Overview
Acne affects between 40 million and 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. With this many people affected, many acne myths have caused people to care for their acne in the wrong way. Unfortunately, when you use an ineffective or harmful treatment for your acne, you can prevent it from healing or make it worse. Knowing some of the more common myths and effective natural cures for treating your acne can help you get rid of your acne as fast as possible.
Washing Your Face
One common myth revolves around the belief that dirt and grime causes acne. However, acne actually starts deep inside the skin when the walls of pores stick together, according to Acne.org. Excessive washing of your face may irritate your pores and cause them to clog. Using a washcloth, puff or abrasive cleanser to clean your face may increase this irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Curing your acne naturally requires you to wash your face twice a day by applying a gentle cleanser, using your fingers, and rinsing with warm water. You should also wash your face after intense exercise or other activity that causes you to sweat.
Tanning
Tanning may help cover the redness caused by acne, but tanning or burning actually causes skin damage, according to Acne.org. Sun exposure can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Many people find that their acne gets worse as a sun burn or tan heals. This does not mean you should avoid all sun exposure, because it does provide vitamin D for the body. However, a natural treatment for your acne requires you to limit your sun exposure and protect your skin using a sun block with a minimum SPF of 15, according to KidsHealth.org.
Diet and Acne
Many people believe that diets high in chocolate, sweets, fats and carbonated beverages increase acne breakouts. However, no research has proven this connection, according to Rutgers University. On the other hand, some people find that certain foods worsen their acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you find some foods make your acne worse, natural treatment would include avoiding those foods. You should also realize that eating greasy foods can leave oil on your face around your mouth and make your acne worse.
Cosmetics
Not all cosmetics will cause acne. Short-term use of make-up seems harmless, advises Rutgers University. If you do use cosmetics, be sure to only use products on your skin that contain the words “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic,” advises KidsHealth.org.
Popping Pimples
Popping, squeezing or picking your pimples may temporarily make them appear smaller, according to KidsHealth.org. However, popping you pimples may cause the pimple to last longer or cause inflammation that can lead to acne scars. You should allow your pimples to heal naturally.
Overnight Acne Cure
No overnight cure exists for acne, regardless of what advertisements say. It takes four to eight weeks for any acne treatment to work, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. You also have to accept that acne treatment requires a daily commitment, even after your skin clears.
About this Author
Kimberly Wonderly has a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science and has worked as a personal trainer for six years. Wonderly has also taken many child development classes, while running a daycare out of her home for three years. She wrote for the “Rocket” at Slippery Rock University for two years while attending college.
