Throughout the years there have been several myths about the causes of acne that have created more confusion than an answer to the real cause of this devastating skin condition. Having a clear understanding about the causes of acne is a very important part in the battle against this skin problem. However, knowing about what doesn't cause acne can be just as important as what causes it. So, it is important to learn about some of the common myths surrounding acne to get rid of the misconceptions they provoke wich could lead you into the wrong path towards recovery.

Let's start with the "Tan Myth". Many people have been told that acne can be cleared up by the application of a tan. Although a tan may help cover the redness caused by acne, in reality it won't heal or prevent it after all. The are many risks involved with getting a tan. When you mix tanning beds and the sun, there's a great possibility of damaging your skin. So, this is a complete myth - a tan is not a solution for acne; this could only cause more problems to your skin condition than helping it cure.

Another myth that you might have taken as a fact has to do with washing your face. If you have been washing your face several times a day hoping to reduce the number of breakouts you usually experience then you are taking part of a myth. I'm not saying that this natural skin care treatment is bad, not at all. In fact, washing your face helps get rid of oil and excess dirt, and removes dry skin (which can clog pores and cause acne). However, the problem comes when you start washing your face too often. Over washing your face can remove some of the essential oils found in your skin; and doing so will cause your face to become especially dry and irritated. It doesn't mean that these effects will cause acne directly but they undoubtedly will contribute to keep your acne from healing.

Don't pop those pimples! The general belief that popping pimples will help them clear up more quickly is just another common acne myth. While popping your pimples can, in a way, make them seem less noticeable, in the end this practice can actually prolong the healing process. The reason of this consequence is that when you pop a pimple you're actually pushing the bacteria from it deeper into the skin, as a result this causes the surrounding area to become red and irritated. And although there are some devices (such as blackhead extractors) that can help pop your pimples without causing this side effect, they are not a safe recommedation either for they can cause the formation of scars.

Another myth that you might have heard about acne involves the use of makeup and shaving. They say that if you want to have a clear healthy skin, you must not wear makeup or shave. But the fact of the matter is: there is not a problem in using products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. These types of products are designed to avoid the clogging of pores and cause breakouts. Nowadays, there are also some concealers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them which are especially created to help fight acne.

The above are but a small number of myths related to acne and its causes. To be able to treat acne, it is important to learn about its possible causes beforehand. Having this knowledge will give you a better idea of what's best for the type of acne you suffer. However, in case you are not sure regarding your acne causes and what treatment could be the best to treat it, you are more than advised to consult a dermatologist for the best medical attention.