Acne Myths Exposed! Notes coming from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
fresh as well as old myths continue to shape people’s views about acne as well as also how to treat the item. Here can be a quick rundown on the most favorite myths from the mainstream today.
#1 Acne can be Just Cosmetic – Acne can be more than skin deep. the item can be a medical condition, of which can cause anxiety as well as also depression.
#2 You Can “Sweat” Out Acne – Many patients believe of which using steam or hot towels helps open pores as well as also will lessen acne. The truth can be of which sweating, increased temperatures as well as also humidity can make acne worse. In fact the item may cause more broken capillaries (increased redness from the skin) as well as also faster breakdown of collagen, creating pores look larger over time. There can be no scientific data to back up the sweat the item out theory.
#3 Sex as well as also Masturbation Cause Acne – of which myth can be a carry over coming from centuries past as a way to dissuade people coming from having pre-marital sex. There can be no link between having acne as well as also sex.
#4 Dirt Causes Acne – Acne can be caused by a bacteria (P. acnes) deep within the skin’s follicles. Blackheads (open comedones) seen on the skin are not a build up of dirt, although the oxidation of sebum (oil) from the follicles. Intense scrubbing or squeezing to remove blackheads will only irritate the skin. Blackheads can be helped with topical medications.
#5 Wash Your Face More Often to Lessen Acne – Acne cannot be washed away. Abrasive scrubs, plain soap as well as also water or frequent washing are not a treatment for acne. Overwashing or scrubbing harshly will only irritate the skin further.
#6 Acne Will Eventually Go Away on its Own – Acne can be not something of which people “outgrow”. Acne can be a medical condition of which can last for years or a lifetime if left untreated. the item can also occur at any age, not just in teenagers. Treating acne will not only improve skin as well as also reduce scarring, although also increases self-esteem.
#7 Tanning Helps Acne – Ultra Violet light exposure coming from tanning beds or the sun does not improve acne. the item will only increase your risk of skin cancer as well as also induce premature aging. of which can actually make any scarring look worse as you age because the collagen from the skin has been damaged.
#8 Popping Pimples Clears Them – While the item may seem like you are helping to clear a pimple by squeezing out the fluid inside, you are actually doing more harm then Great. Some of the pimple’s contents do come out, although you actually end up pushing more of the fluid down deeper as well as also into the surrounding tissue. of which causes more inflammation from the area, which can lead to extended redness as well as also scarring.
#9 You Cannot Use Makeup if You Have Acne – Cosmetics can be worn, even by people with acne prone skin. the item can be important to choose non-comedogenic products. I always recommend mineral based makeup which covers acne well without irritating the skin.
#10 More can be More – In hoping to clear their acne more quickly, patients, tend to overuse their topical medications. the item can be very important to use your medications as intended. Most acne treatments contain strong medicines or exfoliators of which may irritate your skin if used improperly, setting your skin back even further. Make sure you understand how to use all your products as well as also follow instructions for the best result.
#11 I Will See Results Right Away – We could all love to see acne clear after one use of a topical or after a few days of an oral medication, although treating acne can be a process. Skin cells cycle about every six weeks, so patients need to know of which improvement may not be seen for at least of which long, if not up to a few months. Give your acne products a chance to do their job as well as also change your skin. If you don’t see results right away, don’t give up! Stay in communication with your doctor as well as also change medications as necessary.
#12 Over the Counter Products Work as Well as the Doctor’s – Don’t believe the hype. Products like Proactiv, may have you believe of which your acne will magically disappear, although the item does not work for all types of acne or all types of skin. To truly get yourself set up on the right regimen, see a dermatologist.
#13 Accutane or Isotretinoin can be Dangerous – of which oral acne medication has been subject to all kinds of misinformation as well as also rumor. For the right patient the item can not only clear their skin, although can send their acne into remission. Many of my patients feel like the item changed their life. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, as the item may be the best option for you.
#14 – Diet Does Not Cause Acne – of which can be a myth of which can be still under study. There can be some evidence to suggest of which diet as well as also acne may be linked. When asked about changing their diet by patients, my advice can be to give the item a try. the item doesn’t hurt to reduce dairy as well as also processed sugars as well as also white flour in your diet, as well as also if the item helps your skin too then all the better!
With acne, like any medical issue, its important to know the facts as well as also not just rely on what your best friend, mom or Aunt Edna thinks. Everyone’s skin can be different, so the best way to treat your acne can be to work using a dermatologist. They will help determine what type of acne you are dealing with as well as also the best treatment. Be sure you have all your questions answered, set realistic expectations as well as also understand how to use all your medications.