Acne Awareness -Busting Myths
“Its not the make-up you need to avoid its incorrect cleansing and incorrect make- up choices.”
The symptoms of acne can range from mild to severe it is a common condition that affects 95% of people in England. Acne not only afflicts those in their teens but can affect anyone at any time in their lives. Thought of as a harmless skin condition but for those that suffer acne can severely affect mental health causing lack of confidence and low self-esteem.
Raising awareness of the myths and sorting fact from fiction Jody Taylor’s top five!!
1. Avoid Make-up
Its not the make-up you need to avoid its incorrect cleansing and incorrect make- up choices.
Acne is caused by sebum (your skins natural oil) and dead skin cells these combined blocks the follicle causing a plug which creates bacteria lack of oxygen in the follicle resulting in breakouts.
If you are prone to breakouts, ensure you choose a cleanser which will effectively remove your make-up without drying the skin. Use a white flannel to check that all make-up is removed before applying moisturiser. Ensure your make-up options are non-comedogenic, oil -free and include to reduce the risk of excess oil. Chose products which are 100% mineral or contain zinc oxide or silica to soak up excess sebum.
2. Moisturising is bad & SPF causes breakouts
After cleansing moisturiser should be applied to acne skins to ensure the skin’s barrier function and NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) is not impaired. Reducing dryness on the skin surface will reduce dead skin cells therefore reduce breakouts and inflammation which will cause an increase in breakout activity.
The natural oil in your skin (sebum) is made up of a natural SPF, fatty acids, glycerides, wax esters and squalene. Sebum possesses antimicrobial, pro inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties it is vital that over exfoliation does not impair the barrier of the skin and sebum and that it is maintained with moisturiser.
Choose moisturisers which have ingredients to help control breakouts such as kojic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinoid to name a few.
3. Popping pimples is ok
It is not okay to pop pimples, it is more likely this will cause inflammation and increase bacteria creating a perfect breeding ground for further breakout activity.
On average spots take 3-7 days to clear on their own.
If your tempted to squeeze and if you’re a spot picker applying spot sticks can help prevent picking the spots which may leave a scar behind these usually contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
4. The sun clears up spots
This myth isn’t a clear cut as the others as it does have a little bit of fact!!
Direct sunlight has UVA and UVB radiation slows bacterial growth including c. Acne bacteria the primary cause of acne. While a small amount of exposure is good for your mental health and reducing c. Acnes bacteria it also increases you risk of further breakouts as you sweat and skin cancer. Sun exposure will cause your skin to produce more melanin resulting in higher risk of hyper pigmentation issues and age spots. UVA and UVB rays cause dryness resulting in risk of further breakouts as the skin cannot breathe and produces more sebum. If your using retinoids, topical acne medication you have a greater risk of burning and pigment issues.
Enjoy short periods of time in the sun ensuring you use SPF 30+
5. Greasy food causes acne
Greasy food will not cause acne but it might impact your health long term. There are no clinical studies or evidence to suggest that greasy food has an impact on acne. However studies by Cordain, Mann and Webster found that a western diet abundant in high glycaemic and refined foods such as white bread, cereals and milk lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase in skin breakouts through excess oil production.
The lack of linoleic acid (fatty acids) increases keratinisation in the follicle. Introducing omega 3-6 fatty acids into the diet can help the barrier function of all skin types but will reduce the risk of keratinisation in the follicle.
A diet of fresh foods with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables lean protein and good fats will improve the skin, protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.