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The most common acne myths


question
I've heard that eating certain foods can make acne worse. Is this true?

answer
This is just one of the many acne myths that have been around for years. However, thanks to scientific research, many of the real factors behind blemishes are now known.

Here are some common misconceptions:

  • Myth: Chocolate, pizza, peanuts and fried foods are bad because they make you break out. Truth: The latest research suggests that some people have acne outbreaks as a result of the foods they eat, while others don't. Feel free to enjoy your favourite foods in moderation.
  • Myth: Soaking up the sun, or sitting under a sunlamp, is helpful in clearing up acne. Truth: Exposure to the sun may dry up pimples, but it hardly seems worth it when you weigh up the cons: Sun exposure (especially burns) can cause skin cancer and lead to premature ageing.
  • Myth: Acne will go away by the time you reach the age of 30. Truth: Unfortunately, many adults suffer from acne well into, and beyond, their fifties.
  • Myth: Acne is caused by poor grooming. Truth: The presence of acne does not mean your face is dirty.
  • Myth: Abrasive cleansers are good for acne. Truth: Dermatologists actually find that harsh exfoliants usually aggravate acne.
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