People continue to believe old wives' tales about the causes of acne, even though experts have now disproved many of the myths. We will attempt to reveal the truth about some of those die-hard myths and set your mind at ease so that you can move forward in your quest for clear, acne-free, beautiful skin.
Myth: Only dirty people have acne
Fact: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene but by hormonal changes taking place within the body. Sometimes the sebaceous glands (responsible for moistening our skin) become overrun with oil and block nearby follicles. This causes clogged pores, which turns into acne characterized by pimples, zits, pustules, and even cysts.
The truth is that consistent scrubbing and washing the skin can make your acne problem much worse. The proper skin care routine involves washing your skin gently and patting it dry (not rubbing it).
Myth: People with acne are not eating the correct foods
Fact: Experts now know that there is no connection between the foods you eat and the development of acne.
The myths claiming that chocolate and other fattening foods cause acne are completely erroneous. On the other hand, you do need to practice proper nutrition so that your overall health will be great.
Myth: Stress causes acne
Fact: Stress itself does not cause acne, although it can develop as a side effect when taking medications prescribed to help you cope with stress. If you take this type of medication and are noticing acne symptoms, such as pimples, zits, or pustules, consult with your physician to determine if the medication might be contributing to your skin condition. One word of caution: although stress will not cause acne, it can make the condition worse if you already have it.
Myth: Acne is purely cosmetic
Fact: Acne does change your looks but it can also pose a threat to your mental health. Serious acne problems, often characterized by cystic nodules and persistent eruptions, can lead to severe acne, causing permanent scars to form.
This sometimes affects people psychologically by altering the image they have of themselves. Many people develop problems with their self-esteem and become frustrated and depressed.
Myth: Acne is incurable
Fact: Acne can be completely cleared up by using the many products available and finding the correct treatment specific to your needs.
Your dermatologist can help you find the best method to treat your acne and will be able to determine which type of acne you have, whether it is acne vulgaris, cystic acne, nodular acne, or even rosacea. There are good, effective treatments and medications available (including Accutane, Retin-A, & many others) to help clear up even the most persistent problems. Before you know it, you will reveal the beautiful skin you were always meant to have.
