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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Acne Myths and Real Treatments

Suppose you had been told you that many of the common beliefs regarding acne are, in fact, myths? Regrettably, it really is accurate that much of what you have heard about acne is, in fact, false. Let's check out several well known beliefs regarding acne to dispel these rumors.

Myth #1: You will outgrow acne, therefore simply leave it alone.
This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn't be left alone to possibly worsen.

Myth #2: 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 Treatments

Myth #3: 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.

Myth #4: 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. One great, easy to do "treatment" is to consider your pillow. You spend a third of your life with your face pressed firmly against it. Dermitologists will tell you that constant, strong pressure on the skin can contribute to breakouts. Chemical peels are another one of the best acne treatments available.

Myth #5: Being out in the sun helps acne.
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!

Myth #6: People with acne are dirty and don't wash enough.
Not true! 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.

So there you have it. Now that you are armed with this information you can do something to treat your acne condition!