Where is My Acne Coming From?

Acne. It is one of the biggest skin problems that women face. It creates uneven texture and redness that isn't always easy to hide.

Growing up, we are told that acne is the result of eating the wrong things, not drinking enough water, not washing make up off. And to some extent, that's true, but acne is caused by several different factors. Let's discuss a few of those myths.


Myth 1: If I eat chocolate/french fries/other greasy food, I will get acne.


Truth? Sorry. You would be depriving yourself for nothing. Acne is not caused by eating those foods. If you get them all over your hands, and then rub your face, maybe. But the consumption of them alone will not cause acne to form.




Myth 2: If I don't drink enough water, I'll get bumps.


Truth? You're more likely to look wrinkled than bumpy. It's always good to drink water, and it can help to clear up some skin problems that dehydration can cause (redness, dryness, cracked skin), but water alone is not going to clear your skin. That's why you don't wash your face in water alone.




Myth 3: If I don't wash my makeup off at night, I will get acne.


That one is true. Any way you look at it, you are covering your skin (and therefore your pores) with a layer of product. Leaving it there over night can be a catalyst for acne (whiteheads and blackheads). When you sleep with your makeup on, it transfers to your pillow case. Even if you don't wash your face twice a week, it's on your pillow case, and you might as well have worn it every day, all day. It's not healthy, and it's not hygienic. Just be sure to get a good eye makeup remover and a good facial cleanser. Clean your face, and keep your pillowcases (and quite frankly, your entire sheet set) washed, and it will help to prevent future breakouts.




Myth 4: If I scrub my face everyday, I will prevent new acne and will clear up current breakouts.


Truth? If you're scrubbing your face with any type of beaded 'scrub' wash during a breakout, the only thing you're doing is spreading it around. Acne is caused by bacteria, and that bacteria loves to ride around to a new home when it can. Any time during an active breakout, stick with a facial brush or your hands for gentle cleansing that won't pick up that acne causing bacteria.


Acne is described by either a blackhead, whitehead, or cystic acne.

Blackheads are pores that have become filled with bacteria, dead skin cells and oil that has oxidized (basically, air has gotten to it). Blackheads can be removed by using an exfoliating mask (clay mask, etc). It will be a gradual process, but it won't hurt or scar.

Whiteheads are exactly like blackheads, except they have no place for air to hit them, and therefore remain white. Whiteheads can be removed in a similar manor, except the mask will reduce the inflammation as well.

Cystic Acne is acne that is deep under the skin. It tends to be red, and can be painful to the touch. Cystic acne is something that most over-the-counter systems has trouble controlling, as it tends to be an internal event, and topical treatments do not tend to help. Cystic acne is best treated by a dermatologist.


One of the main rules to remember for acne: NEVER POP YOUR ZITS! This includes whiteheads, blackheads, bumps, zits, pimples, whatever you call them - do not pop them. All you are doing is breaking that skin barrier and creating a place for infection to occur.