Acne is a very common skin condition and one that has been around for hundreds of years. If you suffer from acne breakouts then you know how frustrating it can be at times to deal with it. Thanks in large part to the research done by dermatologist, there are now hundreds of effective treatments available to help anyone that suffers from acne. But despite these proven techniques, there are still several myths circulating that are not only ineffective at eliminating acne but it can actually cause even more breakouts.

One of the acne myths that are still circulating is the belief that tanning will clear your complexion. Tanning only helps to blend in acne scars but it does not nothing to help with the underlying causes of acne. In fact, tanning may actually worsen it! The heat of the sun can stimulate your pores to create more oil and thus lead to more breakouts. In addition, certain acne medications like doxycycline and Retin-A are sensitive to sunlight and can cause your skin to dry out and peel. So although tanning may provide temporary relief by decreasing the redness of your acne, it may actually cause more breakouts in the future.

Another mistake that some acne sufferers make is over-scrubbing their face. To be sure, scrubbing your face with an exfoliant is an effective acne treatment because it removes dead skin and excess oil, but once or twice a day should suffice. Over-scrubbing your face can irritate your skin and cause even more redness. Furthermore, excess scrubbing can cause acne that contain pus to erupt and spread bacteria to other areas of your face. Acne sufferers should also avoid the temptation to over-use acne medications, especially topical medications. Increasing the dosage and frequency of these medications will not speed up the healing process and can cause even more damage to your complexion.

Using makeup is a great way to even out your skin tone and to help you deal with those pesky acne scars. Contrary to popular belief, using makeup will not automatically lead to breakouts so there's no need to stop using them altogether. It can, however, lead to clogged pores so it's important to completely remove it before going to bed and to choose products that are oil-free and hypo-allergenic. Also, skin-types vary so you may need to experiment with different brands to determine which one works best for you. The good news is that there are plenty of options to choose from so, whether you have dry or oily skin, your sure to find one that's right for you.

Severe acne is a nuisance and we all want to find a treatment that will help get rid of it quickly and effectively. However, it's important to know which methods are actually proven and which ones are just myths. Be sure to avoid the common mistakes mentioned above and consider visiting a dermatologist for further help and advice on how to improve your complexion.