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Popping Acne Myths

Have you ever woken up in the morning only to be greeted by a brand spanking new pimple? If you're a teenager you already know that zits appear at the worst of times - before school pictures, the day before prom, the morning before a big date. Breakouts are a lot to deal with before the important events in our life. But what's worse, are all the acne myths out there that confuse us even more.

What really causes acne? How do I cut down my breakouts? How do I get rid of a pimple? These are questions that every teenager has. Well, you my friends have the right to the truth. The following hopes to dispel the acne myths:

Myth #1 - Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.
Yummies like chocolate bars and French fries have been blamed for acne for years. However, dermatological research shows shown that the foods themselves have a minor effect on the development of whiteheads and blackheads. But remember when you're eating fried, greasy or salty foods always wash your hands before touching your face. The transfer of dirt, oil and salt from your hands to your face is a direct cause of acne.

Myth #2 - Only dirty teenagers get acne.
It might not surprise you to know that acne is the #1 skin disorder among North American teens.

Myth #3 - You'll no longer have acne as an adult.
Many teens believe that they are the only populace plagued by acne. However, 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 30 still get acne into their adult years, some up until the age of 50. Acne is dependant on your skin's oil production, it doesn't discriminate by age.

Acne is thought to be, in part, the result of oil glands at the base of the hair follicles which become overactive during teenage years as a result of hormonal changes.

Myth #4 - That big pimple is a direct result of you not getting picked for the cheerleading squad, getting a D on a big test or having a fight with your parents.
A pimple starts when an oil glad becomes clogged with bacteria (dirt or oil). It appears on the skin's surface when it becomes inflamed with pus.

Myth #5 - A pimple is a pimple.
Not so. "Pimples" are commonly called either "blackheads" or "whiteheads". Blackheads stay below the skin's surface and resemble tiny black dots when inspected up close; whereas whiteheads are caused when the pores are clogged and become inflamed with pus. Whiteheads appear on the skin's surface.

Myth #6 - Baking in the sun will clear up your acne.
Exposure to harmful UV rays will dry up your skin and as a result your pimples. However, it might also leave you with a painful sun burn, itchy flaky skin and premature wrinkles. Worse still, overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer.

Myth #7 - Wash your face with a rough exfoliating scrub to get rid of acne.
Actually dermatologists would say the opposite. Grainy exfoliators can actually cause damage to the skin and spread acne further.