Dermatology Blog

From DIY remedies, to topical medication, to what you should or shouldn’t be eating—there’s a ton of information about the causes and cures for acne. With so many magazine articles and products offering a solution to your pimple problems, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s fact or fiction. It’s time to clear things up, and we’re not just talking about your skin. We’re here to decode 7 myths about acne and why they are just that—myths.

It’s OK to pop your own pimples.

Hands off! Popping your pimples causes trauma to your skin, which leads to more inflammation and increases your risk of scarring. If you absolutely have to pop a pimple (we've all been there), use two q-tips and apply benzoyl peroxide immediately after.

The sun makes acne better.

Just because we have short summers in Ontario, doesn’t mean you should ditch your sun hat. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays will lead to premature aging and increases your risk of skin cancer. Instead of relying on the sun to dry out blemishes, visit our office for a Salicylic Acid Treatment.

Abrasive scrubs improve acne.

Exfoliating with abrasive scrubs and pads can cause increased inflammation and irritation. It can also cause your acne to flare—not what you want! Chemical exfoliation (over-the-counter products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or prescription products with tretinoin) is much more effective.

Acne is a teenage problem.

Acne is something we all hope to leave behind with our teens, but it follows many of us into adulthood. Studies show that 40% of women in their 20’s, 25% of women in their 30’s, and 15% of women in their 40’s continue to be affected by acne. Simply put—you can blame your hormones!

If you eat a clean diet, you’ll have clear skin.

Even though recent studies suggest a high glycemic-load diet (aka foods that spike your blood sugar) can increase your risk of acne, most people see negligible effects on their acne from a low glycemic-load diet. That means you have one less reason to feel guilty about that cheeseburger you had for lunch, but it might be worth it to skip the sugary drink.

Spot treatment is the best way to treat a blemish.

Dabbing benzoyl peroxide on a blemish isn’t going to solve your pimple problems. In fact, pimples are the last stage of the acne process, so treating one at a time is not the most effective route to take. Apply your acne treatments in a thin layer to areas where you tend to develop acne to prevent it forming in the first place.

It’s impossible to fade acne scars.

If you have scarring due to acne, you aren’t the only one. Fortunately, we have several treatments at Compass Dermatology that can significantly approve the appearance of scars.