Your Acne Treatment Guide

Although there is a lack of scientific evidence to support them, there are many myths that people still believe today about what causes acne.

Doctors still are not sure exactly what causes acne, and why some suffer from chronic acne while others are not effected. Perhaps this is why there are still myths about the causes and what the best treatment is. By understanding what is causing your acne, you can treat it effectively and keep this skin condition under control.

Here are the Top 5 myths about what causes acne:

Myth #1: Acne is caused dirty skin.

The bacteria in your skin does contribute to the development of acne, which is why antibiotics can help improve your skin, but this does mean your skin is unclean or you need to wash more often. Actually washing your face too often and using harsh cleansers can dry out your skin and aggravate your acne. You simply need to wash the oil and debris with a gently cleanser that kills the bacteria in your skin to prevent breakouts.

Myth #2: Chocolate and fried foods causes breakout.

The myth that fast food and chocolate cause acne still persists today; yet there are no studies that have proven any food actually causes acne. Although no particular food has been proven to cause breakouts, some people can be sensitive to certain foods and may find their skin clears up when that food is avoided.

Even though a healthy diet is not likely going to cure your acne, it is important to eat healthy foods which have the nutrients that skin needs to be healthy. Some people have found their skin improved when they avoided dairy products and meat that contain hormones or by switching to organic foods.

Myth #3: You will outgrow your pimples when you pass adolescence.

While it’s true that most people with acne find it improves with age and may clear up completely by their early 20s, there are many others that do not outgrow their acne. It is a myth that simply being a teeanager is what causes acne and that it will just clear up in time. It’s important to treat acne in your teens to prevent permanent scars that can be difficult or impossible to remove later. Today there are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist, and there is no reason to simply wait out your acne.

Some unfortunate people find their skin gets worse or acne begins to develop in their twenties even if they had clear skin in their teens. When it shows up in adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Adult acne cannot be cured but it can be managed with continual use of topical or other medications.

Myth #4: Acne is caused by using makeup.

While some makeup is not recommended for acne, today there are many lines of oil-free products that can be used. Look at the label for the term “noncomedogenic” which means the product does not cause comedones or acne from clogged pores. Another term you may see is “nonacnegenic” which is also safe for acne prone skin. You will also find water-based makeup with added ingredients that actually prevent breakouts. It’s important to use the right kind of cosmetics, but using some makeup can help improve your confidence and self-esteem while you treat this unpleasant skin condition.

Myth #5: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

Attempting to pop cysts can spread the infection deep within the skin which can lead to severe scars. Although it is difficult not to pop pimples, its best to speed up the healing by treating them with acne medications. For severe cysts and nodules, its best to be treated by a doctor who can remove them safely.

By understanding the true causes of your acne, you can take appropriate measures to treat your skin and keep it under control.

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You may be surprised to learn that adult acne is actually fairly common. Everyone knows teenagers often develop pimples as their hormones kick in, but the assumption is teens will “outgrow” their acne.

Although for many lucky people this is the case, but for many others acne can be a persistent problems far past the teen years. Acne during the teen years can have a devastating effect on their self-esteem but adult acne can cause even more psychological stress. It can be disheartening to see your friends and coworkers with clear skin while you are still dealing with pimples that were supposed to be long gone!

Acne in adults can be a continuation of their teenage acne or it can show up for the first time in adults. Unfortunately for some, acne can continue until their fifties and even beyond. Many women with a history of clear skin can first develop acne during pregnancy or menopause when their hormones change drastically. The challenge with adult acne is that it can be more resistant to treatment and is best treated with a multi-faceted approach.

Adult acne can be made worse by the stresses of modern life including balancing careers with family life, not to mention our unhealthy lifestyles and poor diet.

Many dermatologists report an increase in patients being treated for adult acne and many believe the stress and unhealthy lifestyle of modern life is contributing to the problem.

The androgens, or male hormones, are they culprits behind acne and it’s not surprising that cases are usually more severe in young males with high hormone levels and they are at risk for serious acne scarring. Women, on the other hand, generally have more mild forms of acne but suffer more often from chronic acne problems or skin breakouts during their adult years. Women are more susceptible to breakouts due to hormonal changes with birth control pills, pregnancy, normal menstrual cycles and menopause.

There is still much to learn about why adult acne plagues more people today and can be so persistent in some and not others. Many experts suspect environmental factors paired with the individual’s lifestyle can also play a role in the development of acne in adults. Chemicals in our environment, hormones and antibiotics in our foods, coupled with unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol may affect the skin’s condition and resistance to acne.

What can you do about adult acne?

Even though there is no actual “cure” for acne, there are many over the counter and prescription medications that can bring this skin problem under control. Today new laser technologies also show promise, particularly in chronic and severe cases of acne. The best approach is to control acne as soon as it is a problem and prevent scars, but today there are lasers that can greatly improve the appearance of acne scars…even old ones. With all of the available treatment options today, there is no reason anyone sure put up with acne or suffer from scars.

Stop putting up with pimples…learn how you can have clearer skin now.

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categories: adult acne treatment,chronic acne,cure for acne,skin care,skin conditions,pimples