Some myths and facts about acne

Acne is a common skin problem and can affect anybody. No one knows the exact reason of acne as it may be due to hormonal changes during the teenage years or pregnancy. Acne can appear on your face, neck, chest, and back in the form of congested pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, or cysts (deep pimples). You can treat acne either by using anti-acne products available in the market or adopting homemade methods, but for tougher cases, consult your physician first.

There are many myths about cause of acne and people believe them blindly because they don’t want to aggravate the problem. But generally, acne is the result of combination of too may factors. Acne usually appears when oil (sebaceous) glands become active around puberty. The basic function of oil is to lubricate and protect the skin. But sometime cells near the skin surface block the openings of the sebaceous glands allowing the oil to accumulate underneath. This results into stimulation and multiplication of bacteria and inflammation of surrounding tissues as well. Pustules appear if the inflammation is exactly near the skin surface. And inflammation in the deeper parts causes pimple and cyst if still deeper. Similarly whitehead appears as the oil breaks though to the surface while oxidation of oil changes oil color from white to black and thus forming blackheads.

Following are some acne myths and facts:

Myth: Acne is caused by diet

Fact: It is always good to follow a balanced diet for good health and to avoid too much consumption of fatty foods, chocolates and junk foods. But, no specific food cause acne. In fact, there is no direct relationship between diet and acne. However, iodized salts aggravate acne problem, but this is an exception. If some people experience consuming chocolate or greasy foods influencing their skin, then it’s better to avoid such foods.

Myth: Poor hygiene can cause acne

Fact: If you believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene and wash your skin hard and frequently, you will end up exacerbating the problem. Acne is not caused by dirt or surface oil. You should wash your face gently with mild soap twice a day and then pat dry before applying appropriate anti-acne cream.

Myth: Tanning clears up skin

Fact: Exposing your skin to sun may temporarily mask acne, but the UV light can do more harm than good as it leads to premature ageing and skin cancer. A majority of anti-acne creams used to treat acne can actually make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. So, it’s better to protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15.

Myth: Stress causes acne

Fact: Having acne do cause stress but vice versa is not true. However, medicines taken to remove severe stress could sometime cause acne. Similarly, Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. But a mere bout of stress cannot generally cause serious acne problem.

Myth: Acne is only a cosmetic disease

Fact: Acne is not a disease and has nothing to do with one’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars. Acne worries you because it somewhat affects your beauty but a slight care and proper medication can remove this problem.

Myth: Only teenagers have acne

Fact: It is not necessary that acne affects only teenagers. Even the people over 50 years of age can suffer from acne problem. In women, acne usually may last until the menopause. Similarly, you will not see infants suffering from acne.

Myth: You should let acne run its course

Fact: You need not wait for the time when acne will clear up itself. Instead, you must follow right treatment to remove acne as there are various methods to cure it.

Myth: There is nothing I can do about scarring

Fact: First choose appropriate and effective treatment for acne and then follow any of the various modern techniques to get rid of scars left due to acne.

Myth: Acne is an infection

Fact: Actually, acne is a skin disorder caused by a combination of factors, including hormones and genetics.

Myth: Stop your medication if your acne has cleared up

Fact: Before stopping medication, always ask your doctor or dermatologist first to ensure that you have completed the course of the treatment and acne will not flare up again.

Myth: Sex and masturbation can lead to acne

Fact: Although the sex hormone testosterone is a major cause of acne, but having sexual intercourse does not cause acne to flare up as thought by many people.

Myth: Don't wear makeup if you have acne

Fact: You can wear makeup that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic as they will not cause breakouts. And if these cosmetics irritate your skin or cause breakouts then consult your doctor before using any other brand.