Acne misconceptions and myths common among adolescents

A recent study of 500 young people in Montenegro has shown the beliefs and perceptions that adolescents can have about acne, highlighting the importance of acne education from a young age.

In the first study of adolescents’ perceptions of acne in Montenegro, Milena Ražnatović Đurović and colleagues surveyed 500 high school students.

Just under half, or 249 (49.8%), of the students reported having acne, but only 20% had sought medical help.

The study found that many adolescents held beliefs about acne that were “myths and misconceptions” without any evidence-based justification.

For example, 80% thought cosmetic treatment and drinking more water would improve acne, while 85% believed acne was caused by poor face washing.

“These beliefs were shown to be similar to those of adolescents in other countries,” they said.

In the last decade, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that diet, hormones, genetics, emotional stress, and lifestyle factors were thought to play roles in acne, the authors wrote.

“More efforts are needed to educate pupils about acne aggravating and ameliorating factors, their health-related consequences, and the possibilities of effective treatment and control,” the authors said. 

Read more

Maskne: 6 steps to managing mask-related breakouts
Acne & self-esteem: How outbreaks affect social media use & relationships
Survey reveals the financial cost of self-treating acne
How gut health affects our skin