As medical knowledge of acne improves, many of the long-standing myths are being proven wrong. Many of them continue to persist, however. The following are ten of the most common myths, as well as the facts about them.
1 - Acne Is A Result of Poor Hygiene
This myth probably started because of the possible skin infections that can accompany acne. The fact is that hygiene is not the reason for acne outbreaks. Acne is caused by a mixture of sebum and dead cells, which occurs beneath the skin's surface where it can't be simply cleaned by washing.
2 - Acne Is Caused By Certain Types of Food
It has long been thought that eating chocolate and other sugary foods will result in acne. There is no evidence for this however - studies have not been able to show any particular relationship between acne and eating these foods. The same is true of other foods commonly associated with acne such as potato chips and french fries.
3 - Acne Must Be Left To Run Its Course
There are a number of effective treatments available to reduce or eliminate acne. Anyone suffering from it should consult with their doctor or a dermatologist to find out how best to deal with it.
4 - Acne Only Affects Teenagers
While it's true that many teenagers are affected by acne, it is by no means limited to them. For most people, acne clears up by the early twenties, but some people experience their first outbreak in their thirties or forties.
5 - Sunlight Is Good For Acne
Exposure to sunlight can have a short-term effect on acne by drying out excess oils in the skin, but it is not a long-term solution. The skin quickly adjusts to the sun exposure and any positive effects will not last for long. Plus, exposure to the sun can have other negative effects, such as an increased risk of skin cancer, so it is not worth the risk in the long run.
Nathan James writes about acne treatments, teenage acne and other related topics for the Acne Squad website. Read more and sign up for our free newsletter at www.acnesquad.com | |
