Myths Regarding Acne - Busted Using Science

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples and patches on the cheeks, shoulder, head, back, and forearms. Acne can occur in various forms, namely whiteheads, zits, pimples, cysts, and nodules. This is one of the most common types of skin concerns and usually occurs during puberty when the sebaceous glands begin to function, but it can occur at any age. It's not harmful, although it might leave scars and spots on the skin if not treated properly. Acne is so frequent during puberty that almost every other person you talk to will have dealt with it. However, roughly 80% of 18-30 year-olds are affected, as are 5% of those over 30.

There are several myths surrounding acne. It is so common with every other person suffering from it that everyone has formed their own notion regarding it.

 Acne is caused when hormones act on the skin's oil glands, which may clog the pores and result in breakouts of lesions known as pimples or zits. Acne is a condition that is known to run in families, making it genetic as well. It is a change that you may have acne if your parents did. Hormonal changes in women, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also cause acne outbreaks. There's no proof that food, hygiene, or sexual activity contribute to acne. Individuals with thyroid, kids undergoing puberty and conditions like PCOD could also contribute to acne.

Made from milk, yoghurt has not been linked to the development of acne. Some types of yoghurt may even aid in the treatment of acne as Probiotics in these yoghurts can help cure bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. There may be a link between inflammatory skin disorders and the gut microbiome, according to some research. While there aren’t many studies on acne and the gut microbiome, other chronic inflammatory diseases like rosacea have been associated with a ten-fold increase in small intestine bacterial overgrowth compared to people who don't have skin inflammation. This indicates they had ten times the average amount of bacterial overgrowth.

Certain sunscreens contain ingredients that can aggravate your skin, increasing your risk of acne breakouts. Some may contain comedogenic substances, which are those that cause the formation of pustular acne. Certain types of sunscreens can cause outbreaks, chemical sunscreen, for example, absorbs UV rays and converts them to heat, which is then released by the body. Heat can serve as an occlusion to your skin and cause you to sweat more when combined with certain compounds in sunscreen. Overall, if you use a proper sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type, it could actually benefit you, as with more protection from UV rays, fewer rashes would occur and lesser bacteria would get harbored, decreasing your chances of getting acne

Toothpaste is frequently thought of as a low-cost blemish remedy. However, this is one acne home cure you should avoid. Although some people believe toothpaste immediately heals their pimples, the truth is that most people discover toothpaste irritates and reddens their skin. The notion of using toothpaste as a spot treatment came from the fact that many toothpaste types have chemicals that assist fight bad breath. 

Hormonal acne can only affect teenagers.

Sebaceous glands are found in the hair follicles, or pores, of your skin. Sebum, an oil that lubricates your hair and skin, is produced by these glands. The sebaceous glands produce just the proper quantity of sebum most of the time. When there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells, pores become clogged. Bacteria can then become trapped and increase inside the pores. This results in swelling and redness, which is the beginning of acne. During puberty, due to hormones going crazy, one produces excessive oil, making the skin break out. But acne doesn't go away once puberty ends, adulthood brings its own range of issues, including hormonal imbalance, sun exposure and indulgence in alcohol and smoking. 

Popping pimples can make them go away sooner

Another myth surrounding acne occurs to be that popping pimples can help get rid of them easily.  This is false as popping a pimple could result in damage of the tissue around the lesion along with an acne scar that follows it which would take way longer to recover from. 

Drinking a lot of water prevents acne

There is no research that particularly proves that drinking more water causes less acne.  There is a common notion that drinking more water could give clearer skin.  The essence behind this notion is that when one hydrates themselves with water it results in the toxins being flushed out hence decreasing acne caused by the toxins,  but there is no research that claims that having more water could be a permanent solution to getting rid of acne.

Internal body heat causes acne

 Another notion associated with acne is that heat causes acne.  It may be true for those with prerequisite diseases such as thyroid diabetes and irritable bowel, but making it false for the larger part of the population.  There is no need to stay away from hot beverages and food that creates heat inside of the body just to avoid acne.

The following self-help techniques may be beneficial:

• Only wash the afflicted regions of skin twice a day. Washing frequently might irritate the skin and exacerbate symptoms. If you have oily skin, wash the face day and night.
• Wash the afflicted area with lukewarm water and a light soap or cleaner. Acne can be aggravated by extremely hot or cold water.
• Avoid squeezing pimples or blackhead infected areas. This can aggravate them and result in permanent scarring.
• Don't overuse cosmetics and make-up. Make use of non-comedogenic water-based products.
•  Before going to bed, make sure you remove all your make-up to prevent clogged pores.
• If you have dry skin, use a water-based emollient with no smell.
•  While regular exercise will not help you get rid of acne, it will improve your mood and self-esteem after you stop exercising; shower as quickly as possible since sweat might irritate your acne.
• Wash your hair regularly and attempt to keep it from falling across your face.

Some other home remedies are:

• Apply apple cider vinegar on the problem to balance skin pH levels
• Take a zinc supplement if you haven't already.
• Make a mask with honey and cinnamon to fight off bacteria
• Green tea can be applied to the skin as it carries antioxidants.
• Apply witch hazel to the affected area to help soothe the area
• Aloe vera is a great moisturiser, to protect the skin barrier and calm it.
• Taking a fish oil supplement is a good idea.
• Tea tree oil as a spot treatment is a great alternative to toothpaste

If you suffer from acne, you are not alone and it is not the end of the world. Consider starting an acne treatment routine if you suffer from pimples regularly. Acne treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription, help heal existing spots and, more crucially, help prevent pimples from forming in the first place. Using these remedies regularly might help your skin stay clear.