Myths About Acne and Pimples
Like myths about many things in life there are also myths about acne. It is common for a really smart “philosopher” makes a new discovery and begins to inform people of his/her discovery. Word-of-mouth communication takes over and like the game where you whisper a phrase from person to to the next person you often get a completely different meaning after it is told from one person to the next.
A number of the most common myths about acne are:
“Washing Your Face Frequently Will Clear up Acne”
Dirt or grime on the skin is not a cause of acne despite popular belief. This is the primary and most prominent myth about acne. In all actuality, pores are not clogged from top to bottom. The real problem lays deep within skin. Impurities are to blame as the walls of a pore stick together within in the skin creating a formation. Considering that acne is not a superficial condition, someone who washes their skin excessively will not only irritate the skin but even create a blockage of the pores. It is best to gently wash your face only twice a day with only your bare hands. Washed clothes could irritate people’s skin because of the chemicals in the detergent. It would be a good practice to use detergents without fragrances and are hypo-allergenic.
“Stress Causes Acne”
In theory, stress could create a hormonal imbalance that could possibly promote acne, yet, a good acne regimen is more powerful to control acne flares than any burst of stress. Therefore, stress is not something that should cause anyone anxiety. Make sure you maintain an acne regimen that works for your skin type.
“Sex and Acne don’t Mix”
This myth has been going around as early as the seventeenth century to keep youthful adults from having premarital interactions with one another. Scientifically, there is no evidence to validate that sex and/or masturbation have anything to do with acne. Scientific evidence is lacking to validate this acne myth.
“The Sun Will Help Prevent Acne”
There is no scientific evidence that the sun has any positive effects on acne. Having tanned skin may temporarily hide acne, but sitting in the sun can cause further and more extensive acne outbreaks not to mention premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin and possible skin cancer. It is always the most prudent practice to use some UVA/UVB skin protection with a rating of at least SPF15. It is essential to read all product labels before purchasing sun blocks and only use noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic because these products will not contribute to plugging your pores.
“Squeezing Pimples Make Them Heal Faster”
Squeezing pimples is actually one of the worse ideas out there. Since each pimple consists of bacteria, dead skin cells and oil; squeezing pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and red bumps can cause the infectious trio to be forced deeper in the skin, which will prolong the healing time. In some cases acne spreads due to squeezing pimples and having the pus spread on the skin. Permanent scaring of the skin is another good reason to not squeeze pimples whether they are whiteheads, blackheads or nasty red bumps.
There is a saying that, “The Truth Shall Set You Free.” Applied to the case of acne it is true that the more you understand the more freedom you will have in your life and to not allow myths about acne and pimples to influence your life