fact: Individuals can experience acne at any specific age. About 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women experience acne. The causes can include medicine, facial and hair products, or fluctuating hormones (caused due to stress, menopause, pregnancy, or menstruation). Adult acne can be managed with a good skincare routine, including sun protection. 

Fact: Although genetics can play a significant role in how acne develops, one can still limit their breakouts by making lifestyle changes. One may prevent acne-causing bacteria, excessive oil production in the skin, and hormonal imbalances resulting in pimples by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding germ-filled surfaces. 

Fact: This is entirely just the opposite. Excessive tanning is harmful to the skin. The skin gets extremely dry from UV exposure, which may cause more future breakouts. On the other hand, zinc oxide, a component in many sunscreens, works to combat the bacteria that cause acne. To select the best products for the skin, one should consult Dr. Niti Gaur, an expert acne skin doctor at Citrine Clinic. Since everyone's skin is different, it might be necessary to try a few before deciding on the best one. 

Fact: Although washing the face helps to remove excessive dirt and oil from the pores, washing it too much can lead to dryness, causing more breakouts. One must avoid scrubbing their face, as that can irritate the skin. The same applies to using harsh scrubs, exfoliating agents, and toners having an alcohol base. As a general rule, one must wash their face twice a day with mild soap and water in a circular motion and gently pat dry when done. 

Fact: Blackheads and whiteheads appear when oil glands in the skin generate too much oil or when they clog the pore with dead skin cells. Blackheads and whiteheads are a sign of acne, which starts from within the skin and takes time to form. A blackhead develops when the keratin protein is exposed to air, and a whitehead develops when the keratin protein builds up in pores that are not exposed to air.

Fact: Popping a pimple before it is fully formed will push the bacteria further into the skin, spreading it to other unaffected areas of the face. Along with spreading the infection, popping the pimples may lead to skin damage and scarring. One must let the pimple heal, which usually takes about a week or two. In darker skin, pimple popping can also aggravate discoloration, which can take several months to resolve without medication.

Fact: Makeup does not make acne better, but it plays no role in making it worse. If one chooses non-acnegenic or noncomedogenic cosmetics, they will not cause breakouts. Some concealers that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid also help fight acne. One must consult a dermatologist if a person observes skin irritation by applying makeup. 

Fact: Foods do not cause acne; however, research suggests that foods like chocolate and dairy may worsen acne. If patients are worried about their diet, sugar is the number one thing to cut down. Patients who consume a lot of sugar can exacerbate their acne with their diet, and these patients are more likely to have moderate to severe acne. The best thing to do is choose nutritious foods, and if one avoids certain foods, like dairy, one must make sure they still receive enough calcium and other essential vitamins and nutrients.

Fact: It has been observed that stress does not cause acne, but it can sometimes make it worse.

Fact: The toothpaste has one purpose, i.e., to brush the teeth. The truth is that sugar alcohols and hydrogen peroxide used in the toothpaste can help dry out a pimple's redness, but it does not give a permanent solution. On the contrary, applying toothpaste to the skin will lead to red, itchy, and irritated patches on the skin. 

Fact: Applying moisturizer to the skin is an essential part of the skincare routine, regardless of skin type. If one completely cuts moisturizers out of their daily routine, the skin will become dry. As a result, sebaceous glands will produce more oil, making the acne worse. One must find a product that suits their skin and is oil-free. To know the right product for the skin, one can consult Dr. Niti Gaur, an expert acne doctor at Citrine Clinic.

Fact: Some acne medicines contain agents such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Using too many of these products can cause overdrying, leading to skin irritation and more blemishes. One must consult a skin doctor if over-the-counter acne treatments do not work. Also, if one is taking prescription acne medicine, one must follow the doctor's instructions, as some medications can take up to two weeks to make a real difference.

If one is suffering from acne, they’re not alone. It has become a common problem these days. The only foolproof way to treat acne is to visit a skin specialist, be on medication and have patience.

If one is searching for the best acne doctor in Gurgaon, consult Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic. Dr. Niti Gaur is an expert dermatologist and has tremendous experience in all aspects of dermatology. She also offers treatment for acne scars, skin infections, skin allergies, hair treatments, stretch marks, hair fall, and unwanted body hair at Citrine Clinic, the best skin clinic in Gurgaon.

To learn more about the treatments offered, please visit Citrine Clinic, the Best Skin Clinic in Gurgaon.