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Acne Myths and Facts – Natural Treatment Options

Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples or zits.

The condition is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. The response for most people diminishes over time and acne thus tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches their early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond. Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. Let’s look at a few acne myths and facts.

Most scientists agree that acne outbreaks can be linked to a hormone called androgen. During puberty, boys produce ten times the amount of androgen than girls do, which may be why acne seems to affect more boys than girls.

But what happens when acne reoccurs and plagues a person into his twenties? Thirties? Forties? Before we talk treatment, let’s dispel a few acne myths.

Myth #1 – Junk Food and Dark Colas Cause Acne: Experts agree that there is no evidence to support the claim that gorging on pizza and Coke (a
habit not only known to teenagers) leads to acne. However, if you notice that your acne flare up significantly after consuming certain foods or beverages, eliminate those items and watch your skin. You may have stumbled in your own free brand of treatment.

Myth #2 – People with Oily Skin are more Likely to Develop Acne: Just like food myth, there’s no solid proof that men and women when naturally oily hair and skin will suffer from acne. If you notice acne developing on your daughter’s forehead under her bangs, you might try a different hair care product because the old one might actually be causing the outbreaks. Also, many mild cases of acne appear simply because the person does not take care of his skin properly, whether oily or dry.

Myth #3 – Prescription Drugs will Cure Your Acne Forever: Beware any medication that promises a hundred percent cure rate. That being said, products like Proactiv Solution (www.proactiv.com) and Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) work remarkably well for many people. However, as with all prescriptions, side effects are common. Accutane carries significant side effects, the worst of which are severe birth defects for women taking Accutane while pregnant. Many doctors will not even proscribe Accutane if they feel their patient’s acne is not severe enough, or if the patient may become pregnant. Always consult your doctor before beginning any treatment plan.

Whether your child is undergoing his first bout with pimples, or you’re an adult embarrassed to attend a party, remember: there’s hope. Acne can be treated, and in some cases prevented. Just arm yourself with the facts before taking any medicine. And if your daughter is still staring at
the mirror and screaming, go up and give her a hug.

Cool Alternative Pimple Cure Tips and Recipes

Check out these cool natural pimple cure tips and recipes:

Pimple Recipe 1: Lemon and Salt Recipe

• Take a fresh lime and squeeze it onto a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and you are done.
• Apply this recipe to your face for 5 odd minutes till it drys
• Wash it off your face after five minutes.

Pimple Recipe 2: Lemon and Tomato Juice

• Take a fresh lime and squeeze it onto a bowl.
• Take a fresh tomato and squeeze it. Mix the juices together
• Apply this recipie to your face for 5 odd minutes till it drys
• Wash it off your face after five minutes.

The above tips can easily help you prevent pimples forever.

Acne – Things Not to Do

The following is a list of things that you should avoid doing if you have acne:

• Never Squeeze Your Pimples or Acne; this might actually agravate the condition futher and give rise to more pimples. You have enough trouble dealing with one right??
• Do no apply creams that are not suitable to your skin type. Always test the cream by applying it over skin area that is below your face and check for allergic reactions before proceeding.
• Don’t apply multiple creams on the same pimple. Choose a cream and stick with it.
• Never loose your patience. An average pimple may take atleast two to three days to succumb. So never loose your patience and do something for which you would have to regret later.
• Do not expose your pimple to bad weather, especially hot sun. Protect your skin with a skin screen lotion or carry along an umbrella or wear a cap as you go out.
• Never stuff yourself with oily foods like butter, cheese and the like
• Don’t leave your face without a wash. Wash your face atleast five to six times a day. Even better every hour.

Simple Tips to Prevent Acne

What follows is a set of expert tips that you can follow to prevent acne for good:

• Drink loads of water – good, clean water, mind you!!
• Get lots of fresh juices especially citrus juices like lemon and orange. Sugar free juices are better
• Don’t use unnecessary creams on your face
• Wash your face atleast five to six times a day with clean water
• Do not use strong soaps or chemicals on your face. Stick to the naturals
• Take natural facial steam. (Just boil water and soak your face in the vapour and water it later)
• Avoid over sleeping.
• Give your face a ice pack every morning. This will close all open pores. (Just applying ice over face should do)
• Avoid eating oily stuff including junk food
• Do not expose your skin to extreme climate

So there you go, hope these acne myths and facts were useful. Don’t fret over acne, cause you will only make it worse by worrying constantly. Just let it be there and in most cases it will go away before you know it.