Are you sure that you know all that there is to know about acne? I don’t think so! There are quite a few myths and misconceptions regarding acne that most people are unaware of.It has nothing to do with treating acne.Here are a few of them.
Acne Myths Busted!
Myth 1: Acne is caused by dirty and clogged pores.
One of the main reasons why people scrub their skin excessively is because they feel that the dirt on their skin is the cause behind their pimples. Actually, acne is caused by the over active glands which are hidden deep below the surface of the skin. So repeated scrubbing and over washing is of no real help, in fact it can dry out the skin, thus increasing inflammation and irritation.
Myth 2: Certain foods lead to acne.
There is no scientific proof that certain foods cause acne. But if you feel that a certain food item is worsening your acne, then avoid it for a few weeks and check if this makes a difference. Eat the same food after a few weeks and see if you get acne again. If you do, then probably you are right!
Myth 3: Sexual activity causes acne.
Sexual activity has nothing to do with acne. A body experiences hormonal changes when it reaches puberty. The very same hormonal changes may cause some individuals to develop acne, not sexual activity.
Myth 4: Cosmetics aggravate acne.
While this might be true to a certain extent, it does not mean that people with acne cannot use cosmetics. Creams and oils can aggravate acne, so opt for sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations instead. Look for cosmetic products that are labeled as “non-acnegenic” and “non-comedogenic”. These are specifically meant for those with acne.
Myth 5: Poor hygiene causes acne.
Acne is not caused by dead skin or accumulation of dust. It is caused by aggravated oil glands that lie below the surface of the skin. Though, acne, dead skin and dust together add up to make quite an unattractive sight, nevertheless, rubbing and scrubbing the skin would not help. Instead, it would only make things worse. It is best to gently wash the affected area with a mild soap and pat it dry. This should be followed by a regular acne treatment routine.
Myth 6: Stress causes acne.
Ordinary stress has nothing to do with acne. However, if one is suffering from severe stress and is taking medication for the same, then there might be a possibility that he/she develops acne. But again these pimples might be a side affect of the medication and not stress.
Myth 7: Acne clears up only after it has run its complete course.
In reality, acne can clear much before that. It does not need to run its complete course as it can be treated with a strict acne treatment regime as advised by a dermatologist. There are various effective products available today so there is no reason why one should tolerate this skin condition for long.
Myth 8: Sunlight can help get rid of acne.
Many acne sufferers use sunlight as a short-term treatment for clearing acne. In reality, sunlight reddens the skin further so that the red acne marks and the rest of the skin blend. It has nothing to do with treating acne. Sunlight, in fact, causes further skin damage.
What you require is an effective acne treatment so that you can get rid of your zits. So stop believing in these misconceptions and know the truth about acne.