Acne: Fact And Fiction

Author: Barney Garcia
Source: isnare.com

Myths about acne die hard. Old wives’ tales about its causes continue to persist, in spite of scientific condition to the contrary. This article aims to shed light on some common myths about acne and attempts to separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: People who have acne are unclean and maintain poor hygiene

There is absolutely no truth to this statement. Acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body. When the oil glands responsible for keeping our skin waterproof and moist, over react to produce excessive quantities of sebum, they block the associated hair follicle, causing clogged pores, which develops into acne. So hygiene has absolutely nothing to do with it. In fact unnecessary scrubbing of the skin can exacerbate the problem. Do take care of your skin though – wash your face gently and pat dry.

Myth 2: Eating the wrong foods will lead to acne

The fact is that there is no co-relation between what you eat and acne. The chocolates, the French fries, the cheese pizza, and all those other fatty foods that have been lambasted ever so often, because of their unhealthy consequence have no affect whatsoever on your skin. However, eating a well balanced diet makes sense. So while you don’t have to be concerned as to whether your favorite treat affects your skin (at least directly), do remember that it does affect your overall health.

Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress

The truth is that the stress that most of us experience as part of our day-to-day existence does not lead to acne. Sometimes, acne can arise as the side-effect of drugs taken to treat severe stress. Talk to your doctor to find out if your stress medication is responsible for your acne. Stress can however make an already existing acne condition worse.

Myth 4: Acne is a merely a cosmetic disease

Well, acne does affect the way you look and yes, it is considered a threat to your physical well being. However, the fact remains that in some cases acne can lead to permanent scarring which is more than just purely cosmetic. Acne affects people psychologically. It is known to affect their perception of themselves, their self-esteem and confidence and their interaction with others. It can cause feelings of frustration, depression and social embarrassment.

Myth 5: Acne can not be cured

With the kind of products that are available in the market today, there is no reason why anyone should have to suffer the agony caused by acne. The fact is that acne can be cleared up with the right medication and a regime specific to their needs. Consult your dermatologist if you have acne.

Guide To Natural Acne Treatments

Author: Ruth Stattmiller
Source: isnare.com

Acne is a problem for many people. There are a variety of products that are designed to get rid of or reduce acne. However, many people do not know that there are natural ways to reduce acne, or completely eliminate it. The best way to naturally get rid of pimples is to consider the causes of acne. By avoiding the causes of acne, you can greatly reduce the amount of acne you have.

Acne is caused by hormones. When trying to prevent acne it is advisable to try to reduce your body’s production of certain hormones. The body produces a large amount of hormones in stressful situations. People who are extremely stressed have an overproduction of hormones. Relaxation techniques such as Yoga, T’ai Chi and deep breathing can help reduce stress and limit hormone production. Additionally, avoiding caffeine can help because caffeine stimulates hormone production. Finally, exercise is very beneficial for reducing acne. Exercise reduces stress and works to rebalance hormones.

Diet is a very significant factor in the presence of acne. Certain foods can foster the presence of acne. Consumption of these types of foods should be reduced or completely avoided if possible. Dairy products such as milk and cheese can contribute to the formation of acne. Additionally, refined and cooked carbohydrates such as flour, bread, and rice can also affect acne. Other foods that should be avoided are cooked fats, such as fried food, and meats like beef and pork. The foods that should be avoided are acid-forming foods in the body. In order to reduce acne, you should attempt to eat more alkaline-forming foods. Fresh vegetables, fruit, and nuts (sparingly) are very good to eat when trying to reduce acne.

Dehydration is also a very important factor in the formation of acne. The skin needs to be hydrated from the inside in order to prevent blocked pores. Drinking great amounts of water is a good practice when attempting to reduce acne. Eating water-rich foods can also help with hydration.

Finally, avoiding yeast is a great practice for reducing acne. Studies have shown that people with severe acne often have a build-up of yeast in their bodies. In order to avoid yeast build-up, you should avoid sugary foods and yeast products such as beer, bread, and mushrooms.

Acne can be a large problem for many people, but there are natural ways to reduce or eliminate pimples. Avoiding stress and exercising regularly while eating healthy and avoiding greasy foods can greatly reduce the amount of acne one has. After trying the natural ways to reduce acne, then it is a good idea to use acne medicines. But if medication can be avoided, you will save money and be healthier.