Monday, April 16, 2007

Acne Myths

If you try ask somebody advice regarding acne chances are, they would tell you that it is due to your poor hygiene, stress, poor diet or that you are in love.

Skin experts are actually dismissing those as nothing but myths. The best way to cope with your acne problem is to educate yourself and it is with this purpose that we will list here the common acne myths.

Myth #1: Popping your pimples is a way to get rid of them.

Fact: Avoid do that at all cost. Some people might tell you that popping your zits will make them less noticeable and help them heal faster, but they're wrong. Picking or popping your pimples pushes germs further under your skin, which could cause more redness, pain, and maybe even a nasty infection.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by eating certain fried foods or chocolate.

Fact: This is not true, that candy bar you had last night or that slice of pizza at last week's sleep over isn't responsible for the pimple that showed up on your face today. Scientific studies have shown that diet has little to no effect on acne. This varies depending on the person. While eating healthy and balanced diet is encouraged for our health, there is really no scientific evidence that connects certain foods to acne. Eating a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, will make you feel good and keep the rest of your body healthy and strong.

Myth #3: Stress causes acne.

Fact: While over stress may actually produce hormones that can aggravate acne, normal, everyday stress does not really trigger acne. If you're going through an especially stressful period in your life, your skin may produce more oil, but that doesn't mean you'll get more zits.

Myth #4: Getting a tan clears up acne.

Fact: While sun exposure may dry out existing acne, it will not prevent new ones from forming. When you spend time outside and your skin becomes darker, the redness caused by acne may be less noticeable for a little while. But when your tan fades, you'll still see your zits. And spending time in the sun without the proper protection can cause dry, irritated, or burned skin - not to mention it increases your risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer later in life.

Myth #5: You can get rid of acne by washing your face more.

Fact: Many people believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene, so they tend to over-wash their skin. Washing your face regularly is a good idea because it helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin's surface. But over washing or scrubbing your skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin, which only makes acne worse. As a general rule, gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser.

Myth #6: To avoid acne, don't wear makeup.

Fact: Young skin looks great without makeup. Heavy and oily make up may contribute to acne build up. However, cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic might actually contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that may help to fight acne.

Myth #7: Acne is just a little problem, no need to care much about.

Fact: It is embarrassing to have acne, thus can affect our confidence and esteem. It may even affect our social relation and job performance.

Almost all teenagers and some adults have to deal with acne at some point - but the good news is that with the right facts and the proper acne treatment, you can help your skin. So, the next time somebody tells you one of those things, gracefully correct them and share what you know. Remember, knowledge is power.

For more, visit - http://www.faceyouracne.com/acne-myths.htm

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