The Truth About 14 Online Acne Tips
Living in a world with an oversaturated internet filled with all kinds of ish, it can be hard to scope out the truth on things. And it isn’t any different with it comes to skincare.
Even before the internet, we heard so many legends from our parents on it as well — like the classic “you shouldn’t be eating all that chocolate, you’ll break out.” But we all should know that’s a lie.
Finding the right balance on how to deal with your skin can headache inducing. As someone who suffers from dry and acne prone skin, it can be annoying trying to figure out what I should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to caring for my skin the right way. And with hearing so many dos and don’ts on it or if you do this, this will happen, you’ll end up running around in a circle.
So, as your personal Inspector Gadget, I came prepared and ready to reveal the truth for not only myself, but for all my fellow acne and dry skin types about what’s the real and what’s just nonsense with the help of world-renowned skincare expert Dr. Debra Jaliman and author of “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.”
READ ALSO: Eat These Foods If You Want Glowing Skin
1. Greasy/Junk Foods = Acne
True
Dr. Jaliman: “Sugar, or high glycemic products, are known to increase inflammation thus inducing acne. Processed sugar also glycates the collagen which stiffens and ages the skin. It’s best to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of antioxidants instead.”
So, having pizza every day for dinner or stuff your full of Sour Patch Kids might not be such a great idea.
2. Dry Skin Is More Prone To Wrinkles
True/False
I say both because dry skin can lead to wrinkles, but not in the way that you think. You may get something that looks like a permanent indentation on your face, but it’s not forever.
Dr. Jaliman: “Dry skin is more prone to superficial wrinkles since they will show more on dry skin.”
And what she means by “superficial” is that it’ll eventually goes away. According to Skin Rejuvenation Clinique, “superficial lines are easily smoothed because they are a part of the epidermal (the upper or outer) layer of skin with the right process of removal over time.
3. It Doesn’t Really Matter How You Apply Your Moisturizer
False
Dr. Jaliman: “You should apply the moisturizer upwards since you want to avoid pulling down the skin and making it sag.”
Rubbing product on your face all wild and stuff won’t do any good for you long term. You should always be gentle with skin, especially your face skin.
4. A Gallon of Water Per Day Is A Must For Better Skin
False
Dr. Jaliman: “Two liters of water a day should be enough to promote healthier skin.”
Making sure you drink lots of water every day is always key to improved skin and health in general, but there’s no need to stress about getting in a gallon daily. Like the doc said, two liters (about 8 bottles of water) is all you need.
5. Genetics May Be The Reason Why You Have Acne
True
Dr. Jaliman: “Genetics do play a part, however diet is important also — avoid sugar, greasy food and processed food as it can lead to blemishes.”
According to a statement made by Evelyn Chen, biomedical engineer and founder of Nerd Skincare, in an article with Well and Good, genetics does play a part, but only to a certain extent. “Genes play an important role in determining sebum production level and how skin responds to hormonal changes, stress, and other internal factors.”
So like Dr. Jaliman stated, be mindful of what you eat — avoid processed foods.
6. Women Are More Likely To Have Acne More Than Men
True… unfortunately
Dr. Jaliman: “Women have hormonal fluctuations during their PMS, during perimenopause [a.k.a. your entire menstruating life before menopause], menopause as well as when starting or discontinuing birth control pills. These hormonal fluctuations can contribute to acne.”
You have to just love being a woman sometimes — great things always happen to us! Lovely.
7. It’s Best To Use Products From The Same Product Line
False
Dr. Jaliman: “As long as you find a product that’s suitable for you it doesn’t matter if it’s all from one skincare line.”
I for one am glad to hear this. Once at Sephora, I was told by a skin brand’s representative that I should only buy the same products in one line to get the best results and I instantly looked at her with accusatory eyes. Because of course someone who works for the brand would say something like that — she was trying to make them sales!
8. The Sun Makes Acne Better
False
Dr. Jaliman: “The sun doesn’t make acne better. People think it can make it better because it dries out the blemishes. However, the sun can cause hyperpigmentation and inflammation.”
Now, don’t think about sitting out in the sun in hopes of better skin — put some sunscreen on and go on about your day.
READ ALSO: NYC Ruined My Skin & This Fixed It
9. Your Face Products Can Be Used To Treat Body Acne Too
False
Dr. Jaliman: “Body acne is caused by the same factors that trigger acne on the face. These factors include overactive oil glands that secrete too much oil, dead skin cells that block the pores and acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface. Oil and dead skin cells become trapped in the pore. This causes blackheads. They may become pimples if bacteria are involved, and inflammation.
Body acne is generally found on the back and upper chest. There are more sebaceous glands there than other areas of the body, so the follicles are more likely to become plugged with excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Some people are more prone to back acne because of their hormones. They may have a slight hormone imbalance like those with polycystic ovarian syndrome. When exercising wear breathable fabrics like cotton, not polyester.
Shower right after exercising to prevent bacteria from forming, clogging your pores and causing more acne.
Use antibacterial soap and a cleanser with salicylic acid or a toner with glycolic acid which would help unclog pores. You can also use a Clarisonic cleansing brush system. Some people go on hormone blocking medications such as Spironolactone if the acne is persistent.”
I think she pretty much said what I was going to say.
10. Manuka Honey Is A Great Source Of Hydration
True
Dr. Jaliman: “Manuka honey is a natural humectant, it helps skin retain moisture and hydration.”
Manuka honey might be the one thing you’re missing regimen and it’s great for a nice cup of tea too!
11. Physical Exfoliants On Dry Skin = No Bueno
False
Dr. Jaliman: “People with dry skin could use gentle exfoliants, like the rice bran-based ones.”
Here are a couple of rice based exfoliators to try:
– Farmacy New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains, click here.
– Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, click here.
12. Stress May Be The Reason Why You’re Breaking Out So Much
True
Dr. Jaliman: “Yes, stress can cause acne since it increases cortisol levels in the body.”
Finals time most definitely brings truth to this.
13. Hot Showers Are Not A Good Idea For Skin
True
Dr. Jaliman: “Use lukewarm water when showering since hot water will pull out all the natural oil out of your skin, thus making it drier.”
14. Using The Same Product For Too Long Eventually Makes it Stop Working
False
Dr. Jaliman: “No, you will not get immune to them, that is a myth.”
Hallelujah! Because I really didn’t want to give up on my shea butter.
