Zit home remedies tested, beliefs explored
1. Putting Listerine or toothpaste on a zit will clear it up
Maybe, but don’t do it. These dental products might dry up a pimple, Dr. Lucas says, but they can also make the skin dry, scaly and inflamed. In other words, don’t try it at home, opting instead for a benzoyl peroxide wash.
2. Eating chocolate makes me break out
Maybe — avoid it if you wish. The verdict is still out on this one. Further studies are needed to know for sure, but foods containing dairy and high sugar content may be associated with worsening your acne.
3. Popping a zit will make it clear up faster
Maybe, but don’t do it. Even though we all do it sometimes, and it may appear to make it go away faster, you are also setting yourself up for scarring.
4. Working out makes me break out
True, but it doesn’t have to. Acne is worsened by sweat and dirt being left/trapped on your skin. Make sure you cleanse your face (chest and back if they are prone to breakouts) as soon as possible after every workout, especially when you’re wearing helmets, hats, etc. that physically trap the sweat against your skin.
5. I break out more around my period
True. “Hormones do play a role in acne,” Dr. Lucas says. That can mean flare-ups during your monthly period or during pregnancy. Birth-control pills are a treatment she sometimes turns to when a hormone imbalance is responsible for acne.
6. Adults aren’t supposed to get acne
False. “I hear that all the time, and I would love for that to be true,” Dr. Lucas says. Not only can acne continue into adulthood, but some people experience adult onset acne, usually driven by hormonal imbalances.
7. Adults aren’t supposed to get acne
False. “I hear that all the time, and I would love for that to be true,” Dr. Lucas says. Not only can acne continue into adulthood, but some people experience adult onset acne, usually driven by hormonal imbalances.
8. Going tanning will help my skin clear up
Maybe, but don’t do it. “I don’t see it helping people,” she says. “Putting yourself at increased risk of melanoma as an alternative to acne is not worth the risk.”
