myths vs facts

The Myths

1. Chocolate Causes Acne

It has been shown in many trials that eating chocolate has no effect on acne whatsoever. This also applies to greasy foods and spicy foods. The grease in foods is not going to migrate somehow to your skin and cause your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Spicy food does cause the pores to look bigger, particularly if you’ve eaten a lot and the food is really hot. Then, as in everything, eating spicy dishes should be done in moderation.

2. Washing the Face More Often Will Keep the Pimple Away

Excessive washing can slough off the natural oil of the skin and diminish its natural protection against bacteria. It becomes worse if the facial wash or soap you are using is a strong one.

3. Stress Causes Acne

Stress is not the cause of acne but yes, stress can actually make acne worse. Stress causes the production of more cortisol which triggers the production of more oil from the sebaceous glands. Stress does not always mean negative stresses but can be triggered by positive stresses, for instance anticipation of an exciting event.

4. The Sun Can Cure Acne

This is a dangerous myth as excessive exposure to the sun causes skin damage. Exposure to the sun can irritate the skin even further and make the acne worse. The skin does need a bit of sun, but only the sunlight during mornings, say 6AM to 8AM. Anytime beyond these hours and the sunlight will do more harm than good.

5. Toothpaste Can Cure Acne

Nope! It can minimize the appearance of inflammation overnight, but it cannot “cure” acne. The condition is caused by clogged pores, and applying toothpaste on it might get the pores even more clogged.

6. Acne Should Be left To Go Away on Its Own

Leaving it can not only cause pain and embarrassment to the sufferer but long-term scarring of the skin.

The Reality

There are many things you can do to treat your acne and prevent flare ups and long term damage:

1. Gently wash your skin, the ideal number is between two to three times a day (even if you have oily skin) with a sulfur based soap and a soft wash cloth or your hands. If you do use a washcloth make sure you boil it every day to kill the bacteria which can be transferred back to your skin. The most important thing to remember is not to sleep without washing your face first.

2. Change your pillow case at least every other day as the oil and bacteria accumulating on a given night can be transferred back to your face and cause more problems.

3. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, B and C and the minerals chromium and zinc. You could also take a good multivitamin containing these minerals twice a day.

4. Use gentle cleansers and light, oil free makeup. If you have mild to moderate acne find a natural acne remedy that you can use regularly and is effective on your skin.

Conclusion
Do not listen to the myths about acne but use a sensible routine to clean your skin, have a healthy lifestyle and consult a dermatologist or your doctor if your acne is very severe.

(*Summary about Acne Myths and Reality by Janet Ashby and Trevor Mulholland)