Thursday, March 28, 2024

10 Suprising Adult Acne Myths and Facts

Pimples, The Sore Spot

acne


Acne is the 8th most common disease found throughout the world, affecting over 600 million people. Most of us get a pimple at some time in our life, even as adults. Doesn’t it always pop up at the wrong time, and of course at the wrong place? Acne occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil or dead skin. So what treatments actually work when treating that horrid blemish? While there are several causes of acne, there are many more myths that have been circulating for ages. Let’s debunk the most popular myths and find out what really works.

Dark Chocolate Causes Pimples

chocolate causes acne pimples

Dark chocolate does not cause pimples. However, sugar and saturated fatty foods raise insulin levels, which in turn increases inflammation in your body. Dark chocolate can trigger some of the “causes” of acne, such as oily and inflamed skin. Dairy products, refined carbs, meat, and other foods that causes allergies, may also be acne triggers.

Sunscreen Clogs Pores And Causes Acne

sunscreen causes acne

A sunscreen should be applied to your face and body to prevent the harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin, causing pre-mature skin aging, wrinkles, and cancer. Many sunscreen lotions contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The FDA has classified zinc oxide to be non-allergenic, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic. It does not clog pores. Research has shown that zinc oxide also has bacterial killing properties. So it may also help in getting rid of your next unsightly blemish and at the same time as preventing sunburn and irreversible skin damage.

Sun Reduces Acne Breakout

sun rids acne

The sun appears to have a healing effect on your skin by suppressing the immune system, and in turn reduces acne inflammation. So the redness is gone. Not so fast. Decreasing skin inflammation by this immune system reaction creates a bigger problem. Sun exposure over time breaks down your skin’s collagen. The immune system can longer function properly and can’t properly fight cancer cells growth. Exposure to the sun without wearing proper garments may lead to skin cancer.

There Is A Link Between Diet And Acne

diet and acne

Linking diet and acne has been a subject of debate for decades. 50 years of research has shown that eating foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) and drinking milk will aggravate acne, according to Harvard School of Public Health and NYU Department of Nutrition studies. Research has also found that in some cases it can trigger an acne breakout. High GI food groups include chocolate, cakes, sugary carbonated sodas, pastries, potatoes, and white bread. These high GI foods are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and cause a spike in a body’s hormone levels, including insulin which can stimulate the production of sebum. Sebum is the oily secretion of the body’s sebaceous glands that clogs pores. Low GI foods include whole grains, vegetables, eggs, legumes, lean meats, cheese, and fish.

An Australian study found that teens who stayed on a very strict low GI diet observed a noticeable improvement in their acne breakouts.

Pimples Are Caused From Skin Moisturizers

moisturizer causes acne

Oil on the skin surface can clog a body’s skin pores trying to bring it to the surface. A skin moisturizer can help get rid of oil on the skin. Whether your skin is normal, dry, or oily, you still need to hydrate your skin. Skin care professional recommend a moisturizer that has both oil and water, regardless if you have oily skin. Just because you have oily skin does not mean that your skin may not need additional moisture. It just means that your skin probably needs more water than oil. Look for a moisturizer than is non-comedogenic, non-clogging. Comedogenic ingredients can increase inflammation and exasperate an acne flair up.

Acne Treatment Is The Same For Your Face And Body

use same acne medication for face and body

A person’s body hair follicles are further apart than those on your face, according to skin care professionals. Lotions and other acne treatments react differently when applied to the body and may not absorb as well as it does on a person’s face. While some acne medication and regime may be prescribed for a person’s body, it may not be recommended for the face. Talk with your dermatologist for a recommended solution for body acne.

Chlorine Is An Effective Acne Treatment

chlorine cures acne

Swimming pools add chlorine to the water to kill bacteria and algae. One issue with with chlorine is that it has a drying agent. Studies have found that the higher the chlorine content of the water the greater the drying effect it has on a person’s skin. The study also found that people with an inflammatory skin condition that is similar to acne were more susceptible to the drying effect from chlorine. This drying effect has a negative consequence. Hydration is essential for skin barrier function. When skin is not hydrated, the sebaceous glands secret more sebum, the oily secretion of the body’s sebaceous glands that cause pores to clog. Lastly, chlorine may adversely react with acne treatments and produce inflammation and burning.

Only Teens Get Acne

only teens get acne

Studies have found that excessive sebum production, the oily secretion of the body’s sebaceous glands, is caused by fluctuations in a body’s hormone levels. This explains why approximately 80% of all teenagers experience an acne breakout throughout adolescence. Acne breakouts also occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, during menstrual cycles, and when a woman starts or stops taking birth control pills. Heredity can also be a factor. If your parents had acne, you may also get it. Acne can be triggered by many reasons such as stress, diet regardless of a person’s age. Some individuals get acne breakouts when they are well into their 50’s.

Shampoos, Conditioners, And Hair Care Products Cause Acne

shampooing causes acne

The oils in shampoos, conditioners, hair spray and other hair products continuously make contact with your face. Hair care products that contain petroleum jelly, silicone, jojoba oil, and shea butter can cause acne. Also avoid products that contain the chemical agents that creates the sudsy lather: sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. They tend to cause irritations. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, look for sulfate-free products.
 
This content reflects information gathered from various professionals and organizations that may offer opposing or alternative points of view. It should not be used for medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Consult with your healthcare professional about your specific needs.