You’re not a teenager anymore, but your skin is breaking out as if you just celebrated your sweet sixteen. There could be a couple of reasons why you are dealing with acne in adulthood. If you have suffered from acne, you probably heard about chemical peels at some point. We have received many questions from patients who had little idea if a chemical peel could help them overcome their acne problems.

Here, I shed more light on some acne myths, and share a few great tips on how to use chemical peels to address acne symptoms.

Here are the top 3 acne myths you need to stop believing, and how to protect your skin from acne harm.

Myth 1: Food Intake Is Unrelated to Acne

You may be surprised to find that your breakouts could be the result of your diet. The right eating habits can make or break how good your skin looks. There is old research that claims there is no connection between diet and acne, but new studies have found that products with a high glycemic index (GI) such as white bread, soda, chocolate, and milk can not only aggravate acne but sometimes trigger it too.

Eat products that will help you keep your skin clear, like products with a low glycemic index:

• Whole-wheat bread

• Cashew nuts

• Cauliflower

• Cucumbers

• Zinc contained in eggs, meat, mushrooms, and seafood and can help to restore the skin

• Vitamin A facilitates the healing of acne; include carrots, cabbage, and spinach in your diet

Myth 2: Cosmetics Cause Acne

Does makeup cause acne? A common concern when shopping for cosmetics is if makeup can cause acne. In general, acne is an inflammatory response to bacteria in our pores. So while makeup itself does not cause acne, certain types may flare or worsen it.

• Stick with products marked as non-comedogenic. These types of products don’t clog pores through the formation of blackheads.

• Avoid cosmetics containing alcohol and oils. Alcohols dry the skin and cause skin irritation, which, in turn, causes acne to spread. Oils make the skin greasy and clog the pores.

Myth 3: Toothpaste Treats Acne

Toothpaste generally contains baking soda, essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and triclosan which can help sanitize the skin and dry acne but can also cause irritations and rashes. In the long run, it can lead to more breakouts. We don’t recommend it.

Truth 1: Chemical Peels Improve Acne

A well-made chemical peel can certainly help you reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars. A proper chemical peel, like the ZO 3 Step Peel, will reduce the appearance of your acne and acne scars, as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition to these benefits, a chemical peels can stimulate your natural production of collagen to create a rejuvenated, more youthful, and vibrant appearance.

Interested in more details about a chemical peel?

• A chemical peel is relatively painless. If you are more sensitive, you may experience a mild tingling sensation. A cooling device may be used to minimize any discomfort.

• A chemical peel treatment takes between 20 to 45 minutes. Typically patients require little to no downtime after the peel and may expect some moderate peeling for a couple of days after the treatment for acne.

• During the peeling process, the skin may have unusual coloring with red, brown, or yellowish tones, but more commonly it looks like a slight sunburn that is flaking off.

• Most patients usually notice an improvement after the first peel; however, for ideal results, we recommend starting with 3 monthly treatments to reach your goals.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

The only person who can answer that is your trusted aesthetic provider. From peels to laser treatments, there are different methods that can help acne and acne scars, but your best chance is to embark on a treatment plan to address acne for good. Remember, everything starts with a consultation. Do not opt-in for treatments just because they worked for someone else, as everyone is different with varying skin types.

SCHEDULE YOUR ACNE AND SKIN CONSULTATION AT FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND

At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals. Our providers are highly trained and experienced. We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa. With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.

If you are looking for acne or skin doctors near you, we can help! Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!