Beauty & the Brush: acne myths

They say your experience with acne depends greatly on how your parents fared when they were your age.

Some are blessed with clear skin, thanks to their mothers’ genes, while some are hit full force in their teens by their fathers’ bloodline. Whatever the case, when our skin starts acting up, our primal instinct is usually to run to the nearest store and grab the first “miracle” product we can get our hands on. We use it for about a week and then move on to the next remedy, trying out any crazy idea we’ve heard might work.

Before scrubbing your face raw, read on for the top 3 acne myths:

Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

Acne is not caused by dirt - it is a result of a hormonal imbalance. Flare-ups are created by an overproduction of oils or sebum in the pores that gets trapped under the skin’s surface. The rule of thumb is to cleanse your face twice daily, when you wake up and again before you go to sleep. Scrubbing your face more than recommended will leave your face dry and irritated. Your skin will then overcompensate by producing more oil, exacerbating the condition.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, preferably medicated. If you wear makeup and want a clean face in the middle of the day, use a mild makeup remover and wash off the traces with water. Those who frequent the gym should splash their face with cold water immediately after a workout to remove excess oil.

Myth #2: Chocolate causes acne.

Chocolate lovers around the world - rejoice. There have been thousands of scientific studies done on the matter, and the consensus is that there is no link between acne and food. Besides, an acne flare-up can take up to three weeks to form, so the oily chicken you had for lunch is not likely to be the cause of your evening breakout. However, this is not to say you should add french-fries to your daily meals. A well balanced diet of crisp vegetables, lean protein and plenty of water has shown to increase overall wellbeing.

Myth #3: Using harsh products will help your acne clear up faster.

A stronger face wash or ointment does not necessarily mean better performance. Products such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may appear to work at first, but if the medicine content is too much for your individual face to handle, it can further irritate and dry out your skin. You know what that means? You guessed it. Your pores will produce more oil to soothe your face, meaning more breakouts.

Start by using a mild medicated cleanser or ointment. And remember, any regimen can take six to eight weeks to show results (there is no wonder in a bottle that works in a day). Give it time, and if after several weeks you see no difference, try something else.

If you feel the products you chose are not working for you, don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist. Many moderate to severe cases of acne are only treatable through antibiotics or prescription strength ointments. Acne is a condition just like any other, and there is no shame in seeking professional help.

Unfortunately, no matter what you have heard - there is no cure for acne. Treatment is all about maintenance and care. If you find the product that works for you, continue using it despite how great your face now looks, or you’ll see it flare up again. Be diligent in your routine, and you’ll continue to see healthy, beautiful skin.

Maria Saadat is author of the popular desi beauty site Lipstick Masala.

QUESTION TIME

Do you have a question about make-up? Can’t figure out a hairstyle for an upcoming wedding? Do your attempts at smoky eye make-up leave you looking like a raccoon? Have no fear! E-mail your questions and issues to [e-mail] and Maria Saadat will respond to them in an upcoming column.

Published  in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2010.