Does toothpaste clear breakouts? Will I outgrow my acne? Can I correct my acne through my diet? These questions and more will be answered in this blog as Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA) addresses common myths about acne in observance of Acne Awareness Month.

Myth: Toothpaste Cures Breakouts.

DAA: A popular home remedy, toothpaste, has not been proven to relieve acne. Cooling and tingling you may experience from the toothpaste may just leave your pores even more blocked and irritated than they were before.

Myth: You Will Outgrow Your Acne.

DAA: Acne is the most common skin condition. Affecting as many as 40 – 50 million people per year, acne can prey on people at any age. Most people experience acne during adolescence or early adulthood because of hormonal spikes; however, acne can affect babies and children, women in menopause, the elderly, and everyone in between. If you are managing the effects of acne in your own life, know that you are not alone and there are many solutions that can help.

Myth: Your Acne is Caused by Your Diet.

DAA: Some studies have shown dairy has been associated with an increase in acne in females only. It is thought that hormones given to cows may be responsible. If the added hormones are responsible for acne, then this could be eliminated by eating/drinking organic dairy products. Some also speculate that acne may be reduced through the incorporation of a low-glycemic diet. The data on this is mixed. However, reducing high-glycemic foods can help control inflammation in the body and therefore may have some impact on the severity of breakouts.

Myth: Stress and Anxiety Can Cause a Breakout.

DAA: The data is also mixed on the link between stress and anxiety to acne. For some, it seems that psychological stress may have an impact on your skin. If you seem to get pesky pimples around stressful times, try stress management tactics such as yoga, meditation, long walks, or seeing a professional.

Myth: Washing Your Face Excessively Can Help Control Acne.

DAA: While washing your face once or twice daily with a mild cleanser is a good practice to implement into your daily routine, washing your face more than that may do more harm than good to your skin. Excessive scrubbing can leave your skin dry, red, and irritated, often worsening the appearance of acne.

We hope you find this blog both informative and helpful. If you have acne or any other concerns regarding a skin condition. Our dermatology providers offer an array of solutions at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Give us a call at (404) 256-4457.