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Top Acne MythsAbout.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
There are many misconceptions out there regarding acne causes and development. Understanding acne means sorting through fact and fiction. Learn to identify some common acne myths, and uncover the truth about acne. 1. Myth: Acne is caused by not cleansing your skin.Reality: Acne is not caused by a lack of hygiene. It is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, or hair follicle. Excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria become trapped within the follicle, creating an impaction. If the follicle wall ruptures, inflammation occurs and a pimple is created. Acne is not created because of lack of cleansing, and frequent cleansing cannot heal it. In fact, washing the face too often can exacerbate acne. 2. Myth: To clear acne fast, use lots and lots of topical medication.Reality: While it may be tempting to slather on acne medications at every opportunity, doing so won't heal acne any faster. In fact, using too many acne medications, using them to often, or using too much at one time can actually harm your skin. The results can be excessive dryness, peeling, redness, and/or irritation. Always follow usage directions on all acne medications carefully. Remember, it will take time to see results, so try to be patient. If after using over-the-counter treatments for several months there is no visible improvement of the skin, you should talk to your doctor.
3. Myth: Blackheads are caused by dirt trapped within the pore.Reality: A blackhead, or open comedo, is an accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum that has formed a worm-like plug within the pore. The top of this impaction is not covered by a layer of dead skin cells, but instead is exposed to air. The black top of a blackhead is not dirt. Air causes the oil impaction to change to a dark brown or black color, much like a sliced apple exposed to air turns brown. Blackheads form because of an excess of oil within the follicle. 4. Myth: When you have acne, you should scrub your skin every day.Reality: People with acne have a tendency to really scrub at the face, trying to deeply cleanse the pores and get that "squeaky-clean" feeling. Washcloths, cleansers with abrasive ingredients, and scrubs should never be used on acneic skin. Rather than help, they actually cause irritation that exacerbates inflammation and worsens acne. The skin needs to be treated very gently to minimize friction and irritation of the skin. Any excessive rubbing or manipulation of the skin should be avoided. Other sources of friction include unnecessary rubbing of the face, leaning the face on a hand, and excessive telephone use. 5. Myth: There is nothing you can do about acne.Reality: Today there are many different treatment options available to improve acne. Treatments include topical creams, oral medications, and more. Whether your acne is mild or severe, if you are a teen or an adult dealing with acne for the first time, there are therapies available that will work for you. Don't hesitate to call your dermatologist to learn what treatment options will be most effective in healing your skin. Acne is not something you must suffer through. Nearly every case of acne can be successfully controlled with time, persistence, and patience. Updated: September 5, 2007 Suggested Reading |
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