How To Win Your War Against Acne

Acne Myths And The Perceptions They Cause
Understanding what causes acne in the first place is an important step towards curing it. But it is
easy to get caught up in the acne myths and avoid things that really have no relationship with
your acne. Here are some of the more commons acne myths.
Acne Myth #1 - A Tan is Good for Your Acne
It is commonly myth that getting a tan can clear up your skin. Although it will cover up the
redness, getting a tan does not help your acne clear up at all. In fact, the skin damage that can
be caused by over-tanning can actually make your acne worse or complicate the healing
process, as well as lead to more serious skin problems down the road.
Acne Myth #2 - French Fries Give You Acne
Since acne is caused by excess oils in your skin, it only makes sense that eating greasy foods
or eating chocolate can cause acne, right? This is absolutely a myth. It has been scientifically
proven many times that what you eat has no connection to your acne breakouts. So don't stop
eating your favorite foods just because of an acne outbreak. It really doesn't effect your skin
either way.
Acne Myth #3 - Washing a Lot Helps
While washing your face is an important part of controlling any acne, over-washing your face
can strip your skin of essential oils and moisture. This will cause your skin to become irritated
and dry, leaving it more susceptible to the infections that cause acne. The irritation will also slow
the healing process of any existing acne. Washing is important, just don't overdo it!
Acne Myth #4 - Popping Your Pimples Clears Them Up
Again, while it may make sense to "clear out" the bacteria by popping a pimple, in reality this
practice will push the bacteria deeper into the skin and leave open wounds where the pimple
was. This can lead to secondary infections and scars, while furthering the spread of acneHow
To Win Your War Against Acne

causing bacteria at the same time. Devices that are made to help pop pimples or extract
blackheads run the same risks of scarring. Don't pop those pimples!
Acne Myth #5 - Don't Wear Makeup
A lot of people say that wearing makeup causes acne. Yet again, this seems to make sense on
the surface, since clogged pores lead to acne and makeup can get in your pores. But modern
cosmetics often contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which actually help fight acne.
There are many other acne myths out there. Understanding what causes acne and what not to
do are important steps in treating your acne. If in doubt, or in severe cases, talk to your
dermatologist about possible acne causes and treatments.
How To Win Your War Against Acne

Acne Scars – Cause, Prevention And Treatment
Acne scars are easily recognized by the red skin of an area formerly occupied by a pimple. The
initial form, while not actually a scar, will lead to one in some cases. Unfortunately, the only way
to know for sure that it is a scar is if the red skin persists for longer than 6-12 months. It is often
better, therefore, to treat all acne lesions as potential scars.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are caused by an overabundance of the connective tissues your body uses to heal
itself. These tissues work to provide a temporary framework for your skin cells to regrow on. But
if there is too much of this connective tissue, it is not broken down when the healing is complete,
but rather stays permanently. This causes a discolored or unpigmented section of skin to form.
Avoiding Acne Scars
Since the root cause of acne scarring is acne, preventing acne in the first place is the best way
to avoid scars. But even if you already have acne, it is still possible to prevent acne scars from
forming. The way this is done is by speeding the healing process as much as possible. The
faster your acne lesion heals, the less time the connective tissue framework has to overgrow
and leave scars.
Speeding the Healing Process
There are 2 main treatments dermatologists use to facilitate the rapid healing of acne lesions.
The first is Tretinoin, an acid derivative of Vitamin A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid. This
chemical speeds the skin's healing, reducing inflammation and preventing acne scars from
forming.
The second method involves the use of various Alpha- and Beta-Hydroxy acids, which perform
much the same function as Tretoinin, speeding healing and reducing the chance of scarring.
How To Win Your War Against Acne

Helping Yourself
Even if you don't or can't see a dermatologist, there are several different things you can do
yourself that can help prevent acne scars from forming. The biggest thing is to treat your skin