FAQ’s
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.
Q&A
As a leader in acne care, we get asked all the time about the best ways to cope with and treat problem skin. Here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions and the answers from our experts.
Q. I know that I have acne, but can you tell me what causes it?
Acne is caused by hormonal imbalances that lead to the over activity of oil glands, causing an excess secretion of oil. This oil accumulates below the skin and can lead to the clogging of pores.
Q. I have been really stressed out lately. Is that why my skin is breaking out?
Stress is commonly blamed for acne because it can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones. These changes may theoretically cause your acne to worsen but it is not proven to be a direct cause of acne breakouts. Instead, take a look at what you are doing during this stressful time. Are you touching your face more than usual? Is your cell phone or athletic equipment in contact with your skin? Pay attention to the circumstances surrounding your stress to see if you can find answers there.
Q. I’m washing my face a bunch of times every day, but I’m still getting zits. What gives?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. In fact, many people wash too often or scrub too vigorously-irritating the skin and worsening their acne. Washing your face twice a day and using the proper skin treatments, like OXY® products will help to control outbreaks.
Q. Is it ok to squeeze my pimples?
In general, acne blemishes should not be picked or squeezed. Squeezing can force the pustule contents deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.
Q. Why does it seem like some people get acne, but others don’t?
Some experts believe that the tendency to get acne is hereditary. However, you might get breakouts but your brother or sister won’t. The truth is that people of all races and ages get acne-and it’s impossible to tell exactly who will be affected and who won’t. Teenage boys tend to get more severe, long-lasting acne possibly because their bodies produce more of the hormones that cause acne. In general, acne tends to go away by the time a person reaches his twenties or thirties; however, it can continue even longer.
Q. I breakout all the time. Am I normal?
Absolutely. Approximately 17 million people in the U.S. are affected by acne and it can affect all races and ethnicities.
Q. What are the most common kinds of acne?
There are three common types of acne:
- Whiteheads occur when skin cells and oil plug the upper portion of the sebaceous follicle (pore), but remain below the level of the skin surface.
- Blackheads occur when skin cells and oil plug the upper portion of the sebaceous follicle (pore) and are exposed to the surface of the skin. The surface of the plug darkens because of brown melanin pigment in the skin cells and the reaction of the oil in the plug with air.
- Inflammatory acne occurs when white blood cells enter the follicle. This can occur spontaneously (usually due to the bacteria in the follicles) or be worsened by picking or squeezing at an existing pimple
Q. My face feels so dry, but I’m still breaking out. How can that be?
Surprisingly, you can have acne and dry skin at the same time. Acne is caused by changes in the sebaceous follicle (pore), while dryness is associated with the outer layer of skin cells. Try using an acne product that contains salicylic acid, which causes your skin to shed more easily. Or, just use your treatments less frequently. Using a facial moisturizer, like OXY® Clinical Hydrating Therapy in addition to your acne treatments is an easy solution.
Q: I have a big event to go to this weekend. How fast can I expect to see results with OXY® Clinical?
OXY® Clinical has been proven to kill 99% of acne causing bacteria in 8 hours,* so it starts working right away. People will typically notice a change in about 3-10 days, and significant results in about 4 weeks. (It does take time for skin to renew itself, so typical benchmark times are 3, 10 and 30 days.)
*refers to OXY® Clinical Clearing Treatment
Q: I’ve been using OXY® Clinical and my skin looks great! Should I keep using it to prevent acne?
Yes. Just adjust your skin care routine accordingly. If you are currently using OXY® Clinical twice a day, try cutting back to once a day. However, because acne is an ongoing problem, you should continue to use your products and treat the acne until you outgrow it.
Q: Everyone’s skin is different. How does OXY® Clinical adjust and work with different skin types?
OXY® Clinical is formulated for sensitive skin. It is gentle and effective, so people with all different skin types can benefit from it.
Q: Can OXY® Clinical be used on other areas of the body such as the neck, chest or shoulders?
Sure! Many people suffer from shoulder, chest and back acne. Unlike prescription medication that is typically not suitable for anything other than the face, OXY® Clinical is gentle and effective enough to be perfect for other areas of the body.
Q: Can OXY® Clinical help treat and prevent severe acne?
OXY® Clinical can be used to help treat all forms of acne. However, severe acne should be assessed by a dermatologist. He or she can help determine what medication will work best for you.
Q: If I buy all three OXY® Clinical products and use them as recommended, how long will they last?
Your supply of OXY® Clinical is meant to last 30-60 days if used every day.
