Acne becomes a concern during adolescence. But many people get zits even after they pass this sensitive stage of life. All of us have experienced the development of acne to varying degrees at some point of time in our lives. Acne is common and so are the myths that surround it. Let's check what these myths are and the true facts that lie behind:
Myth 1: Poor Hygiene Standards are Responsible for Causing Acne.
Fact: Lack of proper cleanliness does not produce acne. Acne is caused due to the inflammation when the hair follicle wall ruptures as a result of excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria getting trapped within the follicle. Washing the face each day can help you get rid of excess oil, dead skin cells, and surface dirt, but frequent cleansing or washing too vigorously can make the condition worse. The skin can be kept healthy with proper oil-balance by cleaning it with mild soap and water not more than twice a day.
Myth 2: Intake of Certain Types of Foods can Trigger the Development of Zits.
Fact: People have always blamed chocolates, french fries and other junk foods for producing pimples, but no scientific fact has been able to prove this conception. In reality, certain foods like milk and seafood can aggravate the condition, but there is no evidence that they can lead to development of acne.
Myth 3: Acne can be Effectively Treated by Sunbaths.
Fact: In the short run, exposure to sun can dry up an oily skin. This improves the condition of acne temporarily, but gradually the skin gets adapted to the sun exposure and there are no long term effects. Further, studies have established that the harmful rays of the sun produce damaging effects on the skin. Skin cancer is the most serious outcome of taking sunbaths.
Myth 4: Acne might Result due to the Use of Makeup.
Fact: There are certain cosmetics which might cause acne by blocking the pores. But some cosmetics, termed as "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic", are safer options. In fact, some brands of cosmetics incorporate ingredients (such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) which have the power to fight acne.
Myth 5: Greater Quantities of Acne Medication can Cure Acne.
Fact: When an individual notice the skin condition getting worse, he or she opts for higher dosage of acne medications. But overdose is harmful, and excessive use of acne medications can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and more blemishes. Talk to your dermatologist if the acne doesn't improve within 6 to 8 weeks of taking prescription acne medication.
Myth 6: Sexual Activities can Cause Acne.
Fact: The general idea which remains in people's minds suggests that too much sex or masturbation can cause acne breakouts. But there is no scientific basis to support this concept. Sexual activity and secretion of hormones share a relationship with each other, but the effect of sex on sebum production has not yet been established. Hormone levels are also found to fluctuate with stress and anger.
Myth 7: Acne Only Affects Appearance.
Fact: The appearance of an individual gets affected by the development of zits and the effects harm the individual's psychology via this route. A person might suffer from depression and a low level of self-esteem. Severe acne might turn them "unsocial" as they try to stay aloof from a social circle.
Myth 8: Popping the Bumps can Actually Cure them.
Fact: This is a totally wrong concept and a harmful one as well. Popping can actually intensify the infection by spreading the bacteria which have caused the zits. The activity can cause scarring, which might assume a permanent nature. So even if the acne gets healed up in the future, the scars would keep on reminding you about those embarrassing days.
Myth 9: Only Teenagers can get Acne.
Fact: Adolescents are more likely to experience acne breakouts, but acne is not very unusual in individuals who have crossed 40 years of age. In the worst cases, some people might experience breakouts throughout their lives.
You might feel that acne myths are pretty funny! But some myths can produce serious consequences on your skin. Just think of applying bizarre solutions to your acne! Won't you frown at the idea? Some people do not and they are the ones who fall prey to acne myths!
