Acne Myths, Separating Fact from Fiction
Understanding the truth about acne is important if your want to manage it successfully, so lets dispel some common acne myths.
Acne Myth #1 Acne is caused by poor hygiene
Contrary to what some people believe, dirt or surface oils do not cause acne, so over-washing your face can work against you by causing dryness and irritation and actually make your acne worse. For an effective acne care regimen you only need to gently wash your skin twice a day with a mild cleanser to remove the excess oils, dead skin cells and other impurities that naturally accumulate over the course of the day. Avoid excessive scrubbing or using a washcloth which can cause even more irritation to your skin. After washing, gently pat the area dry with a soft, clean towel and when you're done you may use an appropriate acne treatment.
Acne Myth #2 Acne is caused by diet
Food does not cause acne. Acne is caused by excessive sebum production and clogged pores. Although scientific studies have not as yet found any connection between common acne and diet, some people observe that their acne breakouts become worse after eating certain foods. Some foods can act like "acne triggers" by having influence over some of the factors that cause acne breakouts and these "triggers" vary between different individuals. Whilst there is no evidence that chocolate, pizza, fried or sugary foods actually cause acne, there are a number of connections between between diet, your immune system and the health of your skin.
Acne Myth #3 Acne is caused by Stress
Stress by itself does not cause acne, but recent studies have indicated that the effects of stress can make acne worse in some acne sufferers. Stressful situations can aggravate acne by increasing in the production hormones and adrenalin. It is believed the sebum excretion rate is largely determined by the amount of male hormones in the body. Excessive stress can also play a role with inhibiting the body's natural healing ability.
Acne Myth #4 Nothing can be done about acne
There are many positive actions you can take to reduce acne. Many different over-the-counter acne medicines and alternative acne treatments are available that can help reduce pimples and prevent scarring. You can take control over your condition and realize that nothing actually prevents you from curing your acne or at least being able to manage it. If you are not sure of which direction to take, it may be time seek the advice of a dermatologist or doctor. You can have your acne severity assessed and be advised on an appropriate management program.
Acne Myth #5 Sunlight can get rid of acne
There is no evidence that sunlight reduces or eliminates acne. Although sunlight will dry out pimples, it won't actually prevent more acne from forming. In fact, excessive exposure to sunlight may aggravate acne. Many people tan in the sun because it kills acne bacteria and makes acne less noticeable. The down side is that sunlight damages the cells that line the inner walls of the hair follicles which are sensitive to ultraviolet light. Some acne medications will also make your skin more sensitive to UV light. Some exposure to sunlight is OK but make sure you protect your skin by using a sun block of SPF 15 or more .
Acne Myth #6 Acne only happens to teenagers
Although The majority of acne sufferers are adolescent children and young adults, acne also occurs in adults of both sex's. It has been estimated that around 80% of people 12-25 have at one time suffered from the disorder. Fortunately most people will out-grow acne by the time they are in there mid twenty's. The effects of hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation is one of the main acne causes in adult women and can make the disorder persist well to their late thirties. There are certain medications and birth control pills that can also contribute to acne.
Acne Myth #7 Squeezing pimples is a good way of getting rid of acne
Squeezing or popping pimples is not the best way of treating acne because it forces the acnes bacteria deeper into your skin causing more infection. It can also lead to permanent scarring.
