Acne FAQs
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about acne;
+ What causes acne?
There are many causes and factors that play into causing acne, i have listed the main ones below;
Heredity – Even after extensive research it is still not clear what gene causes acne, but some studies show a strong connection through families. For example, if your parents have suffered from it, the chances you will to, its just the luck of the draw.
Hormonal activity – Hence why it occurs during puberty, when your hormones are a mess. Menstrual cycles also affect acne. When your hormones are raging and your body is changing that is the time when acne occours the most, oil-glands over-produce and too much oil is on the skin, this can be disastourous for acne.
Hygiene – Bacteria on the skin also has a strong link to acne as it could lead to infections that could eventually lead to skin swelling, also dirt, oil and dead skin cells could get trapped in the pores. But you’ve got to find the right balance, whilst washing with a slightly anti-bacterial soap can help, too much can also cause acne. If you wash too much then your skin can dry up and become irritated and hence cause acne.
Make-up – Make-up is a big cause of acne, it can clog up the pores, especially when not taken off at the end of the day. Added with oil and dirt, it could lead to acne problems.
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Diet – Although studies have not proven that any specific foods are the direct cause of acne, there are certain foods that can have effects and eventually lead to acne. Chocolate and nuts DO NOT directly cause acne, but do cause the sweat glands to produce excess oils. Also greasy foods such as; pizza, chips, potato fries and other fat-fried foods can cause excess oil to be produced, that is why it is probably best to avoid these foods.
Any medication contained halogens - iodides, chlorides, bromides, lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
Exposure to certain chemical compounds. Chloracne is particularly linked to toxic exposure to dioxins, namely Chlorinated dioxins.
Use of anabolic steroids – These work havoc with your testosterone hormones, causing acne.
+ Does diet affect acne?
There have been many scientific investigations into this subject, and the results have been very conclusive; FOOD IS IN NO WAY CONNECTED TO ACNE!
Although it has been proven that some people may have trigger foods, which could trigger off an acne breakout, it is different in every person, so be aware.
For a detailed acne diet that includes foods that can help treat acne; Acne Diet
+ How long before i see results with my acne medication/treatment?
The amount of time will depend on the individual person and the product used, but normally it will take weeks or even months, as most acne treatments start working at the core or root of the problem FIRST. Which means it will be doing work under the skin, but you will see results, just stick at it!
+ Is there a cure for acne?
Unfortunately, there is NO cure for acne, but it can be treated and controlled by medications. If there was a cure, your doctor would have given it to you by now!
We have listed lots of acne treatments and medications on this site - both chemical and home remedy. Have a look around.
Acne Treatments and Top 10 Acne Products
+ Can i pick my pimples?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! DO NOT PICK OR TOUCH YOUR PIMPLES! This will just spread bacteria to other areas of your face and could cause further acne breakouts. If you try and pop a spot that isnt ready to pop yet, you could force the bacteria deeper into your skin. For a guide on how to pop pimples; How to pop a spot
+ Benzoyl Peroxide makes my skin peel, is this normal?
Yes, certainly within the first few weeks of taking it. Benzoyl peroxide contains ingredients that are designed to dry out the skin and stop further breakouts, as your skin is not use to this ingredient at first, it will peel. But give it a few weeks and the peeling should stop as your skin will get used to it. More information about Benzoyl Peroxide
+ I have a lot of blackheads, how do i get rid of them?
Blackheads can be the bane of acne sufferers lives, mainly because they are extremely difficult to get rid of. When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, you have three options;
-Over-the-counter treatments
-Salon treatments
-Home remedy treatments
Your choice will normally depend on your budget and methods tried previously. One of the most recognised methods is;
1. Steam your face over a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes, this will open up your pores and soften the blackheads in preparation for squeezing them out.
2. Wrap some tissue around your fingers and GENTLY squeeze the area just around the blackhead, try and get under the blackhead to push it out.
3. Once the blackhead has been squeezed out, wash your face with cold water, this is to close up the pore.
4. To finish off, apply some tea tree cream which is available from most chemists.
For more blackhead removal treatments, visit; How to get rid of blackheads! - Both over-the-counter AND home remedies treatments are listed in detail.
+ Only teenagers get acne?
No, you can develop acne at any stage in your life. You can get it as a baby, this is, surprise surprise called baby acne.
Or you could develop it in a much later stage of life, you could go through your teenage life without a single pimple and then at 25 develop severe acne, this is called Adult acne.
+ Can being in the sun treat/cure acne?
Yes and no.
Being in the sun can kill the bacteria on your face that could cause acne, so it that aspect it can help. Some believe it has healing powers because the sun can cause your skin to tan, which makes pimples look less red and inflammed. But it has no real healing qualities apart from covering spots up.
+ Can stress cause acne?
No.
Stress is not directly linked to acne, but it does aggravate and increase it.
+ Is acne caused by dirt?
No! A common myth. Acne is not caused by dirt. The black colour in blackheads
is caused by the pigment being blocked and oxidised. Infact, it has been known that people with acne actually wash MORE then people who dont.
+ Who should i see to treat my acne?
To treat acne you should visit your local GP or dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe you some medication that will help clear up your acne.
+ What is a dermatologist?
Dermatologists are specialist physicians who diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair and nails.
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