5 easy remedies for acne that actually make a difference

Acne remedies. They are as many as there are stars in the sky, ranging from practical remedies that actually heal pimples and blackheads to absolutely useless ‘hacks’ that can cause the acne to worsen. So how can you effectively take care of your skin and treat breakouts safely? To help you out we have highlighted 5 common acne myths. Are they true or false?

1.Your diet has nothing to with acne

False!

Before your shove that entire pizza down your throat consider this: refined carbs (yes, that pizza) + spiked insulin + increased sebum production + bacteria = breakouts. Sebum is the oily substance your skin produces to keep it moisturized. However, when too much is produced, it causes acne breakout. As with anything else in your body what you eat affects how much oil your sebaceous glands produce.

Now, step away from the refined carbs, love.

PRO-TIP: Ditch the carbs, eat more fruit and vegetables and hydrate every chance you get. Do it for the acne.

“Some people think just taking water will clear their skin, but that statement by itself is false. Water promotes overall health – just like having a balanced diet does. When you are healthy, your skin, which is just another organ, also does well,” says Kenyatta National Hospital dermatologist, Dr Evanson Kamuri.

2.Make up causes acne

True, but…

It depends on the kind of products you use and how you clean your skin after using make-up. Using oil-based products for your daily ‘face beat’ without having a clear proper facial care routine is the recipe for what Dr Kamuri calls ‘acne pomade’, that is breakouts on your forehead, temples and hairline.

Buy high quality makeup and use gentle cleansers like Neutrogena’s Natural make up remover  in your daily skincare routine. Never go to bed with make up on, ever!

PRO-TIP: If you want to avoid the notorious Oily T-zone, opt for matte foundation with a high powder ratio. Oil-based foundation will not only look greasy, but it will not last as long.

3.Acne is for teenagers

False!

“Acne is a household problem and will probably affect everyone at some point in their lives,” explains Dr Kamuri, adding that it is more prevalent amongst adolescents because of the hormonal changes that happen during puberty.

That said, acne does not discriminate. It cuts across all gender and age divides. Studies show that people with oily skin have higher chances of getting acne, and that more women than men between the ages of 20 – 49 years of age will suffer from mature onset acne.

PRO-TIP: If you have oily skin, avoid using oil-based skin products. Adding more oil to your already oily skin can lead to further breakouts. www.MyDawa.com stocks Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion, an oil-free moisturizer that can keep acne at breakouts at bay.

4.Toothpaste can heal zits

True, but…

It depends on your definition of heal, really. Toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol among other irritants. Applying toothpaste only leads to skin dryness which leads to more sebum production and even more acne.

Dr Kamuri advises patients against harsh products and treatments, pointing out that abrasive treatments are often counterproductive.

“’Over-scrubbing’ actually worsens the skin. What patients don’t know is that abrasive treatments and popping pimples actually leads to dark spots,” explained the Nairobi-based skin specialist.

PRO-TIP: Bin the toothpaste and talk to your dermatologist about solutions.  Use gentle over the counter scrubs like Neutrogena’s Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub to exfoliate weekly.

5.Workouts clear acne

False!

While exercise promotes general health, there is no direct link between exercise and reduction of acne. In fact, some people report that they have breakouts on their backs and chests following workouts.

One possible reason for this is poor post-exercise hygiene. Failure to promptly wash off sweat and bacteria from your skin leads to clogged pores and eventually you get breakouts.

PRO-TIP: Fight everyone for the shower at the gym. Do it!  Showering as soon as your soul cycle class, zumba class, yoga class ends will help you prevent even more acne from occurring. 

You can get all these genuine products mentioned at www.MYDAWA.com and the prices won’t break the bank. Order now and get it delivered to you in less than four hours

Have you heard of any other absurd tip or trick to cure acne? Something like stand on your head once a day to help circulation in your face. Tell us your stories in the comments below!