Popular Acne Myths You Probably Believed
Chocolates do not, in itself, cause acne outbreak. It's what IN the chocolate bar that matters
Much has been said about causes and treatment of acne. Below are some myths and rationale as to why they are true and otherwise.
Myth I: Acne is caused by eating nuts and chocolates.
Though no book in dermatology says so, this is not a reason for you to indulge. Certain food products causes allergic reactions and these allergic reactions may mistakenly be thought of as pimples, which explains why most people thought that nuts and chocolates causes pimples. What you can do is try to prove to yourself which is which. Eat both chocolates and nuts and examine if not eating or reducing your intake of these two type of food will decrease your oil or sebum production. If you already have a pimple, consider avoiding chocolate and nuts and see if there is any changes in the rate of how quickly or slow your pimple heals.
Myth II: You’re scarred for life when you’ve been scarred by acne.
Just like any part of our body that went through some wound healing, it does not go back to the way it was before especially if the dermis or the deeper layer of the skin has been involved. Yes, this myth holds some truth to it. To avoid scars, refrain from piercing the pimples especially when they contain pus. The pus that escapes out of the zit scatters to a larger area, (because you have pierced the pimple) exposing a larger area where pus can flow and bacteria to stay and do its damage.
Myth III: Acne healing can be hasten by putting toothpaste.
Most of our toothpaste has menthol which speeds up drying. Another good exfoliant is baking soda which is also present in our toothpaste. But, most of our toothpaste contains chloride which can counter any effects of the two ingredients mentioned herein to hasten pimple drying up. It may do more harm than good. You can treat a spot by making a creamy paste from mixing baking soda and water. This is done for three days and if there’s no improvement, you better see your dermatologist for an expert opinion.
Myth IV: Extraction is the only process that will rid you a pimple.
Would you go through that pain to rid yourself of that pimple? Harvard dermatologists developed a device called free electron laser which can destroy parts of the sebaceous glands that produces oil without harming our skin’s upper layer. No news if anyone went through with it yet. Would you like to be the first?
Myth V: More sweat, more break out.
When you work out, your testosterone level increases that makes your sebaceous glands produce more oil. These oil secretions can clog your pores if left unchecked. Now, the gym dirt may contribute to your break outs. Where did you place your towel after wiping your sweat? Are you sure you placed it in a clean area or you just hanged to the iron bar for the muscle lifting? Then, here you are again, wiping the sweat from your face and neck. The sweat is not the cause then. Well, you already know the answer to that.
Photo by EverJean
