Myth: Acne is caused by eating candy and greasy food.

(NC)—Acne. It can be controlled. With a combination of a daily skin care routine and regular consultation with your physician, you can be on your way to clean and healthy skin.

Simply put, acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can occur on the face, neck, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. It can affect girls and boys during adolescence and can even affect men and women in adulthood.

It’s time to sort out acne myth versus fact once and for all.

Myth #1: The more you wash your face the fewer breakouts you’ll have.

Fact: It’s important to maintain a consistent skin care regimen, but over-washing can cause dryness and exacerbate the condition.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by eating candy and greasy food.

Fact: This is a common belief, but there is no concrete evidence to back it up.

Myth #3: Popping pimples will make them go away faster.

Fact: Actually, popping pimples could potentially spread the problem deeper into your skin and may cause permanent scarring.

Myth #4: Don’t wear make-up if you want clear skin.

Fact: In fact, wearing make-up is fine, providing it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and it is removed in the evening before bedtime.

Myth #5: If breakouts persist, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.

Fact: Like over-washing, over-use of acne medication will only irritate your skin by causing more breakouts and drying out the skin. It is important to follow a consistent daily skin care routine that cleanses, treats and moisturizes skin. While there is no quick fix to treat acne, consulting with your physician to determine your best treatment options is the first step.

More information on how to prevent and treat acne is available online at www.cetaphil.ca/acne.

- News Canada

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Scientific knowledge about acne is gradually clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding this condition, but there are many myths that persist.  Here are some common acne myths.

Myth #1 – Acne is caused by poor hygiene.  This belief may have arisen because of the skin infections associated with acne.  However, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for outbreaks of acne.  The mixture of sebum and dead cells which cause acne is situated beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to clean it away.  However, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice a day will keep the skin as healthy as possible.  Be careful not to scrub too hard, however, as this may make acne worse.

Myth #2 – Acne is caused by certain foods.  There is a long-standing belief that eating chocolate will cause the face to break out in pimples.  There is no scientific evidence for this — studies have shown no statistically significant relationship between eating chocolate and acne.  The same holds true of other foods associated like potato chips and sugar.  It is true, however, that eating too much of these foods is unhealthy, and you wish to keep as healthy as possible at all times and especially if afflicted with acne.  Limiting chocolate and sugar consumption is always a good idea.

Even though chocolate and french fries do not cause acne, there are some foods which do seem to aggravate it.  There seems to be a relationship between milk and acne, and foods high in iodine also seem to cause pimples.  Iodine is found in seafood, so those with acne may be advised not to eat too much seafood.

Myth #3 – Acne is related to sex.  At various times we heard that masturbation or celibacy causes pimples.  There is no evidence for this.  There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, however, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is unclear. Anger and stress also affect hormone levels.

Myth #4 – Acne has to run its course.  There are many treatments available for acne, so those who are suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment that acne causes can find relief by consulting with a dermatologist or using over-the-counter medicine.

Myth #5 – Acne is only a teenage condition.  It is true that most adolescents have acne, but it also affects some adults.  Acne will usually clear up by time one enters their early 20s, but some people experience acne for the first time when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Myth #6 – Acne only affects appearance.  Acne is a skin condition which can also cause psychological distress.  Those with severe acne are especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and low self-image.  There is a strong link between severe acne conditions and social withdrawal.

Myth #7 – Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them.  In fact, popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it.  Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.

Myth #8 – Sunbathing is good for acne.  Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne.  However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained.  Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer. 

Myth #9 – Makeup causes acne.  Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin.  Cosmetics labelled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.

Myth #10 – The more acne medicine the better.  Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should use more medicine.  Excess use of acne ointments, however, may irritate the skin, and oral medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities.  Always follow the directions for the acne medications.

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There are many myths about acne, which are also called pimples or zits.  These myths have grown over the yeas, and are passed on by well-intentioned people who think they are giving good information, but in actual fact, they are incorrect.  Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths.

One common misconception is that popping pimples gets rid of them.  This is wrong.  When you pop a pimple the germs and bacteria that cause it go under the skin.  This can cause pain, redness, swelling and even infection.  Another problem that can develop is scaring which can be permanent. 

The second myth is that chocolate and fried foods cause pimples.  While eating nutritious foods can help in total health, including acne, and fruits, vegetables, whole grains and moderate amounts of lean meats and dairy products are good for you and may help acne, fried foods and chocolate will have no effect according to most studies.  For many years people thought that chocolate, French fries, pizza and other junk foods, especially fried foods caused acne, probably because teenagers ate so much of these foods.  There was probably a mental association made also with oily skin and oily fried foods, but there is no rational or medical connection.

Third myth concerning acne is stress.  Stress is a part of life, and certainly a part of adolescence.  Teenagers who worry about tests or sports events or problems at home will get acne, and those who don’t worry will also.  We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and feeling stress is a part of growing up.  However, it will not make your acne worse.

The fourth myth is that a suntan will get rid of acne.  This is also inaccurate.  Actually the sun can harm the skin, causing it to become dry, burned, and irritated, and people with suntans are at greater risk of wrinkles and skin cancer in later years.  This myth may come from the fact that skin becomes darker when tanned and the redness of acne may not be as easily noticeable on a tanned person.  People going out in the sun, especially those with acne should protect their skin with a sunscreen with a listed protection factor on the label of at least SPF 15.  If the sunscreen is marked as noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, this is often the better choice because it means that the sunscreen won’t clog pores, which can make acne worse.  Wearing a hat and also sunglasses can also help when outside and in need of skin protection.  Also, avoid tanning beds.  Tanning beds can cause an increased risk of skin cancer, are expensive and are just plain dangerous.

Myth number five is that washing your face will prevent or clear up acne.  The truth is that washing your face or any other part of your body is always a good idea.  Personal hygiene is a good thing.  Washing your face will remove excess oil, dirt and even dead skin cells.  Over washing or rough scrubbing however can irritate the skin and dry it out, which worsens acne.  Gently washing your face once or twice a day using a mild cleanser is better. After washing, pat your skin dry with a soft towel.  Avoid products with alcohol because they dry out the skin and can cause irritation and avoid exfoliates, which can irritate acne. Many years ago people thought that applying alcohol to the skin would dry out pores and kill germs to fight acne, but this is not a wise thing to do.

Myth number six is don’t wear makeup. Wearing noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic makeup products in moderation should be no problem.  These products will not clog pores.  Also, some make up products contain ingredients like Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can help fight acne.

In addition, many people think that using more and more medicine will get acne under control.  However, too much acne medicine can irritate skin or dry it out.  Whether you are using an over the counter medicine or a prescription medicine, overuse can cause more harm than not using it at all.  The best way to cure acne is sensible hygiene, good nutrition and time.  Everyone eventually grows out of chronic acne problems.  If you believe you have excessive acne, consult a doctor.

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