Medical
- Skin Cancer Exams
- Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
- Mole Removal
- Psoriasis Treatment
- Eczema Treatment
- Acne Treatment and Accutane Therapy
- Rosacea
- Hair and Nail Disorders
- Pigment Disorders
- Rashes
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Sun Protection Information
Dispelling the Myths About the Causes of Acne
Myth: Acne is a result of poor diet (e.g., chocolate, sugar, greasy food)
Truth: Multiple conflicting points of view exist regarding diet and acne. While recent data have suggested that a positive association exists between intake of whole or skim milk and acne, it has been proposed that statistical associations may not reflect causal relationships, especially when confounding variables, such as heredity, nationality, and socioeconomic status, are not taken into account. Diet-induced hyperinsulinemia has been proposed as a factor in keratinocyte proliferation (via elevation of insulin-like growth factors) and androgen-mediated sebum production (via increased tissue bioavailability of circulating androgens). High concentrations of dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been implicated in the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. Numerous well-controlled experiments will be needed to confirm these hypotheses.
Truth: Multiple conflicting points of view exist regarding diet and acne. While recent data have suggested that a positive association exists between intake of whole or skim milk and acne, it has been proposed that statistical associations may not reflect causal relationships, especially when confounding variables, such as heredity, nationality, and socioeconomic status, are not taken into account. Diet-induced hyperinsulinemia has been proposed as a factor in keratinocyte proliferation (via elevation of insulin-like growth factors) and androgen-mediated sebum production (via increased tissue bioavailability of circulating androgens). High concentrations of dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been implicated in the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. Numerous well-controlled experiments will be needed to confirm these hypotheses.
Myth: Acne is a result of poor hygiene/frequent washing will decrease acne
Truth: This belief may cause patients to overwash their skin (i.e., scrubbing), which may actually increase local inflammation and exacerbate acne. A recent study, however, showed that no difference was observed between groups washing their face once, twice, or four times daily with a cleanser. While twice-daily washing resulted in the most significant improvement, the authors suggested that more excessive (4 x daily) washing may not have significant negative effects.
Truth: This belief may cause patients to overwash their skin (i.e., scrubbing), which may actually increase local inflammation and exacerbate acne. A recent study, however, showed that no difference was observed between groups washing their face once, twice, or four times daily with a cleanser. While twice-daily washing resulted in the most significant improvement, the authors suggested that more excessive (4 x daily) washing may not have significant negative effects.
Myth: Stress causes acne
Truth: While stress does not appear to be an underlying cause of acne, evidence has shown that increased acne severity is significantly associated with increased stress levels.
Truth: While stress does not appear to be an underlying cause of acne, evidence has shown that increased acne severity is significantly associated with increased stress levels.
Myth: Acne treatments are unnecessary because patients will simply outgrow their acne
Truth: Not all adolescents outgrow their acne; there is a significant amount of adult acne, especially in women. The impact of acne, including scarring and psychosocial effects, may persist beyond the acne itself.
Truth: Not all adolescents outgrow their acne; there is a significant amount of adult acne, especially in women. The impact of acne, including scarring and psychosocial effects, may persist beyond the acne itself.
Myth: You can judge an acne medication's usefulness/effectiveness immediately
Truth: Objectively, while a number of treatments probably do start working immediately, it may take weeks to months to see a clinically appreciable difference.
Truth: Objectively, while a number of treatments probably do start working immediately, it may take weeks to months to see a clinically appreciable difference.
