The truth about the stubborn acne

The truth about the stubborn acne - Have you ever washed your face more than twice a day to clear your skin? Do you avoid chocolate and fatty foods, in the hope that when you look in the mirror, you will not see elsewhere? Have you ever drank more water, or avoided or increased your exercise to acne outbreaks to prevent? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone.

Acne is a disease of the most common skin disease that affects nearly 85 percent of people. While the number of effective treatments for acne is growing, the number of myths taking about how to fight the disease.

"Although new acne treatments are developed every day, a cure for acne has not yet been discovered. Therefore, many patients choose to treat themselves or experiment with unconventional treatments," said one doctor. "No, but many of these treatments are based on anecdotal observations and was not consistently studied by science. The study shows that these myths are still affecting how patients care for their acne."

Myth: lack of hygiene aggravates acne
Wash the relationship between facial acne and is widely misunderstood always been, and most people who believe that dirt and poor hygiene contribute to acne. In fact, a recent study from Stanford University conducted the participants asked what they thought aggravate acne, and the majority, 91 percent, mentioned poor hygiene. "If a patient believes that dirty skin causes acne, they logically conclude that washing your face more often will improve their acne," said one doctor. "But dermatologists caution patients against washing too often as the resulting irritation can make your acne worse."

In order to determine the scientific validity of this myth have been the effects of acne face wash on recently at the University of Stanford studied. A group of twenty-four men, wash your face twice daily for two weeks with an over-the-counter mild facial cleanser. The participants were selected randomly to provide washing either one, two or four times a day for six weeks. The study found that either one does not significantly affect washing the face, twice or four times a day the appearance or condition of acne, and found that the positive effects of increased facial cleansing are minimal at best. Dermatologists continue to recommend washing your face twice a day to maintain overall good health of the skin.

Myth: Exercise can eliminate acne or exercise may worsen acne

The relationship between acne and exercise continues to show high variability. Some believe that exercise and sweating can help clean the pores, especially in the chest and back; while others say their skin gets worse when exercising, in particular those that have special equipment that rubs on your skin use.

In another study from Stanford University conducted in patients with acne has been found that exercise-induced sweat have no positive or important in the chest and back acne negative impact. Twenty-three male participants were divided into three groups: no exercise, regular exercise

followed by immediate shower and regular exercise followed by delayed showering. The number of acne lesions on the chest and back were counted over a period of two weeks, no difference between the three groups was not observed. "Based on the results of the study can be promoted regular exercise for patients with acne," Dr. Boer Kimball said. "But they should avoid tight clothing and equipment. If necessary, sealing equipment should be cleaned regularly."

Other Acne Myths
Many misconceptions about facial hygiene and exercise are still the most commonly recognized acne beliefs, the Stanford study also found that respondents believed that poor diet and reduced sleep negatively affect acne. In addition, more than 80 percent of participants believed that increased stress, touching the face and popping pimples exacerbated the situation. Among the participants, men and women who have found only differences that more women believed that increased stress can worsen acne and that drinking more water would improve the quality of your skin. The study also found that some beliefs that were previously popular about acne were no longer viewed as true, including the idea that tanning improves the appearance of acne.

"What this study and these studies have shown that there are still significant differences between the means popular belief and scientific support, but that, as patients try not to change your acne care," said one doctor. "It is important for everyone who has been affected by acne can take the help of a dermatologist diagnose and offer treatment options that are especially effective for combating skin type of the patient on the disease to seek."

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the representative of the largest, most influential, and most of all dermatologic associations. With a staff of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical skin, cosmetic surgery, hair and nails; Advocating high standards in practice, education and research in dermatology clinic; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthy skin, hair and nails.