WHAT IS ACNE:
There are several types of acne, but the most common form occurs during adolescence when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as "acne," a symptom most commonly associated with acne.
Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and in severe cases, can lead to social isolation or emotional and physical scarring. Although mild acne cannot be completely prevented, you can take three steps to reduce its effects.
ACNE MYTHS TRUE OR FALSE:
We'll just come out and say; There is a lot of misleading and downright misinformation out there about acne. Thankfully, scientific research has dispelled these 'acne myths.' Now we have a pretty good idea of what acne does and doesn't. Let's take a look at seven of these biggest acne myths.
Right or wrong? Learn the truth about common acne and its myths
Acne Myth #1: Eating Certain Foods Causes Acne
It has been around for a long time, yet there is no scientific proof of it. Although some individuals may experience an outbreak when they eat certain foods, no universal law applies to everyone. Eating pizza, chocolate, nuts, and greasy food will not make your acne worse.
Acne Myth #2: Acne Is Related to Dirt or dirty Skin
Although there are other benefits to having clean skin, dirt does not cause acne. Acne forms beneath the skin's surface and is caused by a buildup of sebum and dead skin cells. It's not dirt that clogs your pores.
Acne Myth #3: Washing Your Face All the Time Will Clear Acne
This type of connection is related to myth #3. Having clear skin is not the answer to preventing acne. Overdoing it until you wash your face can actually make matters worse. Removing your skin's oil can lead to breakouts in the future.
Acne Myth #4: Only Teenagers Get Acne
It's true that 9 out of 10 teens experience acne, but it's also true that about 1 in 4 adults gets it too. It appears that acne is linked to hormones which explains why there is such a high incidence of acne in teenagers, but adults are also going through hormonal changes at various times in their lives.
Acne Myth #5: Stress Causes Acne
Scientific evidence suggests that stress is not a big factor in acne. For many years it was believed that stress causes acne, but this is not the case.
HOW TO TREAT ACNE:
Cleanse your skin gently. Every day, wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too vigorously or washing your face too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also, avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skincare soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.
Apply topical ointments: Apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas at least once a day, but no more than three times a day. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unclog pores, while salicylic acid helps to remove blemishes caused by the peeling off the top layer of skin. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acids are also desirable. However, remember that if you use too much of a product, your acne may get worse. So limit your applications to less than three times a day unless otherwise directed by the doctor.
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