5 Common Myths About the Causes of Acne

December 6th, 2009 Posted in Skin & Beauty

There are many myths about what causes acne that persist today even though there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting these myths.

While doctors are still not exactly sure what causes stubborn acne in some while others are not affected, there are many persistent myths about acne. Understanding what is causing your acne will allow you to take the appropriate measures to treat your acne and keep it under control.

The Top 5 myths about the causes of acne:

Myth #1: Poor hygiene or dirty skin causes acne.

The bacteria in your skin does contribute to the development of acne, which is why antibiotics can help improve your skin, but this does mean your skin is unclean or you need to wash more often. Actually washing your face too often and using harsh cleansers can dry out your skin and aggravate your acne. You simply need to wash the oil and debris with a gently cleanser that kills the bacteria in your skin to prevent breakouts.

Myth #2: Breakouts are caused by fried foods or chocolate.

While no particular food can be blamed for causing acne, some people may find they react to certain foods and can try avoiding them to see if there is an improvement in their acne. Many still blame chocolate, soda, french fries and pizza for bad skin; yet no studies have proven an exact connection between food and acne.

While your acne will most likely not simply disappear with a healthy diet, it is important to eat healthy foods that contain nutrients that support healthy skin. Some find improvement by avoiding meat and dairy products that contain hormones and switching to organic products.

Myth #3: You will outgrow your pimples when you pass adolescence.

While many people find their acne improves or clearus up completely with age, others find they do not outgrow their acne and it may even get worse. It’s not true that only teens suffer from acne and that it always clears up on its own. You must treat your acne to prevent scars that will be difficult to treat later. With all of the over-the-counter and prescription medications from a dermatologist available now, there is no reason anyone to suffer while waiting to outgrow their acne.

Many unfortunate people find their skin gets worse or acne shows up for the first time in their twenties. This is called “adult acne” and can be difficult to treat. If severe, it needs to be treated aggressively to prevent scars because this skin condition cannot be cured but can be managed.

Myth #4: Acne is caused by using makeup.

In the past, makeup contained oil and ingredients that clogged pores and caused skin to breakout, but today there have been many improvements in cosmetics. There are cosmetics created to prevent breakouts and many have added ingredients that actually fight pimples. Look for makeup that is oil-free and labeled “noncomedogenic” which means the product does not cause comedones or acne from clogged pores. Another term you may see is “nonacnegenic” which is also safe for acne prone skin. Using some makeup can improve the appearance of your skin will you are getting it under control and can be a real boost to your self-esteem.

Myth #5: Popping pimples will clear them up faster.

Although it is tempting to get rid of pimples by popping the, this can actually make them worse by spreading the infection and damaging the skin. Severe acne cysts or nodules need to be treated by a doctor who can safely remove them. Trying to pop a cysts can spread the infection deeper into the skin and damage the skin’s collagen causing permanent scars.

By eliminating the common myths and learning what really is causing your acne, allows you to prevent future breakouts by treating your skin appropriately.

Are you tired of Stubborn Acne that won’t go away? Visit Joy Byers’ skin care website Healthy Skin Resources and finally learn what really causes acne and discover some Real Solutions for Acne.

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One Response to “5 Common Myths About the Causes of Acne”

  1. Mandy @ Goth Makeup Says:

    Cool! Always love trying something new, I’m gonna have to try this out tomorrowThanks!Mandy



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