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Acne myths can aggravate problems

They are several myths that surround the occurrence of acne. Most of them have been passed from generation to generation, and very few want to challenge them. Most people are willing to believe any old tale as long as it brings relief. They are so desperate.

Among other myths, the teenagers are asked to cut down on junk food like chips, colas, pizzas, and chocolates. The belief is that junk food aggravates acne. No one questions why, even though studies show that chocolates are nutritionally rich and contain a lot of antioxidants, which are known to control acne. Besides this, chocolates are also known to stimulate serotonin, a chemical that plays an important role in preventing acne. Yet, chocolates are on the banned list of any teenager who has got acne.

Another myth is that washing the skin repeatedly can get rid of acne. Those who spread this myth don't realize that acne is caused by the accumulation of sebum and fluids in the pores present within the skin. It is not caused due to external deposition of dirt, sweat or grime. Therefore washing your skin will not help. Instead, excessive washing can irritate the skin and increase inflammation. You might accidentally prick a pimple and spread the infection to other parts also.

Similarly, sun exposure does not help prevent or cure acne though it might provide temporary relief. In fact, excessive sun exposure can damage your skin making it more prone to infection and acne outbursts. You must remember that sun exposure can activate the sebaceous and sweat glands, leading to extra production of sebum. This can only heighten, not reduce, your acne problems.

Acne is also not a skin disorder. Under normal conditions most acne outbursts take about two to three days to disappear on their own. You should therefore not look upon acne as a disorder, and feel ashamed about it. Instead, you can always ask your doctor to inject some cortisone if you want the pimples to look less ugly. Cortisone minimizes the swelling, redness and inflammation considerably.

Also there is no connection between acne and your sexual habits. Acne caused during pregnancy is due to hormonal changes. In most cases it is temporary and disappears once the hormone levels have stabilized.

Stress can indirectly heighten acne problems to a degree since it affects your immune system. But this happens only if you are under great stress. Most of us feel dirty when we see ugly pimples. However, poor hygiene is not the cause acne of. Yet most people suffering from persistent acne are obsessed with hygiene.