Acne Myths: Discover 9 Ugly Lies About Acne Causes and Treatments

It's unbelievable ... What if I told you that most of the popular beliefs about acne, are in fact myths?

Let’s take a look at some popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors ...

Myth #1: Is it true that increased stress spreads acne?

Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

Myth #2: Acne is contagious, true or false?

Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.

Myth #3:You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone - myth or truth?

This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.

Myth #4: Being out in the sun helps acne, right?

In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

Myth #5: Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?

Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Myth #6: Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?

False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

Myth #7: People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough.

Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Myth #8: Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality?

Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

Myth #9: OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne?

Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

So there you have it ... now that you are armed with this information you can do something to treat your acne condition.

Acne Is Not Only The Teenagers' Malady!

Acne is also known as pimples. Generally this simple looking disease, which arrives so casually and unexpectedly, has clear cut intentions about your body. Any part could be its playground. It is capable of leaving cuts, scars and marks on the skin, if not controlled and properly treated, well in time. So, be highly alert, if you observe a swelling in your skin. Never try to experiment with it, arguing, 'after all, it is my skin.' Do not pop it.

Acne, whose scientific name is acne vulgaris, claims a fair share of adults, under its net. Adults have a wrong notion that it is the teenager's malady only. It is not so. The prime reason of its occurrence, as quoted by Acne scientists and researchers, is that the skin pores get clogged causing the accumulation of fatty material from the oil gland or sebaceous gland.

Do all the pores get affected by acne? No!

Why? The reason is not known. Scientists and the researchers are on the job. Much is said and written on the subject of acne. But they are as unreliable as the myth- mongers. Only they claim their scientific right to revise their earlier 'unassailable scientific findings', which become their new truth. Remember, someone else is busy in another laboratory, to negate the former version about acne. The difference between the researchers and the myth-mongers is that the former get paid for their findings, whether assertion or denial, and the later are left high and dry.

So, you have to take a practical view about your acne, and take certain basic precautions, once you feel signals of its arrival. Try to identify first, whether you have blackheads or whiteheads. Observe and experiment with judicious approach and commonsense, when it comes to treatment. It differs from person to person.

The habit of popping up the acne, is certain invitation to the scars. Know whether your acne is inflammatory or non-inflammatory. The later ones are difficult to identify, and here you need to consult the dermatologist, without taking any chances with the standard over-the-counter medicines. Caution is better than inviting complications. Rememberer, you have to rebuild the skin broken by acne. Your selection of diet, the line of treatment and above all, your patience is going to be tested.

Acne Home Treatment 101

Acne is truly one serious worry of most teenagers and young adults as well in every part of the country. It’s certainly an obstacle to fully enjoy what life offers during your youthful years. It ruins your confidence to say and do what you want. It can even affect a person’s relationship towards his/her loved ones and on other people. However, we have several ways to choose from to exterminate this acne. The good news is that you don’t have to go that too far in searching for your remedies! There are so many home treatments for acne right there! And, you can surely find some of them in your kitchen or garden. If not, the nearest store will surely have one non-prescriptive product for you! You should know that there is no way that you can lose in your fight against this unwanted skin disorder. Home treatments for acne will surely leave you worry-free!

Do-It-Yourself home treatment for your acne
You might think that treating acne requires you to see and consult for prescription. Well, you can actually treat it by yourself! You can find solutions right in your home or garden! Applying toothpaste in your acne and letting it stay overnight is just one and actually the most common home treatment for acne most people do. You can also try a variety of paste or mask that are great options made from different plant species. You can choose from applying salt and vinegar solution, lime, ripe tomatoes, methi(fenugreek) leaves, lemon, dried basil leaves, mint juice, cucumber, corn flour and egg white, sandalwood, roasted and powdered pomgranate, ground radish, oatmeal, almond powder, honey, ground orange peel, nutmeg and milk, turmeric and tender neem, ground sesame seeds, papaya, and drumstick pods and leaves. Truly natural home treatments for acne!

This kind of home treatment for acne should be applied on the face or other affected areas. Leave it for 15 minutes to an hour and wash with warm water. It only requires you to apply once or twice everyday. You will notice that your face have less oil and zits are gradually decreasing in number, proofs that the home treatments for acne are working to cure your acne. Use it until you see satisfying results. Most application, however, might require you to take it for about 15 days. But, you can actually use some of these home treatments for acne everyday to prevent acne from coming back.

On the other hand, a mixture of honey and cinnamon powder as a home treatment for acne requires you to stay it overnight and wash it the next day. Moreover, you can choose between strawberry leaves or garlic as direct application on your acne-affected areas.

Across-the-counter products
If you think that it would be better to choose ready-made products as home treatments for acne or you just don’t have time to prepare home-made pastes or masks, you can go straight to shops where you can buy what we usually know as “across-the-counter” products. Benzoyl peroxide lotion is one of the most commonly used drug as a home treatmeant for acne. It actually helps to dry the skin and shed the layer of dead skin.

Another dependable home treatment for acne is the cleanser. You should know that you are producing excess oil that greatly contributes on the appearance of acne. Washing your face with an unscented cleanser twice a day will give your skin with just right amount of oil to make your skin moisturize.

It is worth following
Following some tips on preventing and lessening the harm brought by acne is another good move. You should not wait for acne to appear before you actually cure it. The best way of getting rid of it is to prevent it from coming out in the first place. One thing besides keeping your face free from excess oil is to avoid pricking and squeezing your zits. This habit will just worsen your problem on acne. Let nature and time heal for you and you’ll see wonder results! You should also refrain from using products that can bring harm in your face. These include products with high percentage of isopropyl alcohol.

Acne- Does sunshine improve it?

Acne and treatments-

Acne has many treatments. Being a very common problem, people have found their own ways of treating acne. Some of them don’t cure acne but may further damage the skin. Many of us believe that acne can be treated by getting exposed to sun, but is it true? Let us find out the truth.

Acne- causes

Once we know about what causes acne, we can find out if sunshine affects any of them. The causes of acne are very simple. Because of hormonal changes and sometime pressure or chemicals, body produces more sebum. The gland keeps on producing sebum, but the gland opening gets closed with dead skin. This makes the gland expand like a balloon. The bacteria P.acnes infects the gland and inflames it. This gland forms the acne. If the infection is not severe you will call it black head or white heads, otherwise pimples, cystic acne etc.

Acne - treatments-

Every acne treatment tries to address one or more of the causes of acne formation. Sunlight does not address any of the causes. What it does is to either burn the skin or tan it. With tanned look, acne looks less apparent and we believe that it is going away. But that is not true. Rather sun damages the skin and may cause early wrinkles, aging and even cancer. Please consult your doctor about acne treatment and stop believing that sun can cure it.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne- Can I Treat My Acne By Removing Surface Oils?

Most of us believe that when we get acne, we must be having oily skin. How can dry skin have acne? We believe that acne and oily skin are inseparable. These ideas are wrong. Removing surface oils and trying to dry the skin to make acne disappear will not work. Unless your skin is oily, no drying will help. With oily skin also , one can only keep the skin dry, but can not treat acne by drying the skin. It may hurt you more. You can treat your acne in other easy ways. Here is how?

Acne and Benzoyl peroxide-

If you have only blackheads or whiteheads, there is nothing better than Benzoyl Peroxide. If that is not suitable for you try salicylic Acid formulations. These are OTC products and if you have patience, they will get rid of your acne. Don't squeeze out your acne. That will enlarge your pores and may scar. Let it dry with the formulations slowly and after some time some discoloration may remain that will go away.

Acne and retinoids-

For severe acne, get antibiotics and retinol creams. The antibiotic will stop the bacteria P.acnes from spreading and retinol will dry the skin and remove the block that is causing sebum to accumulate in your pores and causing acne.

Acne and AHAs-

AHA formulations loosen the dead skin cells and remove them. If you regularly use AHA formulations, your acne may never get a chance to form. Acne forms only if the gland is blocked. AHA opens the gland and may work as a good preventive. Please consult your doctor about the above options.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne and Teenaged Psychology

When you look good you feel good is a fact without a doubt. No matter how people look at you & perceive your image, but all the grooming stuff you do is to look good. Everyone wants to portray him or herself as if no one was handsome or smarter ever. Especially people in showbiz and media in general are more conscious about their looks which builds up the self-regard in them is important than life.

Similarly, for teenagers looks are even more important than the person inside. This twisted sense of self-image can backfire and lead to some truly horrible results. More and more teens are suffering from depression. Young girls seeking perfection can become anorexic or bulimic. Some kids even isolate themselves and are extremely uncomfortable in social situations. So when acne strikes, how are teens equipped to deal with the prospect of looking “abnormal” or “ugly”? Teenagers can be cruel to each other, and to themselves.

The American Academy of Dermatology has reported that a staggering 95% of American teenagers will suffer acne breakouts at some point during adolescence. Some kids can hide milder cases with makeup or flesh-colored over-the-counter treatments. Some even use their hair or clothing – longer styles, hats, etc. However, sufferers of severe acne must stand exposed, with all their imperfections, for the world to see.

Since acne occurs so frequently in adolescence, blemished skin makes teens fear how their peers view them. Self-esteem and self-worth can be affected when kids are afraid of being judged by their contemporaries. Teens put up with so many anatomical changes that can make them feel “dirty.” It is particularly vulnerable time when kids worry about being accepted, and about the way, they look. Unfortunately, some parents can trivialize the teen’s fears.

Attitudes like “I went through it…you’ll go through it” and it will go away. However, when that first serious breakout happens…acne typically gets worse before it gets better…the teen may rationally agree that it is probably a passing phase. However, while it is “going away,” the teenager remains afraid of being judged by his peers, and serious self-esteem issues can result. These unsettling feelings about self-image can sabotage a young person already confused by this gateway to adulthood. This is a time in a teen’s life when he/she should get out and be involved in peer activities – but fear of being “different” is strong. Parental support can be vital at a time like this. Even when teen’s appear to “not need” your help, playing a gentle supportive role can help a budding adult’s transition.

Acne And oily Skin

Acne is a real cosmetic problem. Many of the acne patients sometimes feel that they would never get rid of acne. With latest treatments, if you have patience, you can treat your acne successfully. But what if you also have oily skin?

Oily Skin- What is it?

Our skin has sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum. This sebum keeps our skin well moisturized and protects skin from microbial infections. The sebum is mainly made of lipids and dead skin cells. The skin constantly produces the sebum. If you don't wash your hair for few days you will find that your hair is oily. That is sebum. What if your body produces more than required sebum? You get oily skin.

Oily Skin- Why some people get it?

Why some people have it? As we saw, the sebum makes the skin oily. Some of us have overactive sebaceous glands. That is mainly because of hormones that trigger excess sebum production. That is the reason many women get more oily skin during their menstrual periods. Apart from regular care of the oily skin, talk to your doctor about any method to control the androgens that trigger sebum production.

Acne and oily skin-

Oily skin is the right environment for the P.acnes bacteria to flourish. With more oil in the glands and on the skin, these bacteria infect many glands and produce acne. If you have oily skin, please manage it properly, otherwise your chances of getting acne are high.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Acne Advice For People Wanting Blemish Free Skin

Acne is a disorder of the skin that affects adults as well as teens. It occurs when follicles, or pores, become blocked. Oils, naturally present in skin, are unable to drain and become blocked inside the follicles. Before long bacteria begins to grow.

Skin blemishes referred to as blackheads and whiteheads then begin to appear. When the oil and bacteria that is trapped remain below the skin, the blemish is referred to as a whitehead. A blackhead occurs when the oil and bacteria are partially exposed. The color of the blemish turns black due to pigmentation within the skin. Blackheads usually last far longer than whiteheads due to the fact that it takes longer to drain.

It is believed that hormones, diet, stress and vitamin deficiency may play a role in the development of acne. While acne includes both whiteheads and blackheads, there are a variety of types of acne that range in severity.

Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes everything from whiteheads and blackheads to cysts. Acne Vulgaris may be either mild or moderate as well as severe. The mild and moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris include common pimples with inflammation apparent below the surface of the skin as well as blackheads. Small red bumps that have no ‘head’ may also be present and are known as papules.

Acne Vulgaris in its most severe form includes lesions that are known as nodules and cysts. These are normally much larger than mild or moderate acne and may be more painful. Nodules are usually small and hard, below the skin and do not contain pus while cysts do. Scars can appear if Acne Vulgaris is not treated correctly.

A gentle cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide cream can be effective in treating mild to moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris. Avoid overwashing; gently cleansing the face in the morning and at night should be sufficient. Taking care not to touch your face during the day and using oil free cosmetics may also help. Extreme caution should be used in trying to ‘pop’ pimples, as this can result in scarring. Papules (small red bumps with no head) should never be popped or squeezed.

Acne Rosacea can easily be confused with Acne Vulgaris and often appears to be quite similar. Most people who suffer from Acne Rosacea are adults over the age of 30. A red rash along with bumps and pimples signal the presence of Acne Rosacea, which normally appears on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Blackheads are normally not present with Acne Rosacea. This type of acne can be quite serious because when it is left untreated it can actually cause excessive tissue to begin growing.

There are three types of extremely severe acne; all of which can be disfiguring. Acne Conglobata usually appears in men instead of women. It is commonly found on the trunk and limbs of the body instead of the face. Individuals normally develop this form of acne at some point between the ages of 18 and 30. It can remain active for several years and can be extremely difficult to treat. Dermatologists normally use Accutane as a treatment.

Young men sometimes experience what is known as Acne Fulminans. Typical acne may be accompanied by fever and aching joints with the onset of Acne Fulminans. Oral steroids as well as Accutane may be used to treat this form of acne.

Women between the ages of 20 and 40 may experience what is known as Pyoderma Faciale. This type of acne is generally confined to the face. Unlike other forms of acne, this form does not last for years; instead its presence is normally restricted to a year or less. It can, however; be very painful as well as disfiguring.

An excellent source for quality articles on acne treatments is http://www.acne.lifestyle-health-news.com

Severe and extremely severe acne should be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne - Remove Milia That Look Like Whiteheads But They Are Not Acne

All of us want good-looking skin. Acne is the biggest obstacle in our effort. There are other skin problems that look like acne but are not acne. Milia is one of them. Milia are white spots on the face that can form at any age. Milia look like white pearls and most of us confuse them with whiteheads of acne. They are not whiteheads. So the treatment is different. Common acne treatment will not help remove milia but create more skin problems. Find out the difference between milia and whiteheads for a good-looking face.

Acne- what are whiteheads: whiteheads form when the dead skin cells, white blood cells, bacteria P.Acnes and sebum block the opening of the sebaceous glands. The gland has a closed mouth and this comedone is called acne. This acne troubles us because if it gets further infected, it can create scarring and spoil the facial skin forever.

Mila- milia is the accumulation of dead skin cells that is not able to get out of the skin. Milia has no infection like whiteheads and no bacteria or pus. Milia has no sebum in its formation. Our skin sheds dead skin cells everyday. Sometimes, when these cells cannot be shed out from the skin, they accumulate and form miila. When you extract a milia from the skin, you will only see white mass. They are dead skin cells.

Milia treatment- the only way to remove milia is to get them extracted from skin. Don't extract milia yourself if they are located on your eyelids. The best way to prevent milia is to get the top skin layer exfoliated regularly. Get microdermabrasion done regularly. AHAs are also good for removing the top dead skin cells regularly. Vitamin A derivative creams are also good to peel off the top skin layer. Consult your doctor about prevention and removal.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.