Sometimes, moles are more than just moles

If you suffer from acne, you might be tempted to try every known fad product and remedy under the sun to treat your acne. Unfortunately, most of these products contain rubbing alcohol. For some, rubbing alcohol is the only ingredient. Here is why rubbing alcohol should never be used on acne, and some other fake remedies busted.

Alcohol Severely Dries out the Skin

As any good dermatologist will tell you, rubbing alcohol dries out the skin. If your skin is exceptionally oily, this may seem to help the problem, but only temporarily. Drying out your skin actually causes your skin to respond by producing more oil, and subsequently, more breakouts. So, why would anyone use these products? Because of the temporary relief of acne. 

Probably even more distressing than the effects these products have on your skin is the effect they have on your wallet. The products generally are more expensive than a 12 oz. bottle of pure rubbing alcohol. Since you are buying these products to continuously treat your acne only to have it return, you spend hundreds on a products that are little more than flattened cotton or swabs with rubbing alcohol on them.

What Dermatologists Prescribe

So, what is in the acne treatments that dermatologists prescribe? Usually, benzoyl peroxide to varying degrees. Peroxide kills the bacteria that fills up your pores and causes acne in the first place. It may have a mild drying effect if the amount of peroxide is too much for your skin or you have sensitive skin to begin with. At least, under the care of a dermatologist, you can get the correct percentage of peroxide to effectively treat your acne without the inflammation and nasty side effects of rubbing alcohol.

Other Fake Remedies

Fake, fad remedies for acne are all over the internet these days. Mayonnaise is a particular favorite, but adding more oil and grease to your face with fermented egg whites (because that is what mayo is!) is definitely not a good idea. It can clog pores and leave behind bacteria that will make the acne worse. Another is lemon juice. While lemon juice is an excellent astringent, the problem is that it does leave behind traces of natural sugars, which can make your face mildly sticky and attract unwanted attention from insects. You could use a baking soda paste for a masque and white vinegar to effervesce the baking powder and wash it away, but there is no guarantees that this actually works in the fight against acne.