Time has come to clear some of the rubble surrounding the cause and cure of acne. You see, misinformation will only lead you down the path of frustration and discouragement. You will never receive the radiant skin you so desire based on hearsay and snake oil. Misinformation is everywhere. I shudder at some of the things I read online or even hear within my own peer groups. Maybe you have heard and read about them to so keep reading and lets get to the bottom of it all. Remember, knowledge is power and power will help you end the breakouts!
1. The Old Soap And Water Theory
Back when I was a kid I can't tell you how many times I heard that one. I was convinced that if you just scrubbed your skin off...viola! A great complexion. Truth is acne only gets worse the more you scrub. It does eliminate dirt and bacteria.....and that is important but in the end it only lead to dry, cracked, irritated skin that will open you up to infection and a worse crop of acne.
Remember, over production of sebum is the main culprit behind the zit problem. It is essential that you keep your skin clean and dry as this will help you in your battle over acne. Always try and wash your face twice daily and pat dry with a soft towel. Be aware of the soap you are using. The skin on your face is very sensitive and even a mild reaction to harsh cleansers will have a negative effect. If you are looking for products that are gentle on your skin I will be posting a review and recommendation page shortly. I will explore all types of products, treatments, and remedies. My reviews will remain completely unbiased and non sponsored. I will be spilling the beans on whether my research reveals as to their effectiveness. Come back often or better yet subscribe to my RSS feed. See how all those products you see advertised hold up under scrutiny.
2. Chocolate Gives Me Pimples!
Again, I have head this one for as long as I can remember. Coca Cola, most fried foods and pizza fall into this one as well.
First off, we are all genetically different. What affects one will not affect another. Chocolate happens to be very high in fat and sugar. Some people will attribute that to acne. At this point in time there are absolutely no studies that point to food as a cause of acne. NONE except this one exception and that is milk. Particularly low fat milk and mainly in pregnant or menopausal women. Most researchers agree that hormones and other additives in cows milk may be the main cause. Studies are ongoing as of this writing. Could chocolate be a link in a chain that causes acne in some people. Maybe. I think it has more to do with genetics and don't go and confuse food allergies to acne. Minor allergic reactions can mimic the symptoms of acne. There have been some indigenous cultures in times past who have never had a case of acne across their entire population line. Did diet play a role? Studies have been inconclusive thus far and I can tell you that the Hershey bar in my pantry will not survive the night!
3. Popping Pimples Makes Them Go Away Faster
This myth present a couple of problems. First popping the zit will get rid of the pus, relieve the pressure and swelling and make the zit appear smaller. Something we all want right? Remember the finger and bacteria thing I mentioned earlier? Second, most people apply way to much pressure. They squeeze and pinch until they make their face bleed. All they have accomplished is more tissue damage and help spread the infection all over their face. If you can use a sterile needle and disinfecting wipes you will usually heal faster. Not doing it this way will only make it worse. The bad news is that most people do not do it the right way so health care professional try and discourage treating acne in this fashion.
4. Tanning Helps Clear My Skin
The fact is that the sun in very harsh on your skin especially if you are over exposed. The sun can cause premature aging, skin cancer and a host of other problems. It can actually lead to increased outbreaks of acne. Always try to use what is called nonacnegenic SPF sunscreen before venturing into the sun for prolonged periods of time. More on nonacnegenic's will be posted on my products page.
5. Makeup Will Give You Acne
Long ago there may have been a bit of truth to this. I suspect it was more an irritant than a cause though. Today there are tons of nonacnegenic makeup on the market that are designed to be kind and gentle to your face. Using them properly should prevent any kind of acne problem. Some brands even contain popular over the counter ingredients used to fight acne and also serve to conceal your acne as well. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne you should consult with your health care professional about the use of makeup until you achieve some level of suppression. Generally speaking, makeup does not in any way cause acne.
6. More Medication Means Quicker Healing
Nothing could be further from the truth. Acne medications use powerful drying agents. Overuse of these medications will result in dry irritated skin. That will result in a worse case of acne. Be especially careful if you are taking oral medications. That could be dangerous! It can take a couple of months before you see results taking oral medications so have patience. If your topical medication is not working to your satisfaction try something else. There are lots of alternatives. Something will work for you. One more thing. Do not stop taking your prescribed mediation early because you think your acne is gone. This could lead to a recurrence that may be worse in the long run.
7. Sex Causes Acne
Don't believe It. This myth can be traced all the way back to the 1700's. It was spread about to try and discourage teenagers from hooking up. Can you imagine how many innocent teens were persecuted for having a raging case of acne back then! Although it is true that hormones play a prominent role in acne it has absolutely nothing to do with sexual activity.
Well, there you have it. The acne Myth Busters. I hope I have answered some of your questions and have given you information that will help you in your quest for beautiful skin.
1. The Old Soap And Water Theory
Back when I was a kid I can't tell you how many times I heard that one. I was convinced that if you just scrubbed your skin off...viola! A great complexion. Truth is acne only gets worse the more you scrub. It does eliminate dirt and bacteria.....and that is important but in the end it only lead to dry, cracked, irritated skin that will open you up to infection and a worse crop of acne.
Remember, over production of sebum is the main culprit behind the zit problem. It is essential that you keep your skin clean and dry as this will help you in your battle over acne. Always try and wash your face twice daily and pat dry with a soft towel. Be aware of the soap you are using. The skin on your face is very sensitive and even a mild reaction to harsh cleansers will have a negative effect. If you are looking for products that are gentle on your skin I will be posting a review and recommendation page shortly. I will explore all types of products, treatments, and remedies. My reviews will remain completely unbiased and non sponsored. I will be spilling the beans on whether my research reveals as to their effectiveness. Come back often or better yet subscribe to my RSS feed. See how all those products you see advertised hold up under scrutiny.
2. Chocolate Gives Me Pimples!
Again, I have head this one for as long as I can remember. Coca Cola, most fried foods and pizza fall into this one as well.
First off, we are all genetically different. What affects one will not affect another. Chocolate happens to be very high in fat and sugar. Some people will attribute that to acne. At this point in time there are absolutely no studies that point to food as a cause of acne. NONE except this one exception and that is milk. Particularly low fat milk and mainly in pregnant or menopausal women. Most researchers agree that hormones and other additives in cows milk may be the main cause. Studies are ongoing as of this writing. Could chocolate be a link in a chain that causes acne in some people. Maybe. I think it has more to do with genetics and don't go and confuse food allergies to acne. Minor allergic reactions can mimic the symptoms of acne. There have been some indigenous cultures in times past who have never had a case of acne across their entire population line. Did diet play a role? Studies have been inconclusive thus far and I can tell you that the Hershey bar in my pantry will not survive the night!
3. Popping Pimples Makes Them Go Away Faster
This myth present a couple of problems. First popping the zit will get rid of the pus, relieve the pressure and swelling and make the zit appear smaller. Something we all want right? Remember the finger and bacteria thing I mentioned earlier? Second, most people apply way to much pressure. They squeeze and pinch until they make their face bleed. All they have accomplished is more tissue damage and help spread the infection all over their face. If you can use a sterile needle and disinfecting wipes you will usually heal faster. Not doing it this way will only make it worse. The bad news is that most people do not do it the right way so health care professional try and discourage treating acne in this fashion.
4. Tanning Helps Clear My Skin
The fact is that the sun in very harsh on your skin especially if you are over exposed. The sun can cause premature aging, skin cancer and a host of other problems. It can actually lead to increased outbreaks of acne. Always try to use what is called nonacnegenic SPF sunscreen before venturing into the sun for prolonged periods of time. More on nonacnegenic's will be posted on my products page.
5. Makeup Will Give You Acne
Long ago there may have been a bit of truth to this. I suspect it was more an irritant than a cause though. Today there are tons of nonacnegenic makeup on the market that are designed to be kind and gentle to your face. Using them properly should prevent any kind of acne problem. Some brands even contain popular over the counter ingredients used to fight acne and also serve to conceal your acne as well. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne you should consult with your health care professional about the use of makeup until you achieve some level of suppression. Generally speaking, makeup does not in any way cause acne.
6. More Medication Means Quicker Healing
Nothing could be further from the truth. Acne medications use powerful drying agents. Overuse of these medications will result in dry irritated skin. That will result in a worse case of acne. Be especially careful if you are taking oral medications. That could be dangerous! It can take a couple of months before you see results taking oral medications so have patience. If your topical medication is not working to your satisfaction try something else. There are lots of alternatives. Something will work for you. One more thing. Do not stop taking your prescribed mediation early because you think your acne is gone. This could lead to a recurrence that may be worse in the long run.
7. Sex Causes Acne
Don't believe It. This myth can be traced all the way back to the 1700's. It was spread about to try and discourage teenagers from hooking up. Can you imagine how many innocent teens were persecuted for having a raging case of acne back then! Although it is true that hormones play a prominent role in acne it has absolutely nothing to do with sexual activity.
Well, there you have it. The acne Myth Busters. I hope I have answered some of your questions and have given you information that will help you in your quest for beautiful skin.
About the Author:
Barry Crewse is a truth revealing writer on the topic of acne and how you can get a handle on this disheartening condition. If you would like to know the acne healing secrets that the doctors don't want you to know please feel free to check out Acne Herbal Remedies Doctors Don't Want You to Know.
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