Title:

Don't Believe These Acne Myths

Word Count:
563

Summary:
Description of some of the many myths about acne.

Keywords:
acne, acne control, acne treatment, acne medicine

Article Body:
There are many allegations as to the causes of acne. As technology and science help
us find the actual roots, we are able to dispel many of the misconceptions
surrounding acne. However, the myths still persist. Here are some more commonly
known myths:

Myth: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

Lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne. There are skin infections
associated with acne due to a mixture of sebum and dead cells that lie beneath the
surface of the skin. Although gentle cleansing of the skin with soap and water once
or twice a day will assist in keeping skin as healthy as possible, it is
ineffective in clearing away the skin infections. Take care not to scrub too hard
as this could further aggravate acne.

Myth: Grease and Chocolate will cause acne.

People have believed for years that eating chocolate will cause pimples. There is
no scientific proof for this - studies have shown no direct relationship between
consuming chocolate and acne breakouts. This is also true of other foods like
potato chips and French fries. Eating too much of these types of food is, however,
unhealthy, and advisable to eat in moderation.

Note: Although chocolate and greasy foods do not cause acne, some foods DO seem to
exacerbate it. Milk and foods high in iodine (as found in seafood) seem to
aggravate acne.

Myth: Sex is directly linked to acne.

Everything from masturbation to celibacy has been blamed for acne. This again is
false. Although there is a link between hormone levels and sexual activity, it is
unclear what the link between sex and levels of sebum (causing acne.) Emotions and
stress also affect hormone levels.

Myth: You will grow out of acne.

Acne may last a matter of weeks or as long as several years. There is no need to
try to live with it when there are so many over-the-counter treatments available to
anyone suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment of acne. Dermatologists are
also easily accessible for more severe cases.

Myth: Acne only affects teenagers.

Although 85% of adolescents experience acne, adults are susceptible to suffering
from acne when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Myth: Acne is only a superficial condition.

Due to the severity of physical disfigurement acne leads to psychological stress.
There are strong links to depression, social withdrawal and low self-esteem.
Myth: Popping/Squeezing pimples will get rid of them faster.
This may actually aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it!
Squeezing pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Myth: Sun exposure will help clear up acne.

Although short-term effects of the sun seem to dry out excess oils, the skin
quickly adapts to sun exposure. This eliminates long-term benefits from sun
exposure and increases the potential for skin damage and cancer.

Myth: Wearing makeup causes acne.

Healthy skin is the best way to avoid acne. Because some makeups can clog pores,
acne can in fact result. Cosmetics have flooded the market with labels indicating
they are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means they will not cause acne.
These brands of makeup are safe to use. Some actually include ingredients that help
treat acne.

Myth: Using more acne medication will treat the condition quicker.
Excess use of ointments may actually irritate the skin, worsening the condition.
Oral medications can be dangerous to your overall health. Always use medications as
directed.