10 myths about pimples that you need to stop believing

Princess Diaries pore strip
Pore strips are probably not your best course of action.

  • There are many myths about what causes acne and how best to treat it.
  • Acne affects everyone — not just teenagers.
  • Sun exposure and toothpaste do not help with zits.

There are few things as frustrating as waking up the morning of an important meeting to find a big, pus-filled pimple on your cheek. Though it may appear to be taking up 50% of the surface area of your face many around you probably won't even notice. Still, pimples can have a big impact on self-esteem, especially for teenagers.

There are many rumors and myths about pimples out there that are, quite frankly, not true. If you're not taking good care of your skin, pimples will occur, but don't believe anyone who tells you to put down that french fry because it'll cause greasy skin.

Here are 10 debunked myths about pimples to calm your zit-stricken skin.


Pimples only happen during puberty


Pimples do not just happen to teenagers. In fact, they can happen at any age for a wide array of reasons. Though teenagers may be more susceptible to acne due to the body going through changes, there is no rule that restricts pimples to only occurring to those under the age of 18, according to Forefront Dermatology.

Some common factors that can increase these pesky blemishes on the skin include stress and pregnancy.


You can pop pimples when they’re “ready”


Many believe that once a pimple looks "ready," meaning it has reached its ultimate pus-filled level, it can be popped. This is actually a very bad thing to do.

Though a pimple may be close to the end of its life, many experts believe that popping pimples may cause scarring and may even cause more pimples to pop up.


Pimples form overnight

Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Although you may not notice a pimple until its glaring you in the face, pimples do not just form overnight. Acne is formed through a long process, starting with the clogging of pores to inflammation caused by bacteria. Just as it takes a while for a pimple to go away, it takes some time for them to form as well.


There are products that can cure acne forever


Unfortunately, this myth is false. Although different skincare products may help to decrease acne and blemishes on the skin, there is no cure. Acne can occur at any time, no matter how often one washes their face.


Bad habits are the only things that cause pimples

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Although bad skincare, cleanliness, and dietary habits may attribute to increased acne, they are certainly not the only cause. Acne occurs to everyone, no matter how often they wash their face.


Pimples only show up on the face


Though pimples may be most noticeable on the face, they can occur anywhere on the body, including the chest, back, legs, thighs, and more.


The sun helps with pimples


The sun actually does not help with clearing up zits. Overexposure to sunlight can actually cause skin problems such as cancer, so those who spend extended periods of time in the sun without sunblock could walk away with more detrimental problems than just pimples.


Pore strips can help banish blackheads for good


Although many of us relied on pore strips growing up to help "clear" our noses of blackheads, turns out that they likely don't help very much.

Experts told Refinery29 that not only are they probably not very effective in clearing acne, they can even cause tearing of the skin. Ouch.


Toothpaste is a great way to heal pimples


Toothpaste is meant for teeth, not zits. Many have experimented with placing a dollop of toothpaste on their pimples only to fail.

Toothpaste can be harsh on the skin, and pimples and zits require treatment that is much smoother.


Any skincare product will do the trick


This is absolutely false. Not every skincare product will keep your face clean and help reduce pimples. Though some skincare products are gentle, others are harsh on the skin and will only irritate acne even further. You should also pick the type of skincare that will work for your skin type if you want optimal results.


SEE ALSO: A pimple-popping fanatic wants to pop a stranger's pimples — and they're willing to pay for the experience

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