Acne is a problem that has become very common today. The good news is that though it is not absolutely curable but it is treatable. There are many who have various misconceptions behind the causes of acne. It is very important therefore for everyone, clouded with various myths that they should know that acne is a problem that can be caused due to various factors on which they might not have any control. These myths about acne have either trickled down from a person suffering from it or through various magazines. One should know the reasons behind the acne on their skin; otherwise it might lead to tremendous psychological, social, and physical problems in the long run.
A little bit of awareness can save people from acne. Let us know about the most common myths about acne.
- Acne is caused due to stress- This is absolutely wrong! Rather, it can lead to flare-ups as stress leads to Cortisol production which enables the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
- Teenagers only suffer from acne- Not at all! There are many adults who suffer from acne and it is more common in women. It can develop in anyone despite their age.
- Dirt causes acne- wrong again! If you over-wash your face, it won’t get rid of your acne problem. Hence, washing face with harsh scrubs can sometimes make the problem worse as dry skin produces more oil.
- Acne is caused by make-up - Since most of the make-up available today is non-comedogenic, it will not let your pores clog. However, do not apply it on your skin while exercising, as it can get inside the skin as you sweat.
- Too much sex causes acne - Having sex has got nothing to do with the development of acne.
- Acne is caused by some foods- Untrue! There is no link between eating oily foods and acne.
- Exposure to sun fights acne- Though the spots may become less noticeable, excessive exposure leads to a faster exfoliation of dead skin cells increasing the chances of clogged pores.
Once your acne has disappeared, it is common for acne scars to appear, especially if the acne has taken a "volcanic" shape on the face or body. More common treatments available today can be done in the home. One of the most popular is microdermabrasion which is done on a weekly basis after initial treatment and works to remove the outer microscopic layer of the skin minimizing the look of scars. Surgery is also an option and is usually performed by a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist, the procedure involves loosening the scar beneath the surface of the skin and allowing blood to pool, this then flattens the scar against the rest of the skin on the face, minimizing it's appearance. Procedures done surgically should always be performed by a licensed medical doctor in a controlled environment.
