Ever wondered whether certain notions about acne are really true or just plain myths? 

There are impractical impressions while others are simply illogical.  

Many believe acne is caused by dirt but truth be told, the skin can clean itself by shedding dead cells and nourishes and hydrates through its own oil. Just don’t wash the face too much with strong alcohol that rids it of its natural oils, which can cause more imbalances and make blemishes worse than before.

Are you also wondering whether certain food types like chocolate can cause acne?  The truth is far from it. There was never a connection between diet and acne.  

There are also those who dismiss the idea of getting acne as they age since they believe only teenagers can get acne. Well, frankly speaking, anyone can get acne regardless of age. While it is true that over 85 percent of people 12 to 24 years of age have acne, it can also reoccur or even start as late as your 30s. So, seek treatment immediately and not worry whether it’s still age-appropriate. 

There is no cure for acne, so living with acne is about controlling it using medicines powerful enough to kill acne bacteria but gentle enough to use every day.

But if and when the time comes that you have acne breakouts, simply avoid spot treatments. They just don’t work at all. It just treats the symptom and not the cause of acne. Using acne-fighting skin care regimens like the Proactiv Solution can help stop breakouts and keep your face and body clear of debilitating acne. 

Acne is a big deal. It’s frustrating and humiliating to those that suffer from it. Though not really a serious health threat, it has long-term consequences to one’s confidence due to the scarring and discoloration so get treated by using Proactiv or simply seek a doctor’s help.

Some also think that getting some sun exposure can help against acne by drying the skin, but don’t keep that as a regular practice. Exposing yourself to the sun can help rid your skin of its natural oil moisture. Prolonged sunbathing can increase pore plugging that creates blackheads, whiteheads and small pimples so better use sunscreen or non-pore clogging products to protect the skin.

Finally, while the belief that acne can be cured won’t happen yet, it can be contained, prevented and controlled through the daily use of the Proactiv Solution and its 3-Step System. The system was developed and recommended by dermatologists to help clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks while gently taking care of skin and it takes no more than five minutes to do so. 

Start by applying the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser with active amounts of Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) that kills acne-causing bacteria. Its ultra-fine micro-crystal BPO penetrates pores fast yet is gentle on the skin. Its tiny, round exfoliating beads unclog the pores of impurities like excess sebum, keratin and dead skin cells.

Then use the alcohol-free Proactiv Revitalizing Toner. This refines and purifies pores and exfoliates the skin further by removing more dead skin cells and keeps pores unclogged. Its soothing botanicals gently balance skin tone, and remove excess oil for a refreshed, clear and youthful-looking skin. 

Finally, the Proactiv Repairing Lotion heals the blemishes off the skin and helps prevent new acne from forming. 

Proactiv is absolutely safe. Two components in each Proactiv Kit has BPO. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser only has 2.5 percent of BPO as well as the Proactiv Repairing Treatment, which is lower than other over-the-counter acne treatments. The BPO breaks down into benzoic acid and oxygen, and the oxygen acts as a free radical that destroys the cells that block the pores along with the bacteria growing on it. BPO, at this concentration level, can already effectively prevent acne breakouts on the skin so there’s really no cause for worries at all.

Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask that makes and keeps skin clear and acne-free. It has sulfur, a tested acne fighter that reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin. It helps unclog pores, pampers inflamed skin and softens the skin’s texture.

The Proactiv Solution is available at all Watsons and SM stores nationwide.