Acne Myths
Wasted a lot of times and money, and yet your acne problem still persists? Maybe you've have been exposed to the wrong information and followed the wrong procedures. So lets explore the myths of acne.
1) Sun (Tanning) will improve acne -
Sun is a good source of vitamin D and tanning can mask out acne and scars. But this is only a temporary solution as too much exposure to the sun can actually worsen the acne condition, cause premature aging and skin cancer. So to protect the skin, using a sunscreen is a must. (Always choose those cosmetic products labelled non-comedogenic, i.e. won't clog pore)
2) Diet (Sugary, high fat food) -
This myth is the most common of all. Extensive studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. However, a high iodine diet (such as shellfish) may aggravate existing acen, but not causing it. The reaction of certain food on an individual's condition is also a factor. E.g. some people notice breakouts after eating chocolate and some people will get it if they drink too much coffee. For better health, just stay away from fatty food to prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease.
3) Extensive washing will clear up acne -
Washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from the pores but aggressive skin washing will in all likelihood aggravate pre-existing acne, as the skin becomes dry, prompting the oil glands to work harder. A washcloth or scrub is a no-no as it will irritate the skin. The standard method is to gently wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
4) Too much stress results in acne -
Theoretically, stress may indirectly promote acne in terms that it has an effect on hormones. But sometimes, it may be due to the medical prescribes for severe stress condition which causes acne as a side effect.
5) Oily skin is the main cause of acne -
Acne is not caused by oily skin. The dead skin cells which fail to be washed away mixed with the bacteria and the oil and start the formation of the acne. Therefore, an oily complexion shows the symptom of acne, but not as the cause.
6) Squeezing or popping pimples makes acne go away faster -
Instead of clearing up the pimples, squeezing it will sometimes push the bacteria further into the skin layers, causing more swelling and redness. This tends to lead to scarring (red or brown marks). These marks may take months to heal and true scars (dents and pits) wll last forever.
7) Acne is contagious -
It is mentioned that this popular myth is spread by parents to keep their teen daughters away from acne-covered teen boys. There's is no way one can catch acne from another person or vice versa.
8) Leave acne as it is and it will eventually go away -
Acne may go away on its own and it can also leave ugly scars on the skin. You'll never know when will it leave you for good. The truth is, acne can be cleared up provided that you seek treatment from dermatologists. Why endure acne while cure is available? The earlier you seek treatment for acne, the lower your risk of permanent scarring and the sooner you will become the new, confident you.
9) Don't wear makeup if you have acne -
As long as you choose cosmetics that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them. For moderate to severe acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you're acne isn't aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, stop using it and talk to your doctor if it's irritating the skin or seems to cause breakouts.
10) The stronger the medicine, the better -
I believe every one of you think that it's true. On the contrary, it may lead to irritation and more blemishes. Acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. When the skin dries up, it tends to secrete more oil to lubricate or moisten the skin surface. This oil will then mixed with bacteria and the dead cells which then results in forming acne. If a lower dose is working well, then increasing the dose will have no effect on the acne. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist and be patience as some medications may take up tp 8weeks to make a significant difference.
11) Masturbation or sex causes acne -
This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don't believe the hype.
1) Sun (Tanning) will improve acne -
Sun is a good source of vitamin D and tanning can mask out acne and scars. But this is only a temporary solution as too much exposure to the sun can actually worsen the acne condition, cause premature aging and skin cancer. So to protect the skin, using a sunscreen is a must. (Always choose those cosmetic products labelled non-comedogenic, i.e. won't clog pore)
2) Diet (Sugary, high fat food) -
This myth is the most common of all. Extensive studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. However, a high iodine diet (such as shellfish) may aggravate existing acen, but not causing it. The reaction of certain food on an individual's condition is also a factor. E.g. some people notice breakouts after eating chocolate and some people will get it if they drink too much coffee. For better health, just stay away from fatty food to prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease.
3) Extensive washing will clear up acne -
Washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from the pores but aggressive skin washing will in all likelihood aggravate pre-existing acne, as the skin becomes dry, prompting the oil glands to work harder. A washcloth or scrub is a no-no as it will irritate the skin. The standard method is to gently wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser.
4) Too much stress results in acne -
Theoretically, stress may indirectly promote acne in terms that it has an effect on hormones. But sometimes, it may be due to the medical prescribes for severe stress condition which causes acne as a side effect.
5) Oily skin is the main cause of acne -
Acne is not caused by oily skin. The dead skin cells which fail to be washed away mixed with the bacteria and the oil and start the formation of the acne. Therefore, an oily complexion shows the symptom of acne, but not as the cause.
6) Squeezing or popping pimples makes acne go away faster -
Instead of clearing up the pimples, squeezing it will sometimes push the bacteria further into the skin layers, causing more swelling and redness. This tends to lead to scarring (red or brown marks). These marks may take months to heal and true scars (dents and pits) wll last forever.
7) Acne is contagious -
It is mentioned that this popular myth is spread by parents to keep their teen daughters away from acne-covered teen boys. There's is no way one can catch acne from another person or vice versa.
8) Leave acne as it is and it will eventually go away -
Acne may go away on its own and it can also leave ugly scars on the skin. You'll never know when will it leave you for good. The truth is, acne can be cleared up provided that you seek treatment from dermatologists. Why endure acne while cure is available? The earlier you seek treatment for acne, the lower your risk of permanent scarring and the sooner you will become the new, confident you.
9) Don't wear makeup if you have acne -
As long as you choose cosmetics that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them. For moderate to severe acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you're acne isn't aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, stop using it and talk to your doctor if it's irritating the skin or seems to cause breakouts.
10) The stronger the medicine, the better -
I believe every one of you think that it's true. On the contrary, it may lead to irritation and more blemishes. Acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. When the skin dries up, it tends to secrete more oil to lubricate or moisten the skin surface. This oil will then mixed with bacteria and the dead cells which then results in forming acne. If a lower dose is working well, then increasing the dose will have no effect on the acne. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist and be patience as some medications may take up tp 8weeks to make a significant difference.
11) Masturbation or sex causes acne -
This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don't believe the hype.
posted by Sora @ 9:17 AM
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