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Acne Truth and
Myths
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.
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