Seven Top Myths About Acne:



1. Pimple squeezing gets rid of them - no, unfortunately that just does not work. When you squeeze a pimple the bacteria and germs causing it go deeper under your skin. This creates pain, swelling, redness and often leads to infection. Another possible long term problem arising from squeezing pimples is scarring which can turn out to be permanent.

2. Fried foods and chocolate cause pimples - although it may sound logical, this is in fact another myth, which is a relief if chocolate and the occasional hamburger or fried chicken is one of your favorites. There are no studies whatsoever to support this theory which may well be only a psychological belief. Of course, wiping greasy hands on your face while you are eating, will not help your skin at all.

3. Stress causes blemishes - this is not true either. Stress happens in everyday life, more so now than anytime in history, and is surely a part of growing up. If you worry about school examinations, how well you perform in sports, or problems you may encounter at home, all of these things will not cause your body to explode with skin blemishes which is just as well as we would always be down at the drug store looking for products to treat our spots.

4. Exposure to the sun will eliminate acne - it sounds likely but it is not true. It is a well know fact that the sun damages your skin, causing it to become dry, irritated and burned and can even put you at risk of cancer of the skin later on in life. This myth came about because as your skin takes on a tan, it gets darker and pimples and spots are not so visible. If you really need to be out in the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30, wear sunglasses and make sure you cover the top of your head.

5. Washing your face as regular as possible will clear your skin - it's not a bad idea to wash your face along with the rest of your body on a regular basis (your family, friends and co-workers will appreciate this!) but just washing will not do the trick. Washing your face removes excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells, but washing or scrubbing too much will only irritate the skin and dry it out, making the situation worse in the long run. Wash your face once or twice each day with a mild cleanser and always dry your skin on a soft towel.

6. Do not wear makeup - moderate use of noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic makeup products should not be a problem. This make up does not clog pores and some brands actually contain acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

7. Using more medicine is better - too high a dose of acne medicine can irritate your skin, cause it to turn red, and may dry it out. This will actually be more harmful than using no over the counter or prescribed medication at all. Many drug treatments have side effects like headaches, nausea, and other unpleasant reactions if you exceed the recommended dose. Read labels and follow the instructions provided.

As these seven myths have shown, many things you may have believed to cause acne, are actually not responsible. To ensure clearer skin, eat a well balanced diet, and take regular exercise. If you find you need to take something to help clear your skin more quickly, first of all talk to your doctor or try one of the safer products you can buy over the counter.