3 myths about pimples

Ah pimples. It’s a fact of life we all have to live with at one point or the other, some more than others, others longer than most.

Or correct that — It’s a really annoying fact of life, which is why it’s hard to blame people for believing whatever their lola has told them, which actually came from her lola.

But buying into myths may even aggravate the problem than solve it. We interviewed a few dermatologists to help clarify the matter.

Illustration by Jannielyn Ann Bigtas

1. Eating nuts will give you pimples. Dermatologists agree that eating oily foods and chocolates don’t cause acne. Dr. Red Recio, MD Dermatologist and Founder of Rederm Medical Center, says, “Diet has long been a controversial subject in acne research. There is a popular notion that greasy foods somehow contribute to oily or acne-prone skin. There is no conclusive evidence for other food items such as chocolate or saturated fats.”

2. Your face is dirty. Getting pimples also doesn’t mean that your face is dirtier than your other clear-skinned friends. Dr. Recio explains, “Skin cell turnover is a natural process that pushes oil and debris out of your pores, keeping them clean. When that doesn't happen fast enough, your pores collect oil, skin debris, and protein. Dirt doesn’t take part in the process.”

So before you go on overdrive and start washing your face more than the recommended two times a day, take note that it does not help treat acne. Dr. Talens says, “Washing the face more often than twice a day strips the skin of essential lipids. This only makes the surface dry, but does not do anything to reduce oil gland activity. In fact, it can even worsen acne by causing further irritation or inflammation.”

3. Dabbing toothpaste on your pimples can zap it. Oscar S.D. Grino, Jr. MD, Dermatologist at Derm & Beyond Skin and Aesthetic Center, says it may seem like it’s working, but it’s still a no. “Sometimes it can dry pimples out because of some ingredients in it, such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and triclosan, but it’s not made for your skin, so it can cause irritation and rashes.” — LA, GMA News

• What causes adult acne?