There are plenty of myths on what causes acne and how to get rid of acne that makes many people confused so far. Today what the scientists are researching makes we believe we know about acne changed bit by bit. Do not forget that acne can be difficult to deal with but everybody wants to relieve from them. So this article was created to help you clarify some of the misunderstandings about acne.
Here are the most common myths about acne that most of you still believe and the real facts that oppose these ideas:
Myth #1: Acne just affects your appearance
Q: My acne leaves brown or red blemishes when it is gone. What should I do?
A: Commonly the form of acne develops when hair follicles inside the skin become blocked with dead skin cells coupled with oil and bacteria under the skin. When it gets the right condition the affected area becomes inflamed and produces acne.
There are two types of acne--
- Non-inflammatory acne such as white head and black head
- Inflammatory acne such as Papule, Pustul, Cyst and Acne Conglobata
Whatever your existing acne was, yet you treated them inappropriate. Then when it is gone it can leave brown, red blemishes or more worse. Acne can also cause deep psychological suffering. Severe acne can make embarrassing and feeling depressed. This scarring not only affects your face but also your self-esteem. Lastly scarring can affect the social interaction of everyone. That is why you have to seek the right way to clear up your acne as soon as possible.
Myth #2: Frequently washing your face
Q: I wash my face many times a day. Why do I still get acne?
A: Lots of people still believe that the dirty skin can cause acne, and then they have to clean it out again and again. They also believe that the more they cleanse their face the lesser acne they get. The truth is, washing your skin alone will not rid of or prevent acne. This belief isn’t fitting, this is called over-washing. Since the dirt is not directly causing your acne, actually acne is caused by many of biologic factors inside your skin.
So unnecessary scrubbing and washing won't make it leave. You should try to wash gently the face with warm water and a mild soap twice per day. Be careful, if you over do that you can make your skin dry and your existing acne worse. Moreover it might also arouse the oil production beneath your skin, which makes more breakouts.
Myth #3: Eating and Drinking
Q: What foods cause acne?
A: In fact foods do not cause acne, but for a few cases certain foods can worsen their acne such as chocolate, coffee, oil, seafood and sugar. Until now no scientific evidence conclude that this is true. You can eat and drink whatever you want to. And you should notice if your acne gets worse after having certain foods you just avoid it next time.
Myth #4: About stress
Q: Does stress cause Acne?
A: Usually we complain our badly acne developing by stress. Since stress can affect physiological factors on our body such as changing in the hormone levels that might cause acne. The true is stress can not actually cause acne, but it can worsen the existing acne. Many researches explain that stress is not the main factor in acne.
Myth #5: Acne has a connection with sex
Q: Is it true that celibacy or too much sex causes acne?
A: We always heard that above question. Sexual activity can also change the hormone levels. But causing acne, there is no proof for this. You have to understand that Sex and Acne both are separate issues.
Myth #6: Applying more anti-acne products or medicines
Q: Can I use my anti-acne products more frequently than prescribed?
A: People commonly want to get their results fast. In this myth you have to use your medication exactly as your doctor instructed. The more you use topical medications the lesser results you get. Besides it can make your condition worse such as irritation of your skin or redness, which can postpone your normal skin condition. Nowadays some people still believe that if their acne gets worse they have to use more medicines. That's a bad thought because when you over-use the topical medicines it can also cause the side effects.
Myth #7: Cosmetics with existing acne
Q: Does makeup cause acne?
A: For years, cosmetologists and dermatologists have debated the effects of cosmetics on the skin, especially in acne patients. Acne is caused by makeup mostly can be found in a mild form of acne. Since this form is triggered by topical products rather than the mechanism underneath of your skin that creates the real acne. If you are recently using a new makeup product and you're experiencing irritation on your cheeks, chin and forehead or forming of small pink bumps. You should discontinue use of this product for a few days and see what is coming.
Normally, for many women, acne can be a displeasing sickness. Women might have feelings of misery, poor body image, or low confidence. So women need to make up for this. Finally, you should select your new makeup carefully and look for cosmetics that are labeled "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic".
Myth #8: Only teenagers get acne
Q: Why am I getting acne as an adult when I have never experienced acne?
A: Unfortunately, acne can be affected both teenager and adult. Acne is a common skin condition that has the same causes and can appear in all colors of skin. Acne eventually fades away by the early 20s. However some people who never experience acne as a teen can also get acne sometimes in their lives. Moreover for the most unlucky of all, some people have to face acne flare-ups continually in their entire lives.
Myth #9: About poor hygiene
Q: Is it true that poor hygiene can cause acne?
A: Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by poor hygiene. As mentioned above, basically the regular form of acne grows when hair follicles on the skin begin obstructed with dead skin cells, joined with the oils which are produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin. When the pores are blocked, oils are produced more underneath them gradually, in this condition it helps bacteria to grow and increase rapidly. Sooner or later the affected area gets infected and causes acne or pimples. As a result of this, while skin infections are connected with acne, lack of hygiene is not the reason for acne formation. You should realize that the root of affected areas which produce your acne is located underneath your skin’s surface where you can not deal with. You have to treat your existing acne on your skin individually. If you have not satisfied the results from the topical acne medicines you have tried, you should go to see a dermatologist.
Myth #10: Cure
Q: Is there a cure for acne?
A: Many people still believe acne as an infection that can be permanently cured. Unfortunately, there is no cure at this time. Nowadays we can only control and prevent acne through appropriate skin care. If you get acne there are many treatments available out there and hopefully one of them will work for you. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a few weeks, see your dermatologist.
