Acne is an incredibly common skin condition, yet misinformation about its treatment abounds. Many widely believed ‘cures’ lack scientific or medical backing and can even worsen the problem. This article exposes nine acne treatments that simply don’t work, and could potentially harm your skin:
1. **Household Cleaners:** Never use household cleaning products on acne, even diluted. They can cause severe chemical burns and other adverse reactions.
2. **Cleaning Powders:** Similar to household cleaners, cleaning powders offer no benefit for acne and can be harmful.
3. **Washing Up Liquid:** Washing up liquid is ineffective against acne and may irritate the skin.
4. **Home Facial Saunas:** While seemingly soothing, home saunas won’t improve acne. The heat can actually aggravate sensitive, acne-prone skin.
5. **Sticky Tape:** Removing dead skin cells with sticky tape can damage your skin, cause allergic reactions to the glue, and exacerbate acne.
6. **Excessive Sun Exposure/Tanning Beds:** Sun exposure and tanning beds won’t help acne. Furthermore, certain acne medications, like some antibiotics, increase sun sensitivity, making this combination dangerous.
7. **Sudocrem:** While effective for nappy rash, Sudocrem is unsuitable for acne due to its high oil and grease content, which can worsen breakouts.
8. **High-Dose Vitamin Supplements:** Taking high doses of Vitamin A or B will not directly improve acne and may cause unwanted side effects.
9. **Squeezing Pimples:** This is a universally discouraged practice. Squeezing pimples can prolong acne, spread infection, and lead to scarring.
Many other unproven acne treatments can worsen the condition. Stick to evidence-based treatments prescribed or recommended by a qualified medical professional. Doing so gives you the best chance of successfully managing your acne.