Acne treatment myths

When it comes to acne treatment solutions, there is a lot of advice and suggestions out there that are just NOT true. Many people suffer from pimples and other skin blemishes and this is bad enough without the added stress of stumbling upon a so-called remedy that turns out to be bogus.

If you are looking for pimple cures, be careful not to be lured into using techniques or products that are unhelpful or downright dangerous. Here are some of the most common acne solutions myths that you should avoid:

Toothpaste can cure pimples - toothpaste CANNOT cure this skin condition. It is helpful in reducing the redness and bump of pimples overnight but it can't treat the condition for good.
Frequent washing of the face prevents pimple outbreaks - if your idea of 'frequent' is twice a day, then that is okay. However, if it's 10x a day then that is synonymous to a 'skin suicide'. Washing your face excessively can diminish its natural protection against bacteria and reduce the natural oil of the skin. It will be worse if you use a strong facial wash.
Pop your pimples to make them go away quicker - the only thing popping a pimple does is make it less noticeable. Squeezing your zit will only make it stay longer and this is because the act of popping it pushes the bacteria even deeper into the skin. Squeezing your zit will also cause the pimple to leave a mark or scar that won't heal for months.

Eat spicy foods to prevent pimples and other skin blemishes - there is no known connection between eating spicy foods and pimple prevention.
Prevent the breakout of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads by using more OTC acne solutions - most if not all over-the-counter pimple treatments contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients are harmful when taken in excess and can have side-effects like irritation, dryness and more blemishes than you can handle.

When trying to find the right treatments for your zits and other skin blemishes, always consult a dermatologist and get reliable, expert advice.