Common Misconceptions About Acne: Part 1

Out of all the skin conditions that exist, it’s likely that acne is one of the most common. It’s so common, in fact, that most people will develop acne at some point in their lives. In this post, our Dermatologists outline some common misconceptions about the condition and acne treatment available at our Harley Street skin clinic. You can also read part 2 here.

1) Acne is caused by dirty skin

It might seem like oily, spotty skin is caused by poor hygiene, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, frequent washing of the skin can cause further inflammation and redness. Acne is actually caused by the overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands under the skin, triggered by hormonal changes. This is one of the reasons why periods and pregnancy can cause breakouts.

2) The condition clears up on its own

Unfortunately for many with acne, this simply isn’t the case. This is where acne treatments come in – and at Cedars Dermatology, a skin clinic in Harley Street, we can offer a range of options, from chemical peels to specialist skin creams.

3) Acne only affects teenagers

In adults, acne is generally most common under the age of 30, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect other age groups. For some, acne can be a lifelong skin condition. This is because it’s all linked to your hormones.

4) You can catch acne from someone else

Thankfully, acne is not contagious; it’s triggered by hormonal changes. However, our Dermatologists warn that acne can ‘spread’ on the skin if the spots burst (or are popped), as the bacteria and pus within can travel into surrounding pores.

5) Popping spots clears acne

As our Dermatologists have said, popping spots can lead to spreading the acne into other areas. It can also disrupt the skin’s healing process, taking longer for the spots to heal. And lots of popping (or indeed, lots of patches of acne) can lead to acne scarring.

6) Diet doesn’t affect acne

There’s evidence that the two can be linked, and lots of vitamins, minerals, and specific foods are known for helping with skin cell growth and renewal, which could help manage, or improve, the condition. For instance, vitamin C has been linked to collagen production (the protein that gives skin its firmness), while vitamin E helps support cell function and skin health.

Book acne treatment with Cedars Dermatology today

If you or someone you know has acne, why not consider our Harley Street skin clinic for Dermatologist-led acne treatment? Click here for our details and book a consultation today.