Myths and Misinformation About Acne

[scott conrad]

Myth: If You Leave Your Acne Alone, You'll Outgrow It
This is absolutely untrue. If you acne outbreak, it is important to
treat it as early as possible. Leaving it alone can often make matter
worse. And if it does get worse, it can create permanent scars which
not just affect your physical look but also your emotion feeling about
yourself.
Myth: Acne Is Caused by Eating Oily Food, Chocolate or Caffeine
There is no strong medical evident that certain type of food or diet
result in acne. However if you notice that certain kind of food
consistently cause you to suffer from acne outbreak, it is best that
you avoid them. For example, some people are very sensitive to food
with high iodine content such as shellfish, dried fish and seaweed
which result in flare-up. There are some studies theorize that
hormones in chicken, beef and dairy products may cause early
adolescent acne but that has yet to be proven. However if you have
concerned, then you may want to substitute other sources of protein
and calcium for these products or try hormone-free organic version of
them.
Myth: Acne Is Seasonal
Acne is not a seasonal skin problem. You can suffer from acne outbreak
during any time of the year. However temperature and humidity may
increase the oil production of your skin and hence result in acne.
Myth: Sunscreen Causes Acne
A heavy and occlusive sunscreen can attract and hold on to heat in
your follicles which can result in skin inflammation and causing
numerous small red bumps to form. However this reaction is not true
acne but a condition known as miliaria. A good non-comedogenic
sunscreen will not result in acne.
Sun screen is a very important prevention measure against skin cancer.
Hence we will never advice you not to use it. In fact, you should
always apply sunscreen to your skin when you need to go under the sun.
For people will acne-prone skin, we'll recommend that they use oil-
free non-comodegenic sunscreen.
One important thing to note - Acne medicine such as benzoyl peroxide
Rein-A and salicylic acid may increase your skin sensitivity to the
sunlight. Hence if you use these medicines, it is very important that
you apply sunscreen before you leave the house.
Myth: Drinking Lots of Water Will Wash Away Acne
Although drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water each day is essential for a
healthy body, there is no evidence that drinking water alone will wash
away acne. While water alone will not eliminate acne, it will greatly
assist your skin in remaining healthy and that will be one portion of
the pie in fighting acne.
Myth: Sun Exposure Help To Heal Your Acne
With the increasing use of blue light by some dermatologist in
treating acne, some people start to believe that sun exposure helps to
heal their acne. A small amount of sunlight may appear to help your
acne initially as breakout temporary dry up and your new tan help to
cover up the red blemishes. However prolonged sun exposure will
increase the plugging of your pores, producing blackheads and
whiteheads and not forgetting the increase in risk of skin cancer.
Myth: Acne Is Caused By Not Washing Your Face Regularly Acne is not
caused by dirt or uncleanliness. In fact, if you wash your face too
often or rub it with alcohol to help you get rid of excess oil and to
feel clean, that in fact will stimulate more oil production. Washing
your face twice a day is usually good enough to get rid of dirt and
bacteria on your skin.
Myth: Blue Light Therapy Can Cure Acne
Many dermatologist are using blue light wave in treating acne today.
Blue light works by sterilizing the skin for a short period of time,
removing acne bacteria and temporary improve acne when used with
traditional topical acne medication.
However it is still too early at the moment to tell whether blue light
therapy is in fact helpful and whether its long term benefit out weigh
the expenses and frequently visits for the therapy. Will have to wait
and see as studies on it effectiveness as studies are still on
going.
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