7 Things That Definitely Don't Cause Acne ...

By Eliza • Sep 3, 2014 • MD

If you suffer from frequent breakouts, you’ve probably gotten tons of advice, but I’m here to share with you some of the things that don’t cause acne. You might have heard that certain things you’re doing or eating are contributing to the problem, but some of them are myths and nothing to worry about. However, if you do get acne, it’s a good idea to talk to a dermatologist about appropriate treatments which can clear up your skin and make you feel more comfortable. So, check out these things that don’t cause acne and you can go ahead and rule them out as the cause of the condition.

1. Dirty Skin

Many people make the mistake of thinking that excess oil is dirty, but among the things that don’t cause acne is getting dirty. When your skin gets extra oily, you might naturally assume you should wash more. That can actually make acne worse by drying out your skin. The experts suggest washing once or twice daily. That is sufficient to clear your pores and even if your face gets dirty, you aren’t going to wake up to a face full of pimples.

2. Stress

According to medical experts, there is no proof that stress leads to breakouts. Stress can increase the oil production on your skin however, stress itself isn’t likely the trigger. But if you rub or wipe your face with your hands or pick at your skin when you’re stressed, you might notice more acne during that time. Try relaxation techniques to keep stress under control.

3. Sunscreen

If you have sensitive skin, you must be careful which sunscreen you choose, but if you find the right one, it shouldn’t bother your skin at all. Some types of sunscreen might contain ingredients that bother your skin, but it’s not the actual sunscreen that is causing the issue. Plus, it’s never a good idea to get too much sun without sunscreen because then you run the risk of sunburn and ultimately skin cancer.

4. Skin Bacteria

You might be wondering how this could possibly be true. Yes, bacteria can cause acne, but it isn’t the kind on the surface of your skin. It’s the bacteria that has worked its way into your pores that can lead to a breakout. So simply touching your face with dirty hands isn’t going to be result in an immediate pimple. But again, washing once or twice a day is enough to clear that bacteria away and keep your pores clear.

5. Make-up

Yes, some ingredients in make-up can certainly contribute to acne, but it’s not the make-up itself. Even if you’re prone to acne, you can still wear make-up products by making sure you choose items that are non-comodogenic, which means they are free of ingredients that clog your pores and cause breakouts.

6. Chocolate

You’ve probably heard the myth that eating a lot of chocolate leads to acne. Well, good news chocolate lovers! That simply isn’t true. The myth originated after a couple of research studies found a link between dairy and acne. In subsequent trials, the results couldn’t be substantiated. If you worry about dairy and acne, try varieties that don’t have any milk in them, such as dark chocolate.

7. Junk Food

While we’re on the subject of food, it bears mentioning that other types of junk food won’t cause acne either. That includes soda and potato chips, both of which have been blamed for breakouts in the past. However, healthy skin is dependent on a well-balanced and healthy meal plan so you can’t live on junk food and expect to have a clear, clean complexion.

The causes of acne vary from person to person, which is why it’s a good idea to see a doctor to find out the triggers that cause yours. In the meantime, do you have any other tips and tricks to add about treating acne?

acne.org

webmd.com

everydayhealth.com

kidshealth.org

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Cee

    2014-09-03T16:48:06.338Z

    My cause of acne is my birth control so consider that when you have a breakout and also when your period is due. Excess and imbalanced hormones contribute
  • SugarPoww55

    2014-09-03T15:10:49.807Z

    I usually like your articles but you are SO wrong this time!
  • Alexandria

    2014-09-03T19:07:21.311Z

    yeaaaah, this one just doesn't make very much sense but it had kept me un-bored for a few minutes of my life haha
  • Venus

    2014-09-03T18:30:35.344Z

    Acne is a inflammatory disease. Diet is a HUGE factor.I have had acne for 22 years since I was 9. I have tried everything from Retinol A, antibiotics, birth control, facials, laser light, tanning, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, pro-active, and Accutane. None of it worked. Until, I read Dr. Perricone, MD. that dared me to try eating right for 28 days. It worked in 5! I don't work nor am I getting anything for mentioning this book. Simply try NOT eating breads, sugar, cream cheese etc. For a list of foods NOT to eat look it up online. Don't cheat eat ONLY what they recommend and watch your acne improve in a week.
  • Kayla

    2014-09-03T22:41:01.849Z

    This is entirely wrong in my opinion. I've had acne since I was 10 and I know by now that if my skin is dirty I will break out worse. I also know that that chocolate and other sugar foods do make my acne worse. Same with potato chips and salty snacks. Acne is different for everyone,so this article isn't a true fact for many of us! Everyone's skin is different, not one thing is true for all
  • Frosted

    2014-09-06T21:15:21.849Z

    Yeah.. some writers on allwomanstalk need to do their research first and not pick any random thing on the internet. This is EXTREMELY inaccurate.
  • Ammu

    2014-09-04T15:19:20.038Z

    You are so wrong this time ......... All of the mentioned above make acne worse .....
  • Lytessa

    2014-09-04T01:37:28.337Z

    Stress junk food and make up certainly do cause acne its scientificly proven junk food contains a lot of sodium and fat which cause acne and stress does certainly trigger it because if over stressed the skin tends to be broken out just a little more because its your bodies way of trying to tell u to chill kind of like when ur in panic and you go in to the "fight or flight" stage and MAKEUP i cant stress it enough make up contain chemicals that are so bad for ur skin if you use bare minerals or almay or any natural brands those are more likely to give you less of a problem and to pervent acne drink a lot of water to flush out toxins out of your body that could be from disease or eating junk food and put lotion on before you put on make up
  • deborah

    2014-09-05T21:33:39.132Z

    Poor diet affects hormones which in turn can cause acne, definitely poor research on this srticle
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