Common Myths & Facts about Acne

What is acne and what causes it?

Acne is a chronic skin problem faced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. While in some people the acne clears up without much effort or distress, in others it might persist and be hard to get rid of. Doctors refer to acne as acne vulgaris, and it is caused by one or more factors such as

• Excessive growth of skin cells around the follicle and subsequent blockage of the follicle by dead cell debris
• Excessive production of oil or sebum, which can also result in blockage of the follicle
• The presence and overgrowth of a bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes
• Inflammation caused by the above factors.

Are there different types of acne and what are the symptoms?

Acne can present in many forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and nodules. When the pores are clogged and closed they are called whiteheads or closed comedones, when the pores are clogged and open they are called blackheads or open comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules are raised bumps in the skin with inflammation. Acne can also be categorized as comedonal, mild, moderate, or severe acne. In comedonal acne, open or closed comedones may be present but there are no papules or pustules. In mild acne, comedones and a few papules or pustules may be present. In moderate acne, comedones and a greater number of papules and pustules are present. In severe acne, comedones, many papules or pustules, and large nodules are present.
The most common symptoms associated with acne include pain, tenderness, and redness of skin in the affected regions.

What are some common myths and facts one should know about acne?

Acne has been around for a very long time, and it has subsequently led to the evolution of a lot of myths. As research into the skin condition continues, dermatologists continue to address this condition and attempt to educate people and bust the myths about it. 

A few common myths and facts about acne include:

• Myth : Acne only affects teenagers
  • Fact : Acne can affect people of any age group. Acne that begins in the adolescent or teen years is more common, as there is a surge in the production of the sex hormones during this phase. As Androgen or male sex hormones are implicated in the development of acne, it is thus natural that teenagers are more prone to acne. But, a sizeable population of adults continues to be affected, and it is not uncommon in adults in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s. In the teen years, males are more affected than females, but with adult acne, women are seen to be more affected than men. An imbalance in the sex hormones due to causes such as menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, or stress can result in the development of adult acne. Certain medications or cosmetic products can also cause acne in adults.
• Myth : Acne only affects the face
  • Fact : Acne doesn’t just affect the face, but it can be seen on the neck, upper back, and chest as well. These regions of the body have a very dense distribution of hair follicles, and can thus be affected by factors that lead to the development of acne.
• Myth : Genetics is to blame for the development of acne
  • Fact : Although genetics play a very important role in the development of acne, it is not the sole cause of acne development. Favorable genetics in the presence of triggering factors can determine the severity of the condition.
• Myth : Poor Hygiene and Dirt are responsible for acne development
  • Fact : Hygiene is important and it is not advisable to be carrying dirt on the body, but hygiene and acne are not directly responsible for the development of acne. Even extremely hygienic individuals can be affected by acne, as the process starts from within the skin due to clogging of the follicles and excessive production of sebum.
• Myth : Washing your face multiple times a day can clear acne and ensure it never returns
  • Fact : Excessive face washing with harsh soaps can aggravate acne instead of clearing it, as this process strips away the oils produced by the skin, forcing the skin to produce more oil as a compensatory mechanism, which in turn worsens existing acne or causes a new outbreak.
• Myth : Greasy foods and chocolates cause acne
  • Fact : Eating a healthy diet is essential for good health, and greasy or oily foods can cause other health problems but have no role in causing acne. Eating chocolate also does not cause acne contrary to proper belief.
• Myth : Wearing makeup can cause acne
  • Fact : Makeup and cosmetics do not cause acne, provided the right cosmetics are used and the products do not have excessive oils or chemicals that clog pores and follicles or trigger inflammatory reactions that can cause acne.
• Myth : Popping pimples can help to prevent more acne from developing
  • Fact : Popping a pimple is not a good practice, especially if done very early as it can result in the bacteria being pushed deeper into the skin resulting in a more severe inflammatory reaction, worsening of the acne, and can even lead to scarring.
• Myth : Early acne needs no treatment, as it will clear up on its own and only severe acne needs treatment
  • Fact : Acne should be treated as early as possible to prevent the possibility of it becoming severe and troublesome. A consultation with a dermatologist can help with proper management and prevention of complications such as Hyperpigmentation and scarring.
• Myth : Acne is caused by impure blood, body heat, or constipation
  • Fact : Impurities in blood, body heat, or constipation have no role in the development of acne. Acne develops due to overproduction of sebum, infection with Cutibacterium acne, inflammation, and clogging of the pores and follicles.
• Myth : Blackheads contain dirt that is locked up within the pores
  • Fact : Blackheads are not by caused dirt that has collected within the pores. The pores and follicles are clogged with dead skin cells, oil, or sebum. The exposure to air results in the darkening of these giving them a black or dirt-like appearance.
• Myth : Scrubbing, exfoliation, and tanning can help with curing acne
  • Fact : Excessive scrubbing and exfoliation have no role in acne treatment, but can result in damaged skin, excessive oil production, and worsening of acne. Similarly, tanning has no role in the treatment of acne.
  • Fact : The use of certain medications such as anti-epileptics, steroids, etc., can result in the development of acne.
  • Fact : The use of headbands, shoulder pads, backpacks, and underwire bras can aggravate acne.
  • Fact : Stress may not cause acne but it can worsen it due to the production of excess Androgen or by causing a hormonal imbalance.