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Myths about Acne Revealed
Acne affects approximately 75% of the U.S. population in one form or another. Though most often afflicting teens and going through puberty, adult acne is more common than most understand. What causes acne? Genetics and heredity are the primary causes, but hygiene, excessive skin oil, dirt, bacteria and inflammation lead to outbreaks of blemishes and acne.
Most acne can be treated by using acne skin care that cleans the skin and soothe inflammation. While it is necessary to kill bacteria, promoting healthy skin cell development and maintaining cleanliness is one of the best ways to clear, blemish-free skin.
1. Disappear on its own!
There is little that you can do about your acne. You will just “grow out of it”.
This is far from true. It may be possible that your acne will go away on its own, but you may also carry permanent scars on your skin and self esteem. You could have prevented that by treating your acne. If you are suffering from acne, take charge – of your acne as well as your life.
2. Acne is a sign of poor hygiene
The truth is that acne is not a sign of poor hygiene. Having acne does not mean that your skin is dirty. Melanine, the dark pigment that gives your skin its natural color is responsible for what looks like dirt inside your black head. On the other hand, if you tend to wash your skin too many times a day and use harsh cleaners, sometimes abrasive too, you run the risk of drying out and damaging your skin, in the process aggravating your acne. If you wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice daily, and take the right acne treatment that would address your problem adequately.
3. Chocolates, French fries and pizza cause acne
No, these foods have no direct association with acne. However, a well balanced diet will promote your overall well being including that of your skin. At times, you may experience your acne flaring up on account of some food. It is best to avoid such food.
4. I am an adult – Acne is not for me
Of all the Acne patients, 25% of them are between 25 and 44. Fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycle causes acne in many women. Birth control pills and pregnancy can also contribute to adult acne.
5. Exposure to sunlight will improve my acne
Yes, exposure to sunlight will help dry your existing pimples, but the new ones will not be prevented from coming. Actually, in certain cases, the sun can contribute to clogged pores and worsen your acne. Tetracycline and retinoids, the common acne medicines can sensitize your skin to the sun and cause bad burns if your skin is unprotected.
The small benefits to your acne from exposure to sun are lost by the risk of burns and skin cancer. Respective of whether you are suffering from acne or not, using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher can protect your skin from possible ill effects of the sun.
6. Steam for Acne
For years people have used steam for acne to open and irrigate pores laden with acne and has been considered one of the best natural treatments for acne blackheads. If you have asked the question "Does steaming your face help acne?", well the answer is yes - in some respects. Regardless of acne causes, acne is an infection. Steam opens pores and that improves the ability to deep clean and treat. Acne treatment is improved and oils, blakheads, whiteheads and dirt have a higher chance of being removed.
As we discussed, there are many issues that can lead to teen and adult acne. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and keep your skin free of dirt, oil and bacteria are the best ways | 
