Acne Mythes and Tips

Dispelling Acne Myths

(NC)—Acne. It can be controlled. With a combination of a daily skin care routine and regular consultation with your physician, you can be on your way to clean and healthy skin.

Simply put, acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can occur on the face, neck, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. It can affect girls and boys during adolescence and can even affect men and women in adulthood.

It's time to sort out acne myth versus fact once and for all.

Myth #1: The more you wash your face the fewer breakouts you'll have.
Fact: It's important to maintain a consistent skin care regimen, but over-washing can cause dryness and exacerbate the condition.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by eating candy and greasy food.

Fact: This is a common belief, but there is no concrete evidence to back it up.

Myth #3: Popping pimples will make them go away faster.

Fact: Actually, popping pimples could potentially spread the problem deeper into your skin and may cause permanent scarring.

Myth #4: Don't wear make-up if you want clear skin.

Fact: In fact, wearing make-up is fine, providing it's oil-free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and it is removed in the evening before bedtime.

Myth #5: If breakouts persist, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.

Fact: Like over-washing, over-use of acne medication will only irritate your skin by causing more breakouts and drying out the skin. It is important to follow a consistent daily skin care routine that cleanses, treats and moisturizes skin. While there is no quick fix to treat acne, consulting with your physician to determine your best treatment options is the first step.

More information on how to prevent and treat acne is available online at www.cetaphil.ca/acne.

- News Canada

(NC)—The stress teenagers experience in the first weeks of the new school year can leave its mark - literally.

Clearing up acne-prone skin is mission-critical for back-to-school. Adopting a skin-smart approach with a few simple steps can help keep breakouts at bay.

“Top priority is establishing and maintaining a daily skin care routine,” said Antonella Fiedler, business manager for Galderma. “Dermatologists tend to recommend a three-step approach that involves cleansing with a gentle foaming cleanser, treating with an acne-bacteria-fighting gel like Benzoyl Peroxide and hydrating with an ultra-light moisturizing lotion.”

Cetaphil Acne Principles is an example of a simple three-step system that helps attain clearer skin and takes the guess work out of product selection. The treatment is available in a starter kit and is also sold separately. The key to success is incorporating a daily skin care routine – so remember to be proactive when trying to avoid breakouts.

While closely adhering to a skin care regimen is essential, here are a few other important tips to keep in mind:

• Wash your face gently and avoid harsh scrubbing. This can irritate skin and lead to additional breakouts.

• Don't pick and squeeze blemishes. This won't clear up skin any faster and may spread the problem deeper into the skin, which can lead to scarring.

• Maintain a daily skin care routine for a normal healthy skin state. Treat acne regularly and prevent it from getting worse.

Although teenagers experience stress during the first few weeks of school, acne doesn't have to be one of them. Following a dermatologist-recommended skin care routine in the morning and at night is the best way for teenagers to begin the year acne-free.

More information on how to prevent and treat acne is available online at www.cetaphil.ca/acne.

- News Canada