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To be perfectly honest with you, when it comes to acne there is a lot of information on acne that can be best filed in the "hogwash" category. Fortunately (or unfortunately), science has done its part in dispelling a good number of acne myths. Now we are better informed as to what causes acne and what doesn't exactly cause it. Let's take a look at seven of the biggest of these acne myths.

True or False? Is your knowledge of acne confined to what the medicine man downtown told you?

Acne Myth 1. Acne is caused by eating certain foods

We must warn you that although this myth has been around practically since the time of the Model T, there is still no scientific evidence. There is no general rule here, although it is but true that there are individuals who get acne attacks as a result of eating some kinds of food. But you need not worry, as you can gorge on all the pizza, chocolate and other fat-laden foods as you wish and not see your acne aggravated.

Acne Myth 2. Acne is related to dirt or having dirty skin

It may be all well and good to have clear skin, but dirt does not necessarily lead to acne. Acne results when sebum and dead skin cells build up underneath the epidermis, not on it. Dirt alone does not congest follicles.

Third Myth - You can get rid of acne if you keep on washing your face

This kind of relates to myth 3. Having clean skin is not the answer to preventing acne. Overdoing it as far as washing your face can actually make matters worse. If your skin is bereft of oil, it could lead to acne attacks in the future.

Acne Myth 4. Only teenagers get acne

It is true that 9 out of 10 teenagers experience acne, but it is also true that about 1 in 4 adults get it also. Acne seems to be connected with hormones which would explain why teenagers have such a high incidence of acne, but adults are also going through hormonal changes at various times in their lives.

Acne Myth 5. Stress causes acne

Research has proven that stress does not contribute much to the outbreak of acne. This debunks the age-old belief that acne attacks were caused by stress, but I guess that isn't the case.

Myth Number Six - There is a cure for acne

Many people view acne as a disease that can be permanently cured. And this is science, not Chicken Little speaking here. Acne can be controlled and prevented through proper skin care, but it cannot be cured.