Zit myth busters

• Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

  Wrong! Acne happens when the oil glands (pores) in the skin become blocked by excess oil (sebum). Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, although keeping your skin clean by using a water-soluble face wash twice a day can certainly help your acne to some degree.

• You can get rid of blackheads by using a good facial scrub or exfoliant.

  False! Too much facial scrubbing can irritate your skin and cause more inflammation. You can't just wash acne away or 'clean out' blackheads. Facial skin should be washed gently twice a day – NEVER scrubbed!

• Picking and squeezing pimples is a good way to get rid of your acne.

  No way! Picking and squeezing pimples immediately makes acne worse and can lead to permanent, irreversible acne scarring.

• Eating chocolate causes acne.

  No! But remember – everything in moderation – even chocolate. A healthy, balanced diet is important to your general well-being but will not cure acne.

• Make-up and moisturisers won’t affect my acne.

  Warning! Some cosmetics (make-up, concealers, moisturisers) can definitely make acne worse. If you are not sure which skin care products would suit you, please contact Susan, our Cosmetic Therapies Specialist for advice. BodyTech Spa in Normanby Road, Mt Eden stocks a comprehensive range of Jane Iredale mineral make-up which may be suitable for acne-prone skin.

• Using lots of over-the-counter acne medication or celebrity-endorsed acne skin systems containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid will improve my acne.

  Wrong! Using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid without medical advice can actually make acne a lot worse as they can cause significant skin irritation and inflammation.

• Sunlight, sun-bathing or sun-beds will improve acne.

  Sun exposure can cause inflamed acne spots to turn a dark brown colour and this pigment change is very difficult to treat. Direct sun or sun-bed exposure also leads to premature wrinkling of facial skin and skin cancer. We strongly recommend daily use of an SPF30+ broad-spectrum facial sunscreen to protect your skin. We can help you find a sunscreen that is non-greasy and feels great to wear every day.

• Sweat from exercise causes acne.

  Not true – although it is always a good idea to wash your face with a gentle water-soluble cleanser after hot, sweaty activities.

• Acne is caused by allergies

  There is no scientific evidence that acne has any connection with any allergic reaction you may have.

• Acne is contagious.

  Acne is NOT contagious. You cannot get acne by touching a pimple on someone else's face.

• Stress does not contribute to acne.

  Periods of increased stress can often be linked to new outbreaks of pimples or worsening acne.

• Pregnancy will help acne.

  Not true. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy can cause acne is some women.

• Acne is not hereditary.

  Not true. Studies show that the likelihood of acne is greater in people whose parents or siblings have also had acne.

• Steroids won't cause acne.

  False. Anabolic steroids illicitly used for body-building can cause acne and are linked to severe forms of acne.