Acne is an annoying part of life, and although you may think you’re alone in it, acne affects some 85% of people in their lifetime. Mostly commonly, it’s found in the form of face, chest or back acne. While each should be treated a little differently, there are many options for taking care of and preventing acne. Because it’s such a talked about skin condition, there are many myths surrounding acne. Read on for a few of the most common ones!
I’m not a teenager, I can’t get acne
While it is true that more than 40% of teenagers have acne or acne scars by their mid-teens, it isn’t restricted to an age group! Although acne is most commonly associated with puberty, adults into their 50s have been known to develop acne.
Acne isn’t that common
This one should be obvious, but it actually is a widespread issue. In fact, it’s one of the most common skin conditions in the world. In the United States alone, 40 to 50 million people are affected. The American Dermatologist Association (ADA) has reported that acne is seen as a taboo, which leads to only 11% of those affected seeking help.
It isn’t worth seeing a dermatologist
Thanks to dermatology research, there are numerous new acne treatment products and therapies. You can ask a dermatologist about different acne treatment options. This especially a good option if you suffer from chronic breakouts or you have painful acne.
I can just pop a pimple to make it go away quickly
Don’t pop, pick at or squeeze acne! This can lead to scarring and glaring red spots. A dermatologist can help if acne doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications. On top of potential scarring, if you expose your acne, it can get infected and cause even more issues and breakouts. This is especially true for back acne, since more often than not, you’ll have clothes over what will be an open sore once you’ve popped it.
Although acne can be embarrassing and irritating, it can be dealt with! Which of these common myths did you believe about acne? How will you treat it differently now? Let us know in the comments!