Acne – Fact & Fiction Part 2

Following on from Part 1 in our last post, we continue to look at myths and misconceptions about acne.

Acne – myths and misconceptions

#6 – Certain foods cause acne
Although there is little research to prove that certain foods cause acne, some people find that certain foods do cause their acne to become worse. Greasy and fries foods should be kept to a minimum in everyone’s diet no matter what their skin type is. Don’t avoid all fats though as the body needs some good fats such as flaxseed and olive oil keep healthy and these will not make our skin worse. If you suspect a food – stop eating it for 3-4 weeks and then reintroduce it to the diet and see the effect.

#7 – Acne is improved by sunlight
Sunlight may have some effect on drying out the pimples you already have but it does not specifically help acne nor does it prevent you from getting acne. The damage caused by sun exposure will only further damage your skin. Be aware too, that if you are using oral or topical medication from the doctor such as a cream with a retinoid in it , it may make your skin super sensitive to the sun.

#8 – Squeezing pimples makes them go more quickly
It is very tempting to squeeze pimples to get rid of the unsightly head but it really doesn’t help the acne to clear faster. If you absolutely have to do this, wait until the pimple is close to popping itself as possible and use sterilised instruments and putting pressure on either side of the pimple.. Trying to force them and can cause scarring

#9 – Stress makes acne worse
There is evidence to suggest that acne can be made worse or a flare up can happen at times of stress such as exams or relationship breakups. Stress does not cause acne to start though. Sometimes drugs can cause acne as a side effect – see your doctor if you suspect this.

#10- Acne is a skin problem
It is true acne affects the skin but it also has an effect on the person suffering from it as a whole. Bad skin and scarring can cause people to not feel so good about themselves resulting in depression and self esteem issues. Seek help from a professional if you are struggling with these issues – you don’t have to do it alone.

What is acne?

People have different opinions as to just what qualifies as acne and just what acne really is. Acne is medically defined as an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands; typically we see comedones and pimples. In severe cases of acne where cysts are formed, their subsequent bursting can cause scarring. What everyone agrees on is that acne can be miserable for the person dealing with it. Acne is not just for teenagers though and can affect the skin at any age.

What causes acne?

There is no one factor or cause of people getting acne. Acne typically happens when the adrenal glands in both men and women produce a male hormone and the sebaceous or glands that are responsible for oil production spring to life. We need oil production to keep our skin supple and smooth – the oil lubricates and protects our skins. Sometimes the skin cells near the surface can block the openings of these glands and the oil keeps being produced and building up underneath.

Bacteria we naturally have on our skin multiply and cause the redness and inflammation we can typically see around the pimple.

Types of acne include:

• If the oil comes to the surface it is commonly called a whitehead.

• If the oil becomes oxidised because of contact with air and therefore oxygen – it turns into a blackhead.

• Congestion and inflammation near the surface can cause a pustule or what we refer to as a pimple.

• If you get a pimple that is more below than on top of the surface it is called a papule.

• Go deeper into the skin and you have a cyst.

It is important to use a skincare regime that has a moisturiser that is non-comodegenic and does not block the pores. A cleanser needs to clean the face effectively but also be gentle on skin that is already sensitive and inflamed. Treat your skin gently.