iNaturalHealth

Every teenager has heard every myth there is about the causes of acne. So, let’s dispel some of those myths and get down to the real cause of this very real problem.

Does chocolate cause acne?
This one’s been around since grandma was a school girl. The answer, in a word, is “no” chocolate does not cause acne or contribute to its appearance. So, does that mean you can go wild and eat all the chocolate you want? Not if you’re watching your weight. Everything in moderation.

Do greasy foods cause acne?
Probably started by the same person who started the chocolate myth. Greasy foods do not cause acne. They don’t make it worse (or better). In fact, greasy foods have nothing to do with acne unless you rub French fries all over your face. But then, chances are, you have a much worse problem than acne.

Does stress cause acne?
Now, this long-held belief has some truth to it. For many years, the medical profession debated the question but recent studies show that stress does contribute to the development of acne in two ways. First, stress causes the body to release more hormones (the internal cause of acne) and second, stress slows the healing process which means if you do experience a flare-up it’s likely to get worse because of that excess stress you’re carrying around.

This might explain why acne appears just before the big dance or that critical job interview. More stress, more acne.

What is acne?
Acne is an inflamed Sebaceous gland. The skin (the dermis) is covered with thousands of Sebaceous glands that produce a skin lubricant called sebum. When a Sebaceous gland becomes clogged with grime or make-up, bacteria causes an infection which, in turn, cause the inflammation we call acne.

If I wash my face often will I still get acne?
The answer is no…and yes. Washing with a mild soap and warm water does eliminate excess make-up, dirt, dead skin cells and other agents that can clog a Sebaceous gland. However, many acne treatment products use alcohol as a base. When those treatments are used often, they dry out the skin which actually damages the dermis (the skin) causing irritation.

So, washing twice daily with a mild soap and warm water (no scrubbing, please) will cut down on the acne problem. However, strong, alcohol-based cleansers and vigorous scrubbing will only irritate the skin and make it more susceptible to pimples.

In women, is acne related to the menstrual cycle?
Yes, because the menstrual cycle is regulated by an increase in hormones, which in turn, cause enlarged Sebaceous glands. That’s why women experience more severe cases of acne than men.

Does diet affect the appearance of acne?
Not really. However, a good healthy diet improves overall body health, including the health of the skin, so a good diet is better than a nutrient-starved diet. However, acne is not related to eating fatty foods, chocolate, seafood, soda or any other foods.

Does sitting in the sun help with an acne problem?
This one is as old as the hills and the answer is an emphatic “no.” Exposure to sunlight increases the chances of skin cancer later in life and has no benefit in treating acne. So stay out of the sun.

How should I treat my acne problem?
If you’re young and experience the occasional flare up, you don’t have to take drastic measures. Wash two or three times a day with mild soap and warm water. If the problem is more serious, there are some over-the-counter products that can be used to cover up blemishes but avoid using any medication that irritates the skin. These are usually alcohol-based cleansers which can actually make the problem worse.

If you have serious acne, see a dermatologist. Each case is different and a treatment that works for your good friend may not help you at all. So, if acne is making your life miserable (or just unhappy) by all means consult a dermatologist to find the solution that works best for you.

Are there medications I can use to clear up acne?
There are plenty of products that claim to clear up an acne problem. Most don’t work.

When choosing make-up, look for products labeled noncomedogenic. These products are designed to cut down on skin irritation. Avoid heavy foundation make-up.

Also, avoid medications that dry out the skin or cause skin redness. These products make the skin more sensitive and more susceptible to flare-ups.

Should I squeeze blemishes?
Absolutely not. This only makes things worse. It drives the infection deeper into the skin which may cause increased inflammation and/or scarring. Leave pimples alone. Use medications to treat the problem and avoid self-surgery. It doesn’t work and it doesn’t make pimples disappear faster.

Can acne scars be treated?
In severe cases of destructive acne, scaring may occur. This scaring may last a lifetime. However, once you’ve passed the difficult “acne years” chemical peels and dermabrasion can lessen the severity of acne scarring.

There are also several very effective products available over the counter that drastically lessen the effect of acne scarring, making it much less visible and much less of a problem to you!

How long does it take for skin medications to work?
It depends. Skin care products will work better when used with regular washing and an all-around healthy diet. Typically, it will take four to eight weeks before you’ll notice your skin is clearer, smoother and healthier looking.

Are there acne treatments made for dark-skinned people?
Not specifically. However, acne care treatments that work on light-skinned people will work just as well on dark-skinned people. The color of the skin has no effect on the acne skin treatment you choose.

What factors contribute to an acne problem?
There are several. The most common factors contributing to an acne problem are:

• Heredity (if your parents had acne problems, you’re more likely to experience the same kinds of problems).
• Male hormones called androgens found in both men and women.
• Menstruation (which is caused by increased hormone production)
• Stress
• Cosmetics (especially heavy foundation cosmetics that clog Sebaceous glands)
• Personal hygiene
• Working environment (Grime contributes to clogged sebaceous glands)

Are some treatments more effective than others?
Absolutely. Look for treatments that soothe and heal the skin rather than irritate it. Also, avoid acne cleansers that are overly-abrasive. These irritate the skin, as well.

Products that use natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals have also been shown to lessen the likelihood of acne and flare-ups. Look for quality in all of your acne treatments and avoid the drugstore remedies that may actually make an acne problem worse.