Natural Skin Care

Many myths persist today about what causes acne despite a lack of scientific evidence to support those myths.

By understanding what is causing your acne, you can take effective measures to treat it and keep it under control. Even though doctors are still not exactly sure what causes acne and why some people are not affected, there is more knowlegde and treatment options available today than in the past.

The Top 5 myths about the causes of acne:

Myth #1: Poor hygiene or dirty skin causes acne.

While bacteria in the skin is involved in the creation of acne, and antibiotics can help improve acne, lack of cleanliness is not the actual cause for the acne breakouts. Acne is caused by excess oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores and build up under the skin. Cleansing your skin of oil and debris with a gentle cleanser that kills the acne bacteria is important for preventing breakouts, but it’s not necessary to use harsh cleansers or abrasives. Scrubbing too hard or washing your face too often can irritate and dry out your skin, and can actually make your acne worse.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by chocolate or other foods.

While no particular food can be blamed for causing acne, some people may find they react to certain foods and can try avoiding them to see if there is an improvement in their acne. Many still blame chocolate, soda, french fries and pizza for bad skin; yet no studies have proven an exact connection between food and acne.

Even though a healthy diet is not likely going to cure your acne, it is important to eat healthy foods which have the nutrients that skin needs to be healthy. Some people have found their skin improved when they avoided dairy products and meat that contain hormones or by switching to organic foods.

Myth #3: You will outgrow your pimples when you pass adolescence.

There are a variety of acne treatment options available both over-the-counter and prescription medicines from a dermatologist. While many will find their acne improves or goes away completely with time, there is no reason to not treat it and prevent permanent scarring. Many will need to treat their skin continually well into adulthood because it will not simply go away with time.

Some unfortunate people find their skin gets worse or acne begins to develop in their twenties even if they had clear skin in their teens. When it shows up in adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Adult acne cannot be cured but it can be managed with continual use of topical or other medications.

Myth #4: Makeup causes acne.

The first cosmetics were oil based and could definitely make acne worse, but today there are many makeup products that are created for acne prone skin. As long as you use make up that is oil-free and does not contain any other ingredients that can clog pores you can use makeup to help improve the appearance of your skin. Hiding blemishes and the redness of active acne can go a long ways towards improving your self-esteem as you work to control your acne. Be sure to read the labels and look for the term “noncomedogenic” which means the product does not cause comedones or acne from clogged pores. Another term you may see is “nonacnegenic” which is also safe for acne prone skin. Today there are even some makeup brands which include acne fighting ingredients that actually improve your skin!

Myth #5: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

Attempting to pop cysts can spread the infection deep within the skin which can lead to severe scars. Although it is difficult not to pop pimples, its best to speed up the healing by treating them with acne medications. For severe cysts and nodules, its best to be treated by a doctor who can remove them safely.

Dispelling the prevalent myths as to what causes acne is important for controlling your breakouts. With the correct information, you can learn what is causing your acne and what will work to clear up your skin and prevent future breakouts.

Are you tired of Stubborn Acne that won’t go away?? Visit Joy Byers’ skin care website Healthy Skin Resources and finally discover some Real Solutions for Acne.

Technorati Tags: acne myths, clear skin, healthy, makeup for acne, pimples, Skin Care, what causes acne

Tags: acne myths, clear skin, healthy, makeup for acne, pimples, Skin Care, what causes acne

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