There's a lot of confusion out there about acne - what causes it, what makes it worse, what kind of treatments work best.
Test your knowledge about the many common myths and misconceptions about acne by taking this fun quiz below. See which of the acne stories you've heard are actually true, and after you're done, you can use the link on the right to share this fun myth-busting quiz with your friends!
1) Foods you eat, such as chocolate and greasy foods, play a major role in your acne.
True False
Answer FALSE: Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed for acne, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people1. So while you won't have to stop eating your favorite snack, remember that a well-balanced diet is good for your overall health, including your skin.
2) Blackheads are actually dirt seen in pores of the skin.
True False
Answer FALSE: Another myth! Blackheads (open comedones) are actually enlarged plugs in pores that appear black because they have pushed through to the skin's surface - and the plug darkens when exposed to air. Blackheads are not dirt. More about acne basics.
3) I should avoid scrubbing my face and using astringents while on acne medications.
True False
Answer TRUE: When using prescription acne medicines, do NOT scrub your face or use drying products such as astringents, which can cause excess irritation, hurt the surface of the skin, and make it more vulnerable to acne1. Plan for Success with a healthy skincare plan.
4) People get acne from poor hygiene.
True False
Answer FALSE: This is another common myth, that dirty skin causes acne. Acne actually begins beneath the skin—long before it shows on the surface. It begins when changing hormone levels increase the production of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum normally flows out of the hair follicles, but in some cases gets stuck and plugs... More about what REALLY causes acne...
5) People with acne shouldn't wear moisturizers or cosmetics.
True False
Answer FALSE: This is generally not true - moisturizers can relieve dry or irritated skin, and you should try to use only cosmetics (e.g. makeup base, cover-up's) that are labeled "non-comedogenic." Non-comedogenic products are made to not promote the formation of clogged pores which lead to acne. Before applying cosmetics or moisturizers, just make sure to first apply the NeoBenz Micro and allow it to dry beforehand. Read more about the NeoBenz Micro Plan for Success
6) Acne can be treated and controlled.
True False
Answer TRUE: Acne certainly can be treated. While there are a wide variety of over-the-counter products, some better than others, it is often most effective to treat acne under the supervision of a dermatologist or other medical professional. They can recommend powerful and safe prescription products meant to clear acne and prevent new pimples from forming. More about different acne treatments...
7) Popping pimples clears my acne quicker.
True False
Answer FALSE: Pushing or squeezing pimples-even scrubbing your face-can make acne worse. That's because acne doesn't just live on the skin's surface; acne begins beneath the surface. Putting pressure on acne damages and irritates the surface, which can make your skin more vulnerable to acne. Pressure on acne can also cause a lesion, or tear, below the surface to break and spill its contents into surrounding areas, and can lead to permanent scarring.
8) If my pimples don't start clearing up within a couple days, my medication isn't working.
True False
Answer FALSE: Not true! All acne medications need time to show visible effects, so use prescription medicines according to your doctor's recommendation. With NeoBenz Micro, most people see improvement by the third week, and maximum improvement after 8-12 weeks of treatment. More on what to expect from NeoBenz Micro...
9) If a prescription acne medicine makes my skin appear worse after the first few days of treatment, I should give up on it.
True False
Answer FALSE: Don't give up, especially without consulting your doctor. Even if your skin appears worse, you'll likely just need to get through the first days of treatment for it to start looking better. The appearance of worsening may be due to the medication working on previously unseen pimples. Acne medications need time to show visible results, so try to be patient.
10) Acne is a problem for many adults.
True False
Answer TRUE: Certainly true! While we all wish acne passed along with our teenage years, millions of adults also suffer from acne. Sometimes, adult acne can carry over from your teenage years, while others suffer from it for the first time while in their 20s or 30s! Treating acne in your teenage years can help acne and minimize acne scarring before patients hit their 20s. more on adult acne...
11) Regular, everyday stress causes acne.
True False
Answer FALSE: Most skin experts say that normal, day-to-day stress does not have an important influence on acne. Of course, the opposite relationship is true for many people - that acne itself causes stress! If you're anxious or insecure about your acne, make sure to visit a doctor to talk about ways that you could be treated. Other reasons to visit your doctor...
12) Acne medications should be applied to the whole acne-prone area, and not just on top of the blemish.
True False
Answer TRUE: You should apply medications such as NeoBenz Micro to the entire acne-prone area, not just to the blemishes, to treat visible as well as unseen lesions. NeoBenz Micro not only helps to clear the pimples you have, but also to prevent new acne pimples from forming.
Important Information: NeoBenz Micro should not be used in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or to any of the other ingredients. Allergic contact dermatitis and dryness have been reported with topical benzoyl peroxide therapy. When using this product, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen. NeoBenz Micro, like all benzoyl peroxide medications, can bleach hair and colored fabrics.
Please see full Prescribing Information(PDF) for NeoBenz Micro.
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
