Acne - Truth and Myth
Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other
rumors; for example, stress. Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not
exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor
influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence
reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance
called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce
increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note,
however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat
stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.
Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.
You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along; myth or truth? This is false. Acne
strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.
Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to
help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall
reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays
from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening
any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells
dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!
Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth.
In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production
that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.
Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof;
true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through
hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both
are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.
People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough. Not! This is another myth.
Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a
closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.
Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make
such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it
basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit).
However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More
than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and
other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any
scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and
low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s
lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment
and support.
OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no
cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job.
As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine;” however, there is no
need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today
for all price ranges.
Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth
again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.
Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up
products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics
out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.
To access our full collection of articles about acne, please go to our sister site,
acne-lessons.com.
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