There are so many myths regarding the development and treatment of acne and the first step in understanding the condition is dispelling the myths
Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
Acne is not caused by dirt or surface skin oils. Vigorous washing and scrubbing will actually irritate the skin and make acne worse. The best approach to hygiene in acne is to gently wash your face twice a day with a mild non soap acne cleanser and pat dry.
Myth #2: Acne is caused by diet
Extensive scientific studies have not found a connection between diet and acne. In other words, food does not cause acne. Not chocolate, french fries or pizza. Nonetheless, some people insist that certain foods affect their acne. In that case, avoid those foods. There is some data suggesting a correlation between milk intake in adolescents, mainly women, and the severity of acne.
Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress
The ordinary stress of day-to-day living is not an important factor in acne. There are certain medicines that are used to treat stress that may aggravate acne.
Myth #4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease
Yes, acne does affect the way people look and is not otherwise a serious threat to a person’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars–plus, acne itself as well as its scars can affect the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.
Myth #5: You just have to let acne run its course
Due to advancements in laser therapy, there now are treatments for acne that has been resistant to all other means.
