How much do you really know about acne? Test your knowledge with this short true/false quiz.
1. Anyone can get acne - not just teenagers.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE Unfortunately, acne can strike at any age. Over 85% of all people 12–24 have acne. Acne can also start as late as ages 20s or 30s… especially in women, whose hormones are constantly fluctuating.
2. Popping zits makes them go away.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE Touching, picking or popping your pimples increases the chances that bacteria will spread into the surrounding pores, causing more blemishes to appear. It can also damage delicate tissue, making the blemish more likely to leave a scar.
3. Acne is caused by dirt.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE An acne blemish begins when dead skin cells mix with your body’s natural oil, forming a plug in your pores. Since this has nothing to do with dirt, frequent washing will not make your acne better.
4. Washing your face too often can make pimples worse.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
Since acne is not caused by dirt, overwashing or stripping skin with alcohol will not make blemishes go away. In fact, frequent cleansing can make skin dry and flaky, stimulating the production of extra oil. And that leads to… you guessed it… more zits.
5. Greasy foods and chocolate make you break out.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
No, those french fries you had yesterday did not give you new zits today. In fact, scientists have been unable to find ANY substantial connection between diet and acne. Just remember: a healthy, balanced diet is important for the health of your skin…so try to avoid junk food.
6. Make-up causes acne.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
Most make-ups today are non-comedogenic, which means they will not clog your pores. When shopping for cosmetics, look for products that are non-comedogenic, oil-free (water-based) and hypoallergenic (no added fragrance).
7. Dab-on medicines get rid of acne.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
Since blemishes take 2-3 weeks to develop, "spot treatment" may get rid of individual pimples…but it won’t stop acne from coming back again and again. The best way to treat acne is to stop the blemishes from developing in the first place — which means treating the whole face or area every day, even when you are not breaking out.
8. Tanning helps clear up acne.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
While small amounts of sun exposure may superficially improve skin tone, continuous sunbathing increases plugging of the pores — producing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and small pimples. And of course, sun exposure carries more serious risks, like skin cancer and premature aging.
9. Acne can damage self-esteem.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
While acne is not a serious threat to your physical health, it can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It affects the way you feel about yourself and the world around you, causing low self-esteem and even depression.
10. Acne is curable.
CORRECT!
Sorry...The correct answer is TRUE
Sorry...The correct answer is FALSE
There is no cure for acne. But fortunately, you can help prevent and control acne with continued daily use of products, such as Proactiv® Solution, which contain powerful acne-fighting ingredients. And remember this: Even if your blemishes go away, your acne is not cured. It is important to be diligent about your treatment plan, even after your skin is clear.