Zapping the zit myths

Acne can make life pretty miserable, whether you're a teenager or in your 30s. But what causes it? After all, a fresh crop of pimples can be put down to chocolate, fast food, even flirting - right? Wrong.

Here, we debunk some of the more common myths ...

1. TANNING CLEARS UP SKIN

The sun can dry out your skin and cause irritation , leading to more breakouts.

2. WASHING YOUR FACE REGULARLY MEANS FEWER BREAKOUTS

Although washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from your pores, washing too much can lead to dryness and breakouts.

3. YOU SHOULD USE MORE AND MORE ACNE MEDICATION UNTIL THE BREAKOUTS STOP

Because acne medication contains drying agents, using too much can cause overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.

4. POPPING PIMPLES GETS RID OF THEM FASTER

By squeezing pimples you can push bacteria, dead skin cells and oil further into the skin and lead to scarring.

5. BLACKHEADS ARE CAUSED BY DIRT

A blackhead is an accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum that has formed a plug within the pore.

The oil impaction changes to a dark brown or black colour when exposed to air.

6. WEARING MAKEUP CAN LEAD TO BREAKOUTS

As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts.

7. ACNE IS CAUSED BY NOT CLEANING YOUR SKIN

Acne is not caused by a lack of hygiene.

It is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, or hair follicle.

8. CHOCOLATE, PIZZA AND CHIPS CAUSE ACNE

There is no proven link between diet and acne. Chocolate, chips and other junk foods, while not exactly healthy, aren't going to cause acne.

Bacteria has a greater impact on breakouts than diet.

9. ONLY TEENAGERS GET ACNE

Most people who have or start having acne are in their early teens but anyone can get it. Your genes play a role in whether you have acne breakouts.