HY 05/06: Myths About Acne | Lehigh Valley Hospital

Setting the record straight on causes and treatment

Treating Acne

Start with over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicyclic acid. If these don’t work, see your primary doctor or a dermatologist for options like these:

Prescription creams or lotions such as Cleocin (to treat infection) and Retin-A (to unclog pores)
Oral medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills or isotretinoin (Accutane and generics)
Chemical peels, laser or light treatments, or acne surgery

Want to Know More details about acne treatments and the skin care services of the Youthful You Institute? Click above.

Acne…almost all teenagers develop it, nearly half need medical treatment, and some struggle with it for years. For all, the cause is the same—clogged pores.

Blame it on puberty. “That’s when your body produces hormones that cause the skin’s sebaceous glands to make more oil,” says dermatologist Marc Levin, M.D. Because male hormones have the greatest effect, teen boys often have more severe acne than girls—though girls often are more concerned about it, says adolescent medicine specialist Barbara Katz, M.D. Both physicians are with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Puberty also causes skin cells around the oil glands to slough off, stick together and clog pores, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads. Bacteria (present in everyone’s skin) feed on the oil and multiply, causing inflammation that leads to red bumps and cysts. Some common myths, and the facts:

Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
Fact: “Acne is a hormonal condition,” Levin says. “Dirt and oil on the skin’s surface have little to do with the cause.” Frequent scrubbing actually irritates skin and makes acne worse. Gently wash your face once or twice daily with a mild soap or nonsoap cleanser and pat dry.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by diet.
Fact: Cut back on milk products if you have acne, but studies have found no other acne-linked foods—not even chocolate. “If you feel certain foods make you break out, don’t eat them,” Levin says.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress.
Fact: Acne can’t be traced to stress as a primary cause, but it can be a side effect of medications that treat stress or depression.

Myth #4: Acne is "just cosmetic."
Fact: Acne isn’t a serious risk to your physical health, but its unsightly appearance may lead to emotional problems, Katz says.

Myth #5: You have to let acne run its course.
Fact: “With the treatments available today,” Levin says, “there is no reason to endure acne.”

Myth #6: Squeezing resolves a breakout.
Fact: Squeezing or picking at acne cysts can worsen them and cause infection. The only sure way to prevent or limit scarring is to treat acne early and as long as necessary.