Spend less time following a skincare routine that doesn't work for you and more time following one that will.

Do you feel like you're doing all the right things yet are still experiencing acne flareups and can't figure out why? Check out these six acne myths that certified dermatologist Dr. Liv busts in today's blog and find out if you might be guilty of doing one or all of them!

Before diving into today's myths and tips, if you've been dealing with acne for some time, then it's likely that you're also dealing with acne scars. If you want to discover how you can get rid of those pesky acne scars, check out this blog.

Now onto the myths about acne that you yourself may be guilty of!

 

❌ Myth #1: If something worked for your friend, it will work for you.

• Everyone's skin is different and reacts to certain ingredients differently. To find out what works best for your skin, you need to know the ingredients in your skincare products, why you're using what's in your skincare routine, and the cause of your specific skin issue

 

❌ Myth #2: Exfoliation helps to reduce acne

• Mechanic rubbing on your skin (i.e. exfoliating scrubs) will not get rid be the cure all that gets rid of your acne. Your healthy skin cells are attached to the dead skin cells, so when you scrub your face, you also end up rubbing off the healthy skin cells as well. This isn't to say that exfoliating scrubs are completely unhelpful, but rather that physical exfoliation should always be done in moderation — never do it more than 1-2 times a week
• We recommend using the Foaming Skin Polish to exfoliate your skin on days when you use other products, such as face masks or chemical exfoliating products, in order to prepare your skin for deeper work

 

❌ Myth #3: Popping and picking pimples helps to reduce acne

• We know how hard it can be to stop, but popping and picking at your pimples will not only harm your skin even more, it may also cause acne scars (which are hard to treat)! You also might end up pushing the bacteria even deeper into your skin, which will cause further harm to your skin. If you have very severe acne, you can go to an esthetician who will do the job properly for you

 

❌ Myth #4: Using oils will fix your acne

• An oil is the thickest form of moisturizers and creates a thick layer, thus creating a safe and protected environment for bacteria to grow in (this is particularly the case for those whose skin type is already oily)
• A better option is to use a vitamin-enriched moisturizer that's thick enough to provide protection and deep hydration to your skin, yet not so thick that your skin will be unable to absorb it, thus creating the aforementioned environment for bacteria to grow in

 

❌ Myth #5: Once you get rid of acne it will never come back

• WRONG! Over time, your hormones change, meaning that your sebaceous glands can become highly productive again and cause a new acne breakout

 

❌ Myth #6: Keeping your skin as clean as possible will keep acne away

• Although you do want to wash your face in the morning and evening, you don't want to overdo it. Just keep it simple: never go to bed with makeup still on and regularly wash your face in the morning and evening
• We recommend using a non-foaming cleanser, like the Hydrating Face Wash, because they are gentle and non-stripping, leaving your skin hydrated and nourished without the dry, tight feeling that foaming cleansers leave you with