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Written by Ron King
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Sunday, 22 October 2006 |
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Word Count: 581 Acne: 10 Most Common Myths
What we think we know about acne is steadily being replaced by what
scientists are learning. Meanwhile, many myths continue to circulate and endure.
Clearing up some of the misunderstandings about acne is what this article is
about.
Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance
Acne can also cause deep psychological distress. Severe acne can lead to low
self-image and feeling depressed. There is a strong link between severe acne and
social withdrawal.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
While skin infections are associated with acne, lack of cleanliness is not the
reason for acne outbreaks. The combination of oil and dead cells which produce
acne is located beneath the skin's surface where it is impossible to clean it
away. Gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily will keep your
skin as healthy as possible. Scrubing too hard may worsen acne.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods
Chocolate has long had a reputation as a pimple producer. Studies have shown no
scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for potato chips and
sugar. There are some foods that do seem to aggravate (not cause) the condition:
milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood.
Myth #4: Acne has to run its course
There are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger
medicines from a dermatologist.
Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better
Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should just use more
medicine. That's a bad idea because medicines can be dangerous when taken in
large quantities. Excess use of acne ointments may just irritate the skin
further.
Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne
Exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, so it does improve acne short-term.
However, long-term the skin adapts and the acne is unfazed. Worse, there is
scientific evidence that sun exposure damages the skin and increases the chance
of skin cancer.
Myth #7: Makeup causes acne
Some makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for the health of your
skin. Cosmetics that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to
use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.
Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition
While most teens have acne, so do many adults. Acne generally clears up by the
early 20s. But some people experience acne for the first time as late as their
40s. And for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups
their entire lives.
Myth #9: Acne is related to sex
We've probably all heard that either celibacy or too much sex causes pimples.
There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and
hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum
(the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not
known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.
Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them
The fact is popping pimples may worsen acne by spreading the bacteria that is
causing it. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases,
can be permanent.
Visit
http://www.relief4acne.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time
researcher, writer, and web developer, see
http://www.ronxking.com
Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is
left intact.
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