Health Conditions

You've heard your mother say, "Don't eat that chocolate! It will cause your face to break out!" But is this really true or merely a misperception? There are numerous myths regarding the causes of acne. Read below to learn more about these common misperceptions.

• Acne is caused by not washing your face often enough. This is not true! Some people think they must vigorously scrub their face numerous times a day to avoid acne breakouts. However, acne is not caused by dirt, dead skin cells, or oils on the skin surface. Actually, if you wash your face too often and too hard, you may make acne worse. Most dermatologists recommend gently washing your face twice daily with a mild soap and the use of appropriate acne medications if needed.

• Acne is caused by the foods you eat. This myth has been around for a long time, but contains no truth. A considerable amount of research has been performed to determine if certain foods, for example, chocolate, pizza, and french fries, may cause acne or make it worse. Research has shown there is no connection between what you eat and the development of acne. If you still think that certain foods cause you to breakout then you can simply avoid those foods. Typically, if your acne is being treated appropriately, there is no need to worry about what foods you eat.

• Acne is caused by stress. Again, this is a misperception. No evidence exists to support this claim. Normal day-to-day stress does not cause acne. However, if you are taking medications to treat stress, anxiety, or depression, the medication may contribute to or worsen acne--check with your pharmacist or doctor if you think any of your medications could be contributing to acne breakouts.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.