The myths on causes of acne:
There are a lot of myths concerning the causes and treatment for acne. Below are just some of the most popular and widely practiced acne myths:
- Stress
Stress doesn't exactly cause acne, but it can make your acne worse. Scientific studies have showed that stress can affect a person's hormonal cycle, which can make the existing acne condition worse. Also, some psychiatric medicines taken to reduce stress can cause acne as a side effect.
- Masturbation or sex
Sex or masturbation doesn't cause you acne. Studies done to relate sex or masturbation to acne are inconclusive with no additional evidence proving the theory. It's an old wives' tale. This acne myth became popular during the early 17th century, to discourage women from engaging in pre-marital sex or other scandalous behavior. Some misleading adults even use the fear of having acne to discourage adolescents of today from engaging in sex at an early age.
- Chocolates and oily food
Although eating too much sweets, chocolates, and oily food is never good for anybody, the relationship between acne and these food groups is largely indirect. Hormonal changes, which is the most common cause of acne, may cause a person to alternately crave for sweet and salty foods like chocolates and chips. Since this craving often coincides with acne flare ups, this food group has been misleadingly labeled as a cause of acne.
The idiotic cures for acne
Seeing as the myths on the probable causes of acne are so abundant, there are also many so-called cures that promise instant freedom from acne. These are:
- Frequent face washing
Since excess oil and dirt are among the causes of acne, some people have this misguided notion that frequently washing the face can prevent and treat acne. However, this is not the case. Doing so only worsens the acne, since the skin is stripped of it's protective lipids, which can make it sensitive, dry, and prone to more irritations.
- Toothpaste
Toothpaste has antiseptic properties, which can cause pimples to dry out. However, whilst applying toothpaste to your acne, it may be effective to some, it can also cause greater damage to others, especially if applied over time. Toothpaste can dry out surrounding areas and “burn” pimple spots which can also lead to discolorations.
- Sun exposure
Probably one of the most idiotic acne myths to surface though, which some people swear by this. However, sun exposure can only lead to one thing: skin damage. Tans and darker skin tones only hide or camouflage your acne, but a closer look and touch will reveal your bumps and zits. This can make your acne situation worse, since sun exposure can make one's skin dry, and flaky, and discolored, and also extra-sensitive.
Eating a balanced diet, exercising, getting enough rest, and following a skin care regimen specific to your skin type are essential for a serious skin care of acne-prone skin. Medications and treatments prescribed by a dermatologist can also help you greatly.
