Acne Myths
There's a lot of information about acne out there that's just plain wrong. Try asking people advice regarding your acne and chances are, they would tell
you that it is due to your poor hygiene, poor diet or that you are in love.
Let's clear up some common myths about acne - and maybe even your skin in the process!
Myth #1: Popping your pimples is the best way to get rid of them.
Fact: Step away from that mirror! Some people might tell you that popping your zits will make
them less noticeable and help them heal faster, but they're wrong. Picking or popping your pimples could cause more redness,
pain, and maybe even scarring, which could last forever.
Myth #2: Acne is not a caused by a poor hygiene.
Fact: Many people believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene; therefore they tend to over-wash their skin. However, washing
too frequently and too aggressively can strip the skin of its natural lipids, damaging the skin's natural barrier function. In response,
the follicle will produce excess sebum and possibly additional breakouts. So unless you get yourself dirty on regular basis (like a mechanic, perhaps), do not over-wash your face.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by certain foods.
Fact: The common misconception is that eating junk food will lead to or worsen an acne condition. Scientific studies have shown
that diet has little to no effect on acne. This varies depending on the person. While eating healthy and balanced diet is encouraged for
our health, there is really no scientific evidence that connects certain foods to acne. If you are one of those who are affected by certain foods,
it is always wise to avoid them.
Myth #4: You can get rid of acne by washing your face more.
Fact: Washing your face regularly is a good idea because it helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin's surface. But overwashing or scrubbing your skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin, which only makes acne worse.
What's the best skin care strategy? As a general rule, gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. After you've finished washing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Myth #5: Getting a tan would clear up acne.
Fact:Baking in the sun does nothing to improve your acne. When you spend time outside and your skin becomes darker, the redness caused by acne may be less noticeable for a little while. But when your tan fades, you'll still see your zits. And spending time in the sun without the proper protection can cause dry, irritated, or burned skin - not to mention it increases your risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer later in life.
Before you head outdoors, protect your skin with a sunscreen that contains a sun protection factor (on the label it'll say SPF) of at least 15. Use a brand that's marked "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic," which means it won't clog your pores and worsen acne.
Myth #6: You can outgrow your acne.
Fact:It is much more sensible to treat your acne immediately to avoid emotional stress and permanent scarring.
Myth #7: Acne is just a little problem.
Fact: Simply not true. It is embarrassing to have acne, thus can affect our confidence and esteem. It may even affect our social relation and job performance.
Myth #8: Acne is just a cosmetic disease.
Fact: Heavy and oily make up may contribute to acne build up. However, cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic might actually contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that may help to fight acne.
Myth #9: Stress can cause acne.
Fact: While over stress may actually produce hormones that can aggravate acne; normal, everyday stress does not really trigger acne.
So, the next time somebody tells you one of those things, gracefully correct them and share what you know. Remember, knowledge is power.
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Top Acne Products
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 Popping pimples causes more redness and scarring |
 Acne is not caused by certain foods |
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 washing face frequently makes acne worse |
 sun tan does not improve acne |
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