Acne is an infection
Acne isn’t caused by harmful bacteria invading the skin. It won’t spread to other parts of the body: nor can it spread from one person to another. Medicated treatments (except antibiotics to reduce normal skin bacteria) are unnecessary and can inflame the skin further.
Blackheads are dirt
The dark colour of blackheads is due to the melanin pigment in skin cells, which darkens when exposed to air and light. No amount of washing and scrubbing will remove it, and is likely to make things worse.
Oily hair causes acne
Oily hair means that the sebaceous glands are draining well – the very opposite to the blocked ducts that cause acne. Fringes are not in any way connected with acne on the forehead.
Chocolate and other foods cause acne
Almost every food that tastes good has been accused of causing acne. In my youth it was tomato sauce (which we liked on our sausages). These days it’s fashionable to blame chocolate, sweet foods, fast foods, dairy products, fatty foods, citrus fruits, soft drinks, food containing ‘chemicals’ (is there any food that doesn’t consist of chemicals?) – just about everything except raw carrots and bean sprouts. And now that people are starring to enjoy eating raw vegetables, watch out – carrots and bean sprouts may be blamed next!
It’s been proved beyond doubt that diet has no effect on sebum production or acne. I expect you’ll say ‘That can’t be right – every time I have chocolate/ milk shakes/chips/cola I break out’. My theory is that it’s the stress of guilt from eating these ‘bad’ foods that leads to the outbreak, or perhaps we overindulge when we’re under emotional strain. But if you think your acne is better without them, avoid them of course.
It’s important at all times of life to eat healthily. A very badly balanced diet could aggravate a tendency to acne, and allergy to any food could act as a stress to make acne worse.
The more sunlight, the better for acne
Fresh air and a little exposure to the sun may help some acne, but too much sun causes skin inflammation that worsens it. The sun should be totally avoided during some treatments: your doctor, pharmacist or the pack instructions will warn about this.
People with acne shouldn’t wear make-up
Water-based make-up can do no harm, and is a good way of hiding blemishes while waiting patiently for treatment to work. It can be used over daytime treatment. Wash it off (gently) at night before putting on bedtime treatment. Oil-based make-up that must be removed with greasy cleansers should be avoided.
Acne is a teenager’s disease
Though it is more common and often more severe during adolescence, acne can occur at any time of life.
*60/31/5*
