We recently ran a facebook poll (Click here to access the link)  to find out common perceptions about acne. I am glad to say that most of the people got the answer right. So let us look at these questions one by one.

1. Masturbation promotes acne:

There is absolutely no evidence to support this myth. The body does not really know whether you are masturbating or having sex the natural way. Masturbation is a normal/ natural phenomenon. Yes, testosterone levels may temporarily go up around the time of masturbation and yes high testosterone levels are associated with acne. However, masturbation only causes a transient increase in testosterone levels, not enough to actually cause or promote acne.

2. Applying Toothpaste on acne helps clear it up.

There is a reason toothpaste is called toothpaste (i.e. it is meant for the teeth and not the skin). Yes, toothpastes do commonly contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol etc which can dry out the skin and an antibiotic called Triclosan which may help acne. However, these chemicals are too strong for the skin and can actually burn the skin / cause more damage.  You would use a nail filer to clean the plaques off your teeth?

3. Eating Chocolates makes acne worse:

This is actually only partly true. Historically the role of diet in acne was thought to be a myth. However recent studies have suggested that diary products and foods with high glycaemic index (including chocolates) can influence hormonal and inflammatory factors, which can increase acne prevalence and severity. Studies have been inconclusive regarding the association between acne and other foods. So in essence, yes if possible avoid foods with high fat content and foods with a high glycemic index (see this link: http://www.diabetesnet.com/food-diabetes/glycemic-index).