Myth: Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are your best optionsFact: Yes, they’re great over-the-counter options, but they’re not your only ones. If you find them irritating, or plain ol’ ineffective, there are alternatives. Just look at a recent review published in Nutrition Communications concluding that seaweed can reduce the production of pore-clogging sebum, minimizing breakouts. “Botanical ingredients (and antioxidants) can also help acne,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist in New York City, and Prevention advisor. Find out Six Botanicals For Younger Skin. Myth: There’s no connection between diet and acneFact: Even doctors have said there’s no link, but this is likely due to the misinterpretation of early studies, Dr. Zeichner notes. “Once researchers reevaluated the data, they found that earlier conclusions were incorrect.” Here’s what we know: “A high glycemic diet has been shown to worsen acne,” says Dr. Zeichner. “And cow’s milk can lead to flare ups because of the sugar and hormones.” It’s all about skin-friendly swaps: Replace white bread with whole wheat and sport a mustache made of almond milk instead of cow’s milk. Myth: It’s just a pimple Fact: “People often misdiagnose pimples as acne when they really have rosacea,” says Dr. Zeichner. Both involve red bumps, so it’s a simple mistake. Click here to find out What’s Causing Your Redness. Myth: Popping a blemish will make it look betterFact: No one likes a pimple filled with puss, but try to resist: “It can push pimples deeper into your skin, causing more inflammation and scarring,” says Dr. Zeichner. Myth: Your acne mediation will work overnightFact: Stick to your regimen for eight weeks before throwing in the towel. It might even become worse at first, since your skin is purging your clogged pores. Hang in there and try these concealer tips in the meantime.
