Adolescence is a significant period marked by various physiological and psychological changes. Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions teenagers face as they grow up. Approximately 85% of individuals experience acne during their teenage years and into the early 20s, typically starting at age 11 for girls and a few years later for boys. Additionally, up to 20% of those affected by acne might develop facial scarring, which can range from severe to permanent.
If you often get pimples, especially several at once, you may have acne. Acne can affect various areas of your body, including the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. So, what causes it?
Acne occurs when the tiny hair follicles on your skin, called pilosebaceous units, become blocked. This blockage can result from several factors. Excess oil production, known as sebum, can clog your pores. Another contributing factor is layered ketonization, where the skin cells (keratinocytes) fail to shed properly and instead build up in layers, leading to blockages. Additionally, an overgrowth of a type of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes inside the blocked follicles can cause inflammation and pimples, which are sometimes referred to as zits or blemishes.
Although acne is a common part of adolescence, it is often misunderstood, with numerous myths and misconceptions circulating. These misunderstandings can lead to ineffective treatment methods and unnecessary emotional stress for many people. Here, this article aims to debunk some of the most popular myths about teenage acne.
MYTH #1: Drinking lots of water will get you that glowy skin.
- While staying hydrated is essential for overall health, drinking water alone is NOT a miracle cure for acne. According to Dr. Aimee Paik, a board-certified dermatologist, “The water you drink has no impact on your skin’s hydration.” Effective acne treatment typically involves addressing factors such as excessive oil production, clogged pores from dead skin cells, and bacteria.
- For very mild acne, common treatment options such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid washes, topical antibiotics, and retinoids can be effective. However, for moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
- REMEMBER: It is crucial to consult first with a dermatologist or healthcare professional to obtain appropriate prescription medication.
MYTH #2: Teens get acne because they do not wash their face. So, you need to wash your skin more to fight acne.
- One of the most important rules for healing acne is to avoid over-stripping the skin by NOT over-washing or using harsh soaps or scrubs. The cleanliness of your skin does not impact acne significantly; washing your skin too much can aggravate the skin, strip away its natural oils, and potentially worsen acne and increase breakouts. The same applies to harsh scrubs, exfoliating agents, and alcohol-based toners.
- Experts generally recommend washing your face gently no more than twice a day—morning and evening. It is also advisable to remove sweat after exercising and to clean off any greases that may accumulate on the skin from certain physical activities.
- REMEMBER: Always consult with a dermatologist to determine which gentle cleansers and other treatments are best suited for your skin type.
MYTH #3: It is alright to pop a pimple.
- Picking and popping will NOT speed up the healing of acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, squeezing pimples can have several undesirable side effects. These include pushing bacteria deeper into your pores, leading to permanent acne scars, more noticeable and painful acne lesions, and infections from bacteria on your hands.
- REMEMBER: To manage acne safely and effectively, always maintain an appropriate skincare routine and consult with a dermatologist. Resist the temptation to pop those pimples!
MYTH #4: Greasy foods, dairy, and eating chocolate will make you break out.
- There is no direct, conclusive evidence linking greasy or sugary foods to acne. However, maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can certainly benefit your overall skin health. Some research suggests that skim milk and high-glycemic foods may increase the frequency of acne, but the impact of diet varies from person to person.
- REMEMBER: Moderation is key. By eating everything in moderation, living a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining proper hygiene routine, you don’t need to worry about giving up occasional indulgences like french fries or your favorite dessert.
References:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2023). Pimple Popping: Why Only A Dermatologist Should Do It, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping.
Apostrophe Team. (2024). Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne. Slather, https://www.apostrophe.com/slather/does-drinking-water-help-acne/#:~:text=Despite%20its%20many%20benefits%2C%20drinking,using%20harsh%20soaps%20or%20scrubs.
Desai, N. (2017). Know Your Skin: Acne Myths vs. Facts. NorthShore, https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/acne-myths-and-facts/.
Patel, K., & Cohen, B. (2021). Acne vulgaris in teenagers. Contemporary Pediatrics, 38(8), https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/acne-vulgaris-in-teenagers
Thumbnail: Photo by Barbara Krysztofiak on Unsplash
