Common Myths and Misconceptions about Acne

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Acne
1. Acne is caused by dirt. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Acne is not caused by dirt. Very likely, the dirtlike appearance of blackheads may have given rise to this misconception. Unfortunately, because acne is so often mistakenly associated with dirt, many acne sufferers are made to feel as though they are "dirty" people who don't wash enough. In actuality, the black substance in blackheads is not dirt. Rather, it is believed to be an oxidized skin pigment. More simply, it's a kind of skin "rust."

2. Super scrubbing and drying your skin will clear up acne. The myth linking acne and dirt, as well as the generally unwashed look of very oily skin, are most probably responsible for this belief, too. As you learned earlier, acne starts below the skin surface. Therefore, over scrubbing and overdrying the surface of your skin will do nothing useful for you. In fact, superscrubbing often may precipitate an acne breakout by rupturing whiteheads below the skin surface, releasing the irritating fatty acids and starting the whole process rolling. Furthermore, too frequent or too vigorous washing can so overdry and irritate the surface of your skin that it becomes too uncomfortable to apply any real acne medications. Unfortunately, most acne medications tend to leave your skin a shade on the dry side after use. If you combine their use with a misguided attempt to superscrub away your acne problem, you risk developing extreme skin chapping, cracking, and flaking.

3. Acne is caused by letting your hair rest on your forehead. "Get your hair off your forehead or you'll give yourself pimples" is a favorite gripe of many parents. In reality, the surface oils coating your hairs are of little significance in the development of pimples. The oils that do play a role are those trapped within the clogged pores beneath your skin. Of course, oily hair itself can be unattractive and harder to manage, but that is a separate issue.

4. Acne is caused by certain foods, such as chocolates, fried foods, and nuts. This is another myth that has become so ingrained in our culture that it is often hard to make people give it up. Acne is not caused nor aggravated by eating chocolates, fried food, colas, nuts, potato chips, candy, ice cream, or pizza. These foods are not particularly healthful for your heart and blood vessels, however, so it is advisable to avoid them for that reason.


		For those who have grown up believing that food triggers acne, the emotional stress and guilt caused by eating these "forbidden fruits" can be so great that acne may worsen. Naturally, such individuals should refrain from eating those foods that they believe cause them a problem. Foods containing high concentrations of iodine, such as shellfish, kelp, iodized table salts, and certain mineral supplements, may aggravate acne in some people. Try to reduce your intake of these foods and supplements, especially if they make up a large part of your diet. 5. Acne is improved by sun exposure. Many of you may have observed that a moderate amount of sun exposure temporarily helps to dry up some surface blemishes and that a deep tan can further mask persistent blemishes and discolorations. However, most people are unaware that overexposure to the sun may actually cause acne to worsen. The sun's ultraviolet rays are capable of damaging the openings to your pores, resulting in the formation of whiteheads and the beginning of the acne chain of events discussed earlier. The subsequent development of whiteheads and acne breakouts generally occurs about four to six weeks after sun exposure. Finally, strong evidence exists linking chronic sun exposure to the development of premature skin aging and skin cancers. Any short-term benefits of sun exposure for acne must be balanced against the risk of developing these possible long-term consequences. 6. Acne is incurable. Although it is true that doctors still cannot cure the basic, underlying familial (hereditary) basis for acne, many advances for controlling and treating acne have been developed, particularly during the past decade. A wide variety of very effective topical medications (lotions, creams, and ointments) and oral medications (drugs and pills) are now available. Home \| Acne \| Acne Blemishes\| Acne Effects\| Acne Causes\| Acne Myths\| Acne Treatments\| Acne Medications\| Acne Medicines\| Acne Antibiotic Treatments\| Accutane Acne Treatment\| Other Acne Treatments\| Sitemap © 2009 amyantiaging.com. All Rights Reserved.
	Common Myths and Misconceptions about Acne 1. Acne is caused by dirt. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Acne is not caused by dirt. Very likely, the dirtlike appearance of blackheads may have given rise to this misconception. Unfortunately, because acne is so often mistakenly associated with dirt, many acne sufferers are made to feel as though they are "dirty" people who don't wash enough. In actuality, the black substance in blackheads is not dirt. Rather, it is believed to be an oxidized skin pigment. More simply, it's a kind of skin "rust." 2. Super scrubbing and drying your skin will clear up acne. The myth linking acne and dirt, as well as the generally unwashed look of very oily skin, are most probably responsible for this belief, too. As you learned earlier, acne starts below the skin surface. Therefore, over scrubbing and overdrying the surface of your skin will do nothing useful for you. In fact, superscrubbing often may precipitate an acne breakout by rupturing whiteheads below the skin surface, releasing the irritating fatty acids and starting the whole process rolling. Furthermore, too frequent or too vigorous washing can so overdry and irritate the surface of your skin that it becomes too uncomfortable to apply any real acne medications. Unfortunately, most acne medications tend to leave your skin a shade on the dry side after use. If you combine their use with a misguided attempt to superscrub away your acne problem, you risk developing extreme skin chapping, cracking, and flaking. 3. Acne is caused by letting your hair rest on your forehead. "Get your hair off your forehead or you'll give yourself pimples" is a favorite gripe of many parents. In reality, the surface oils coating your hairs are of little significance in the development of pimples. The oils that do play a role are those trapped within the clogged pores beneath your skin. Of course, oily hair itself can be unattractive and harder to manage, but that is a separate issue. 4. Acne is caused by certain foods, such as chocolates, fried foods, and nuts. This is another myth that has become so ingrained in our culture that it is often hard to make people give it up. Acne is not caused nor aggravated by eating chocolates, fried food, colas, nuts, potato chips, candy, ice cream, or pizza. These foods are not particularly healthful for your heart and blood vessels, however, so it is advisable to avoid them for that reason.