5 most common acne myths in Singapore debunked

Many of us have several preconceived notions about acne and how to get rid of it — but what’s real and what’s a myth? When it comes to treating acne, understanding myths ensures that we get the right treatment and prevent harmful practices. 

In this article, we’ll debunk 5 common acne myths in Singapore. Read on to find out more! 

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged and inflamed. It is mainly caused by excessive sebum production, bacteria, environmental stressors, dead skin cells and hormonal fluctuations. 

Debunking Common Myths

When managing acne, it’s important to tell the difference between myths and facts. Here are 5 common acne myths debunked.

Myth: Eating Chocolate Causes Acne

Although this is a very common myth, there are no conclusive scientific studies that establish a direct link between consuming chocolate and developing acne. However, there are some factors where it could seem like chocolate caused your acne:

• Glycemic index — consuming too much chocolate can increase your blood sugar levels, which stimulate the production of insulin and, in turn, increases your chances of getting acne. 
• Allergies or other sensitivities — certain ingredients in chocolate may cause acne in some individuals. For example, the high dairy content in chocolate could aggravate skin conditions in those who are lactose intolerant. 

When it comes to chocolate and other sweet treats, moderation is key! Having too much chocolate could increase your blood sugar levels, and hence, your likelihood of acne. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having a sweet treat once in a while. Dairy-free alternatives are also available for those with milk sensitivities. 

Myth: Only Teens Get Acne

This myth has been proven wrong time and again by people who experience acne well into adulthood. Although it is true that acne is more common among teens due to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, adults experience acne too. Adult acne can be caused by hormonal shifts, stress, genetic predisposition, medications and certain skincare or cosmetic products. 

How adult acne manifests is different too; in adults, acne tends to appear around the chin and jawline while teenagers experience acne primarily on the cheeks and forehead. Treatment will vary for both demographics too. 

Myth: Toothpaste Helps Clear Acne

Growing up, many of us have been told that applying toothpaste on our pimples can help dry them out and kill the bacteria. Unfortunately, this home remedy is a myth, and toothpaste can actually worsen our skin condition.

What works for your teeth may not work for your skin, and toothpaste has ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, fluoride, sodium lauryl sulphate and artificial flavouring, which can irritate the skin, clog the pores and exacerbate acne.

If you’re looking for a topical anti-acne solution, opt for over-the-counter or prescription products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or topical retinoids. 

Myth: Popping Pimples Clears Them Faster

Understandably, it can be hard to resist the urge to pop your zits, especially because of the immediate sensation of relief that comes with this “quick fix”. However, it’s important to not to do so, because popping pimples can worsen your acne breakouts in several ways:

• Increased risk of infection — popping a pimple leaves an open wound, increasing your chances of an infection. This, in turn, can lead to more pimples developing around the same area.
• Increased risk of scarring — popping a pimple can cause damage to the surrounding tissues, which often leads to permanent scarring.
• Spread of bacteria — bacteria from a popped pimple can spread to other hair follicles, causing a further acne breakout.
• Inflammation — picking at your acne can irritate the skin and increase inflammation in the area, making it redder and more tender.

Leave the popping to trained professionals — there are proper techniques to perform acne extractions in a safe manner using sterile instruments. Sometimes, for larger cysts or nodules, medical professionals may even perform an incision and drainage procedure or inject corticosteroids to reduce your risk of scarring and encourage healing.

Myth: Acne Is Only a Skin Problem

Sometimes, acne is an indication of a more serious health condition. The same way your car’s check engine light tells you to probe for any car malfunctions, acne may be your body’s way of telling you that something’s off with your overall health and mental wellbeing. Some underlying conditions include:

• Chronic stress — breakouts could also be a sign of chronic stress. Stress can trigger the production of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can contribute to clogged pores and acne lesions.
• Underlying medical conditions — chronic acne could be a sign of underlying medical conditions that cause hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Treatment Options

SkinLab offers a variety of acne treatments in Singapore for all types of acne conditions. Our top two facials for acne are: 

• Acne express defence facial — this anti-acne treatment utilises papaya enzymes to gently promote skin renewal and high-frequency therapy to reduce inflammation and mitigate bacterial growth. 
• Signature medical peel + Omega light — this combination treatment effectively exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces inflammation for acne-free skin. It involves the use of a specially developed chemical peel for blemish-prone skin and medical-grade LED light therapy to control oil production and kill acne-causing bacteria.

Acne facial in Singapore

Acne breakouts can be frustrating, especially when home remedies and over-the-counter anti-acne creams don’t work. Thankfully, there are various professional anti-acne treatments in Singapore that can help you achieve clear, blemish-free skin

Book an appointment with us for a comprehensive skin analysis and personalised treatment plan today!