One factor that contributes to successfully solving pimple problems is being able to distinguish facts from myths. This way, you avoid investing time, effort and money, on things that won’t contribute to your pursuit of a solution.

THE FACTS

• 60 million Americans suffer from pimples.

• 20 million Americans have acne badly enough to cause scars.

• 20% of all adults in the U.S. suffer from acne.

• 85% of American adolescents have acne.

• 25% of these teenage acne sufferers develop permanent scars.

• Only 11% of acne sufferers seek help.

• Natural remedies, though effective, are least considered in treating acne due to misinformation.

THE FALACIES

• Acne is a teenage disease.
o No. In fact, based on the factual statistic data I have included above, many adults suffer from acne. Some of them might not have facial acne. Acne could be found in other parts of the body like the back.

• Sexual frustration, masturbation and thoughts cause acne.
o This is a confused premise. The fact is, acne can be caused by increased levels of androgen in the bloodstream. High levels of androgen can stimulate libido or sex drive. So there is a relationship of a sort but not like the premise above. Acne is not caused by Sexual frustration, masturbation and thoughts.

• Acne scars will disappear with time.
o This depends on how deep the scars are. Deeply embedded crater-like scars are permanent. Consult your dermatologist to get an evaluation of your acne scars on whether they can still be removed.
• Sun exposure can help cure acne.
o This is not true. In fact, sun exposure can increase skin irritation that can lead to more pimple breakouts.
• Wearing make-up can cause acne.
o Not exactly. Not all types of makeup can cause acne. I suggest using hypoallergenic makeup which is very mild on the skin and safe to use for sensitive skin.
• Washing your face more often can help prevent acne.
o The opposite is true. Too much washing can dry your skin which can trigger your body to compensate by increasing oil production by your oil glands. Also, too much washing can irritate the skin which can lead to more pimple breakouts. The safest way is to wash your face twice a day (in the morning and in the evening). Do not scrub your face. Use mild soap and wash using your finger pads going on a circular motion. Also, when you dry your face, don’t wipe with a towel. Instead, gently pat dry.
• Acne is a manifestation of psychological problems.
o Not exactly. But stress, as discussed in another post in this site, can cause acne problems.