10 Acne Truths and Myths You Need To Know!

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

This article includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies,and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.
The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that we’ll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress.

1.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.

2.Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.

3.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.

4.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!

5.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.

6.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.

7.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.

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8.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.

8.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.

9.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.

10.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.

Adult Acne

Acne and our teen years seem to go hand-in-hand but fortunately many who had to suffer through acne as an adolescent no longer have problems as they get older. On the other hand, the number of adults who struggle with acne may surprise you. While teenagers do make up the highest number of the acne suffering public, it is surprisingly more common in adults than you might think.

It is also becoming increasingly clear that the psychological, social and physical effects of this condition are common occurrences in adults and can and do cause many problems. The reasons are not yet clear but according to recent studies, acne is becoming an increasing problem among adults.

Many dermatologists have indicated that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent scars because as the skin ages it loses collagen. As a result, it's less likely to bounce back and thus, the scars don't heal as well as they do with younger skin.

Unfortunately, the physical scars left by adult acne don't paint the whole picture. The psychological effects are harder to trace and at times, more difficult to deal with because of the many misconceptions they carry with them.

Because acne has always been seen as a condition of our teenage years, many adults who are suffering from acne are hesitant to admit they have adult acne and seek proper treatment.

However, perceptions are shifting as more people recognize adult acne as a problem and that acne is not only an issue among teens, more adults are seeking proper treatment by going to see a dermatologist.

As awareness of adult acne has increased sales of prescription as well as over-the-counter products to treat the condition have also increased.

More and more doctors are now considering the unique cause and effects of this condition among their older patients, with more attention being given to the psychological effects of adult acne.

Because both adult and teens are affected by how others perceive them, adults suffering from acne tend to avoid social events whenever possible - just like teens. However, as the storehouse of information grows more adults will be armed with the information they need to win the battle over adult acne.