Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have
acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn't when everywhere
you look, only clear skinned people are put on the pedestal.
You tried every acne product out in the market but nothing
seems to work. At this point, you feel that your social life
is doomed but fret not because acne won't stay forever if you
take the proper actions early.
First step to take is to understand what acne really is and
from there you can take the necessary actions in curing or at
least reducing your acne problem.
Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads and blackheads),
pimples, and deeper lumps (nodules) that happens in the face,
neck, chest, back and upper arms. Acne is caused by build up
of excess oil and dead skin in a pore. The causes of this are
natural hormones, clogged skin and bacteria.
The onset of acne happens between the ages of twelve to seventeen.
Almost all teenagers had acne. Many of them used non-prescription
treatments to alleviate acne but more than 40% of teenagers
in their mid-teens have severe acne cases. Normally, it goes
away in the early twenties. Then again, there are many cases
wherein acne starts or continues into adulthood.
It is interesting to note though that young men who are more
likely to have severe acne, don't consult dermatologists as
much as young women do. But then again, young women are more
likely to have irregular acne due to hormonal changes during
menstrual cycle or due to the cosmetic products they use. This
kind of acne may afflict women even into adulthood.
The ultimate question now is how do you reduce acne?
Knowing the facts that debunk the myths and misconceptions
about acne may help you alleviate your acne problem.
Myth 1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
This may be true if you don't wash your face at all. But if
you resort to frequent and vigorous washing, it will definitely
cause scarring which will worsen acne. The best approach is
to gently wash face twice a day with mild soap and use appropriate
acne treatment after.
Myth 2: Acne is caused by diet.
Scientific studies debunked this having found that there is
no connection between food and acne.
Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress.
Stressors are not important factors in acne. Only severe stress
that needs medication can cause acne as side effects.
Myth 4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease.
Acne does affect how people look but there's no serious threat
to physical health. However, acne can result to serious scarring
which can affect how these people live their lives.
Myth 5: You just have to let acne run its course.
The truth is, acne can be cleared up using acne products available
in the market today. If they don't work for you, then try seeing
a dermatologist.
According to Thiboutot (2000), cure of acne lies in knowing
three things:
* That resolution to cure acne takes time;
* That what works for one may not work for another;
* and that a dermatologist's help may be needed if all actions
you take to cure your acne fail.
Remember that acne responds well to early treatment. So to
prevent scarring have your acne treated as soon as acne starts
showing up on your face.
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©Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information
about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/ or
for updated links and information on all health related topics,
go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
