As can be expected, if there are facts about any matter, it is almost certain that there will be myths generated about the subject as well. Acne is no different, and so has not been left out. There are known and proven facts about acne, but this article aims to present five myths circulating about the condition.
The First Myth: Tanning Clears up the Skin.
This myth has implications for skin that has been damaged by acne scars. It is a myth because tanning involves the sun’s action on the skin. A tan has the ability to mask acne temporarily, but the sun is able to dry out the skin and irritate it, paving the way for future breakouts of acne. There is no proof that exposure to sunlight prevents acne or even clears it up.
The rays of the sun contain two different types of ultraviolet radiation that act on the skin. They are known as UVA and UVB radiation. UVB radiation is the one that causes sunburn, since it burns the upper layers of the skin. UVA radiation results in tanning, because it goes to the lower skin layers where it triggers into action the cells that produce melanin, the brown substance that is responsible for tanning. Melanin is the skin’s protective mechanism against burning. However, it does not protect from skin cancer and other problems, even if the skin does not appear to burn.
Furthermore, a tan is obvious proof that the skin has suffered some cellular damage. If the skin is continuously allowed to tan, it may become wrinkled, may develop brown age spots and blotchiness, and may appear leathery and older than it really is. All the foregoing conditions are caused by tanning, and need to be cleared up. This means, therefore, that tanning cannot clear up skin.
The Second Myth: The More the Face is Washed, the Fewer Breakouts it will Experience.
This myth suggests that frequent washing is a cure for breakouts. That, in fact, could not be further from the truth. It is a fact that washing the face helps in the removal of dirt and oil from the pores. However, if the face is washed too often, it can become dry and irritated, which actually causes more breakouts. The face should not be scrubbed, either, because scrubbing can also irritate the skin. Instead, the face should be washed twice daily, using a mild soap and water, employing a circular motion, and should be pat dry afterwards.
Washing can also be done with a gentle cleanser that is water soluble, so that the skin is not irritated. The cleanser, however, should not need to be wiped off with tissue or a wash cloth. Warm, rather than hot, water should be used with the cleanser, leaving the skin feeling soft and clean, and neither greasy nor dry. It is therefore not the frequency, but the quality of the washing, done twice daily, that works in this instance.
The Third Myth: Bursting Pimples will Help Them to go Away Faster.
This myth suggests that bursting pimples will make them disappear. In fact, when a pimple is burst it may not be noticeable for a while, but that action of bursting can actually cause the pimple to stay around for a little longer. This is because when pimples are squeezed, bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells are pushed further into the skin. This causes redness and more swelling and, at times, a brown or red mark or a scar may be formed. These marks can sometimes last for months, but depressed scars tend to last for a lifetime.
Serious scarring, which is potentially lifelong, may result from the more severe type of acne, since nodules are produced. Nodules are lumps or painful cysts, filled with pus, which appear below the skin. Nodules are the most prone to leaving permanent scars on the skin. It is therefore not a good idea to burst pimples. They will not go away faster but may, instead, develop into the type that lasts for a lifetime. A doctor or dermatologist should be visited for treatment of even mild acne.
The Fourth Myth: Do Not Wear Makeup if Clear Skin is Sought.
This myth is suggesting that all makeup is bad for the skin, as they may have adverse effects. However, there are cosmetics that are considered to be nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, and these should not cause the skin to breakout with acne. It has been found that there are cosmetics known as concealers on the market, which have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two properties which help in the fight against acne. There are also tinted creams containing benzoyl peroxide that are able to hide the pimples while they are being treated.
The foregoing applies to mild acne. If the acne is moderate or severe, however, a dermatologist or physician should be consulted for recommendations about the best cosmetics to use. Recommendations may include avoidance of all cosmetics, or sticking to only certain brands, so that the acne does not get worse. Even if the product seems harmless enough, as long as it is irritating the skin, a dermatologist should be consulted.
The Fifth Myth: If Breakouts Keep Occurring, it Helps to Use More Acne Medication Until the Breakouts Cease.
This myth also suggests that more is better, more – in this case – being more medicine. Acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide as well as salicylic acid, which are drying agents. Using too much of them, therefore, may result in over drying, which leads to irritation and the production of more blemishes.
Medication available over the counter should be able to treat mild acne. If that is not happening, however, it could be an indication that a worse type of acne is being encountered. A physician or dermatologist should be consulted in that event. Also, if prescription medication is being taken for acne, the doctor’s instructions need to be followed carefully. Some medications may take as many as eight weeks before allowing signs of healing.
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