Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25
percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects
about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females
worldwide, regardless of nationality.
This article includes information based upon research about acne. It
strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of
the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to
help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most
recent studies,and findings available, so that you can learn more acne
health care.
For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily
foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that
although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your
diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only
chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations
with sugar and oil or other ingredients.
The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that
we’ll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from
a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning
should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health
practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne
research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice
from a professional physician.
Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress.
1.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.
2.Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.
3.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.
4.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!
5.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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.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.