ACNE MYTHS AND FACTS

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Can exercise cure acne?  

Exercise leads to sweating, which, some people believe, has a cleansing effect on the skin. Therefore another popular myth is that regular exercise will improve the appearance of acne. 

In reality, however exercise often causes an acne break-out. This is due to a combination of factors, such as sweat combining with sticky surface skin cells to block the pores, as well as heat and friction that activate the acne bacteria. 

However, exercise is essential for healthy living and to combat stress. To minimize the risk of making one's acne worse one should use a good cleanser before a workout and take a shower afterwards. The best exercise for people suffering from acne is swimming as there is no heat or friction involved. 

Can make-up cause acne or make it worse? 

 Many people believe that cosmetics make acne worse and should simply be avoided. However, people with acne often feel that they need to use make-up to cover up the bumps and spots. Some cosmetics may contain irritants that can worsen acne, but a lot of products exist that may actually improve a person’s skin.

A lot of people believe that make-up should beoil-free. However, not all oils are bad for the skin. Certain oils are naturally found in the skin and help to act as a barrier against the outside world, which means it prevents bacteria from penetrating the skin. The right oils can also prevent water loss and improve water retention within the skin to keep it healthy and looking its best.

On the other hand, certain oils like mineral oils and Lanolin are similar to the oil found in the sebaceous glands and can therefore leave the skin looking shiny and make existing acne worse!

Personally, I have found it is best to use water-based make-up or loose powders that can absorb excess oil from the skin without blocking the pores. Always look for the words “noncomedogenic” or “acnegenic” when choosing a product. This means that dermatologists have scientifically tested it and that it does not clog the pores or cause acne. 

Is acne only for teenagers?

It is commonly believed that acne is a normal occurrence during adolescence and that a person will eventually grow out of it. This is a dangerous misconception because this can stop teenagers from seeking treatment, as they believe that it will go away as they get older. It also makes older people feel that they have done something wrong, as they should not have acne at their age. The truth is that acne can strike at any age. 

Can certain spot treatments make acne go away overnight? 

For years various companies have claimed that their over-the-counter products can cure acne. The truth is that a pimple takes 2-3 weeks to develop, so simply dabbing something on it is not treating the real cause, but only the symptom. One’s focus should be to avoid acne coming out in the first place not drying it out with harsh chemicals once it is already there.