Acne is a common problem and everyone has to deal with this problem at least one time in their lives. Acne mainly affects teenagers and luckily some of them are able to get rid of them as they grow. But there are also some individuals who are not able to get rid of acne even later on in their lives. Acne becomes a recurring and long lasting problem and in most cases they take the form of cysts and become so severe that even over-the-counter medications cannot be used in their effective treatment.
Every day, millions of people seek solutions to their acne problem. One of the main things about acne is that there are several types and the treatment for each one of them differs. Some kinds of acne can be cured with common treatments such as home remedies and certain types of over-the-counter medicines. But there are some types which are so stubborn that they actually need miracles cures.
Currently, there are many myths surrounding acne. Not everything that is written or said about acne is true and this is the reason people should trop believing everything they hear or read about it. Given below is a list of top 10 acne myths which have been debunked. Let’s take a look.
1. Acne is caused by chocolate
If you love chocolate and are dealing with the problem of acne, there is nothing for you to worry about. There is no solid evidence of chocolate causing acne. Chocolate doesn’t cause acne breakouts but people need to be careful about the high sugar content in chocolates. The cocoa powder contained in dark chocolates contain antioxidants which are helpful in fighting the free radicals that are responsible for damaging the skin. So the actual problem is not chocolate but high sugar levels.
Artificial sweeteners and sugars contained in processed chocolate enhances the production of sebum which is the oil produced in pores. Sugars also elevate cortisol levels which aggravate acne or causes acne. So in order to get rid of acne or control the problem, people should avoid sugar.
2. Face Masks Protect The Skin
Do-it-yourself face masks are very popular these days. There are hundreds and thousands of blogs and websites which have been set up to highlight the importance of face masks. But face masks are no miracle cures for acne. There are some which are effective in treating or controlling acne, but it is important for people to proceed with caution when trying a new face mask.
There are some ingredients which can actually make the condition worse. Some harsh ingredients such as lemon and cinnamon must be used with caution when trying to treat acne. They must be used as per the instructions. Most importantly face masks should be used only once a week and not more than that.
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3. Tanning is a remedy for acne
Sunlight is a source of Vitamin D and most people think that this vitamin can help reduce the appearance of acne. While Vitamin D is essential for the human body, excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin damage.
In fact, the rays of the sun are among the most common causes of skin cancer. Premature aging can also occur as a result of overexposure.
4. Acne is caused by sunscreen
Different sunscreens contain different ingredients and chemicals so it is incorrect to say that all sunscreens cause acne. Sunscreens manufactured by good brands and companies do not contain fragrance and oil which can clog pores and irritate skin.
So when looking for a sunscreen, make sure that it does not contain fragrance or oil.
5. Skin Exfoliation Helps Prevent Acne
If you have acne on your body, you may be able to reduce their appearance though exfoliation. But if you are looking to treat acne on the face, then exfoliation may cause dryness and irritate the skin which can then become even more prone to breakouts.
The skin on the face is more sensitive and this is the reason it is not a good idea to exfoliate facial skin every now and then.
6. Acne is Caused by Moisturizers
You must be careful when it comes to choosing moisturizers because just like sunscreen, there are some brands which do not cause acne. To treat acne or to get rid of them, you must avoid using moisturizers which are oil-based. Instead, you must choose water-based moisturizers since they don’t clog pores.
7. Acne is not Caused by Hair Products
People who have long hair are more prone to acne. This is because if you have long hair and you make use of hair products such as gels, serums and sprays, then the chemicals contained in the products can always get into contact with your neck, back and shoulders. Exposure to harsh chemicals contained in your hair products can result in acne.
If you have long hair, the best thing you can do is use products which do not contain chemicals such as sulphates and petroleum byproducts. Another thing you can do is keep your hair tied if you plan to use hair products containing harsh chemicals.
8. Acne is Worsened by Makeup
Makeup has always been seen as a major cause of acne. Most people believe that make up clogs pores which gives rise to acne. The actual problem here is not makeup, but the type of products you use on your face. There are some brands of makeup which are skin-friendly and does not cause or aggravate acne.
Some dermatologists even recommend using foundation to protect skin from the sun. good make up brands which do not use harsh or harmful ingredients in their composition does not cause or worsen acne. But when you have used makeup, you should make sure that you remove it at the end of the day. You can use a gentle makeup remover or gentle face wash to get rid of makeup on your face.
9. Acne can be eliminated by washing face regularly
The face has sensitive skin and regular washing or rubbing can dry out the skin. It can irritate the skin and cause more acne. You should not make a habit of washing your face regularly. Wash face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening with a gentle face wash and dab with a soft cloth.
10. Acne can be removed by popping pimples
Most people have the habit of popping pimples as they appear. This only gives a temporary solution and not a long term solution because popping actually damages skin tissues and pores.
The scars can add up regardless of how small or big the breakout is. So if acne is a real problem, then consult a dermatologist and cure your acne with an effective treatment as suggested by the expert.
