Acne or blemish-prone skin is a remarkably common skin condition. While many adolescents may experience acne, this condition also can appear for the first time in adults in their 20s or 30s or even later in life. Generally, however, if you had acne as a teenager, you are more likely to have it again as an adult. Eighty to 100 percent of all teenagers have acne to some degree, and an increasing number of adult women also have some acne.

In addition, once acne is present, excessive scrubbing or frequent cleansing will not control it, and any rough manipulation of the skin may further irritate and inflame the lesions or even lead to the formation of new acne lesions.

Acne Myths and Facts

Myth: Eating greasy foods and chocolate will cause acne breakouts.
Fact: Research has shown that foods seem to have little effect on the development of acne in most people. Following a strict diet will not clear your skin. Acne occurs when pores become blocked, trapping oil inside. As the skin continues to produce oil, the blockage grows, resulting in acne blemishes.

Myth: Picking a blemish helps the pimple to go away faster.
Fact: Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed or picked open unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile conditions. Skin injured by squeezing or picking can become infected or scarred.

Myth: Stress causes acne.
Fact: While stress does not cause acne, it can trigger flare-ups. When the body encounters stress, it increases the production of cortisol, which can increase the production of oil.

Myth: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
Fact: Actually, overwashing your face, stripping it of essential oils, will not eliminate acne nor will excessive scrubbing, which could cause skin irritation and more flare-ups. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Then use an appropriate acne treatment, such as a product which contains benzoyl peroxide.

Myth: There is a cure for acne.
Fact: There is no cure for acne, but it can be controlled with regular use of an acne regimen. Mary Kay® offers four great products that, when used together, can help minimize and control blemishes, promoting an even complexion.