Face the facts.

There's a lot of misinformation out there about what causes acne and how to treat it. OXY® is ready to clear up the confusion with real facts and real solutions.

FICTION: Boys get more acne than girls because they're lazy about caring for their skin.

FACT:Teenage boys tend to get more severe, longer-lasting acne than teenage girls because their bodies produce more androgens, the hormones that stimulate the production of oil in the pores. Although acne is not related to cleanliness, a regular skin care routine that combines gentle cleansing with topical acne medication (like OXY® products) can help keep problem skin in check.

FICTION: Acne is caused by eating too much chocolate or greasy foods.

FACT: Acne is caused by hormonal changes, not by what you eat. There are no conclusive studies that link breakouts to the ingestion of chocolate, pizza or fried chicken. However, eating a balanced diet—one rich in fruits, grains and vegetables—can help to keep the skin healthy, since they provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

FICTION: Teenagers get "backne" because of bad personal hygiene.

FACT:"Backne" occurs for the same reasons that acne on the face occurs. Only backne is often worsened by a condition known as acne mechanica, which is typically a result of pressure and friction. This form of acne can be caused by pads worn for lacrosse, football, hockey, etc., which is typically why it is more common in boys than girls. However, as more and more girls are active in sports, acne mechanica is increasing in female populations.

FICTION: If a teen was bothered by his acne, he would let a parent know.

FACT: Not too many boys speak openly regarding how their acne is specifically affecting their lives unless asked, so parents should not mistake silence about acne for not caring about it.

FICTION: Spending time in the sun clears up acne.

FACT: Sun exposure can actually make acne problems worse. Ultraviolet waves in sunlight, as well as other sources, have been proven to increase blackheads. Even though a portion of the sun's radiation may diminish acne-causing bacteria in the pores, this effect is minimal. And, when skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer is considered, treating acne with sunlight is a very bad idea.

FICTION: Acne can only be helped with expensive, professional treatments.

FACT: OXY® Clinical is clinically shown to provide prescription-level results* without a dermatologist. What's more, OXY® Clinical is available online and at stores right in your neighborhood!

_{* OXY® Clinical Clearing Treatment: acne bacteria reduction comparable to a leading prescription. Data on file, 2010.}