Myths About Acne
Even though acne is the most common skin condition in the world, there are still many myths about acne floating around. Are they true, or are they just that myths?
Myth: Stress causes acne.
Fact: Stress, in itself, does not cause acne. However, when a person is going through excessive stress, the body produces hormones that are bad for the skin, and can potentially cause acne.
Myth: Acne is caused by dirt.
Fact: Acne is caused by skin pores becoming blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. These blocked pores become a breeding ground for bacteria. When the sebum, dead cells and bacteria manage to push through the skin (thus causing a blackhead), it oxidises and becomes a dark colour.
Myth: Washing your face more often will eliminate acne.
Fact: While washing your face regularly will aid your body in the disposal of dead skin cells and excess oils, washing your face too often, or scrubbing too hard will only exacerbate the acne. Wash your face gently twice a day using a mild soap or acne cleanser.
Myth: Acne is a teenagers condition.
Fact: Acne can occur at any age, from infancy to late adulthood. It has become considered a teenagers condition because increased hormonal activity can cause the sebaceous gland (the gland that makes sebum) become more active, and thus cause an increase in acne on the skin. Other periods when increased hormonal activity can result in increased acne include pregnancy, menstruation and menopause.
Myth: Toothpaste can cure acne.
Fact: While certain ingredients in toothpaste can dry up excessive sebum, and kill the bacteria, toothpaste cannot cure acne, and can in fact, amplify any acne outbreak.
Myth: Sunlight can help acne.
Fact: While this is in some measure true, since the rays of the sun can dry out the excess sebum for a short period, in the long run this causes more harm to the skin than good. Spending intensive time in the sun, especially during the hottest period of the day can be harmful to your skin and increase your chances of contracting skin cancer.
Fact: Eating junk foods and chocolates can cause acne.
Fact: Scientists have thus far found no evidence that an unhealthy diet leads to an increase in acne. However, too much unhealthy food is not good for your body or your skin. It is best to maintain a well balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and B to help your skin.
Myth: Stress causes acne.
Fact: Stress, in itself, does not cause acne. However, when a person is going through excessive stress, the body produces hormones that are bad for the skin, and can potentially cause acne.
Myth: Acne is caused by dirt.
Fact: Acne is caused by skin pores becoming blocked with sebum and dead skin cells. These blocked pores become a breeding ground for bacteria. When the sebum, dead cells and bacteria manage to push through the skin (thus causing a blackhead), it oxidises and becomes a dark colour.
Myth: Washing your face more often will eliminate acne.
Fact: While washing your face regularly will aid your body in the disposal of dead skin cells and excess oils, washing your face too often, or scrubbing too hard will only exacerbate the acne. Wash your face gently twice a day using a mild soap or acne cleanser.
Myth: Acne is a teenagers condition.
Fact: Acne can occur at any age, from infancy to late adulthood. It has become considered a teenagers condition because increased hormonal activity can cause the sebaceous gland (the gland that makes sebum) become more active, and thus cause an increase in acne on the skin. Other periods when increased hormonal activity can result in increased acne include pregnancy, menstruation and menopause.
Myth: Toothpaste can cure acne.
Fact: While certain ingredients in toothpaste can dry up excessive sebum, and kill the bacteria, toothpaste cannot cure acne, and can in fact, amplify any acne outbreak.
Myth: Sunlight can help acne.
Fact: While this is in some measure true, since the rays of the sun can dry out the excess sebum for a short period, in the long run this causes more harm to the skin than good. Spending intensive time in the sun, especially during the hottest period of the day can be harmful to your skin and increase your chances of contracting skin cancer.
Fact: Eating junk foods and chocolates can cause acne.
Fact: Scientists have thus far found no evidence that an unhealthy diet leads to an increase in acne. However, too much unhealthy food is not good for your body or your skin. It is best to maintain a well balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and B to help your skin.