The Myths & Truths of Acne-Prone Skin

Decoding the Causes & Best Treatments for Oily Skin and Acne

Nov 3, 2009

Misguided information about acne-prone or oily skin can lead to further problems, frustration, and discouragement. These myths and truths will help prevent breakouts.

Caring properly for the skin, no matter the skin type or level of sensitivity, is important to keep it healthy and working right. Oily and acne-prone skin, perhaps the most irritating of skin types, is very often mishandled due to a lack of correct information. Several misconceptions about this skin type abound, making it difficult for an acne sufferer to get clear, correct advice.

The following myths and truths will shed some light on how to properly care for acne-prone and oily skin. If followed, this advice will lead to clearer, more balanced skin.

Myth #1: Acne Is Caused By Dirt.Acne is not caused by surface dirt and oil. Ever. Cleaning the surface of the skin will help eliminate the hidden agents beneath the surface of the skin that do cause a breakout, but should not be blamed for the creation of every pimple.

Under the surface, pores clog with bacteria, oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, resulting in a pimple. The dark color of a pimple is actually pooled melanin and dead skin, not dirt as is commonly believed. Proper cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing (as explained below) are the best ways to control the build up underneath the skin that results in a breakout.

Myth #2: Scrubbing The Skin Keeps It Healthy, Oil-Free, and Acne-Free.

Scrubbing the face, either with a facial brush and soap or a exfoliant that is too harsh, can remove the protective oils needed to keep skin healthy (Robertson). Skin becomes over-dry, tight, and uncomfortable and can sometimes appear red with irritation and inflammation. In both cases, oil production will increase and sometimes spur the spread of the p. acne bacteria that creates a pimple.

Instead, avoid using a facial brush or scrubbing pad and choose a gentler cleanser followed by an appropriate moisturizer.

Myth #3: Oily Skin Doesn't Need To Be Moisturized.For skin to be healthy, it needs a balance of water and oil. "Just because your skin is oily doesn't mean that it doesn't require some moisture" (Derm Store). Skin produces oil because it's "thirsty," and in the case of those with oily skin, there's not enough water available to turn off the oil production.

When oily skin is dried out and overstripped by cleansers, the "thirsty" mechanism clicks back on and the oil flows once more. Many commercial cleansers claiming to cure and prevent acne and eliminate oil are too harsh. "Skin should never feel tight, dry or burn after washing" (Derm Store). Adding an oil-free, water-based moisturizer after every cleansing stops the cycle, giving skin what it needs to keep a healthy balance of both components.

Myth #4: Facials And Microdermabrasion Are Necessary To Cure Acne.

Harsh, abrasive treatments like facials and microdermabrasion can actually lead to more infected pores in the long run. In recent dermatological studies, facials actually caused acne breakouts in 80% of clients (Robertson). That clean, tingling sensation may feel good at first, but eventually, the over-stripping and picking of the skin will increase the production of oil and bacteria in the skin and produce more pimples.

Gentler forms of exfoliation, used at home on a weekly basis, are much more favorable. Instead of one intense deep cleaning, these at-home scrubs provide more regular removal of dead skin cells in time with skin's natural turnover process.

Myth #5: Popping A Pimple Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of It.

When the pore is squeezed and a pimple popped, much of the pus within does come to the surface. However, some of that pus is pushed the other way, traveling deeper into the skin and possibly resulting in a spread of the breakout (Robertson). The irritation of that pore often results in inflammation, which can lead to even more pus cause by p. acne bacteria, which settles into surrounding pores and rises to the surface as a new cluster of pimples.

Instead of popping the pimple, dermatologists advise using a special tool called a comedone extractor, available at most beauty stores. It is easy to use and more effective at removing pus completely from the pore.

The copyright of the article The Myths & Truths of Acne-Prone Skin in Skin/Nail Care is owned by Stephanie Haddad. Permission to republish The Myths & Truths of Acne-Prone Skin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.