One of the most common skin afflictions is acne, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s any less embarrassing. You may wonder what you did to cause it – and what your best acne treatment options are. I’m here to bust a few acne myths and inform you, so you can have clearer skin.
Three Acne Myths:
1. Chocolate and sodas cause acne.
There is a correlation between what you eat and your blemishes, but it may surprise you that dairy is a bigger offender than chocolate. In addition, carbohydrates such as breads and potato chips can aggravate acne.
2. All teenagers get acne.
During puberty, increased androgens lead to the production of more sebum (oils), which clog hair follicles and lead to those unsightly zits. All teenagers go through hormonal changes during puberty, but that’s not a guarantee that they will get acne. In fact, hormonal changes in adults (especially women) can cause acne in someone who never had it as a teen.
3. Acne inversa is the same as acne vulgaris.
Despite its name, acne inversa (or hidradenitis suppurativa) is not the same as acne vulgaris (common acne). Acne inversa has different causes and no definitive cure. If you have painful nodules or lesions that don’t heal in places where you have body hair (such as your armpits), consult a doctor.
Finding the Best Acne Treatment
1. Anti-Androgen Therapy (for Women)
The over-production of male hormones in women causes all sorts of problems, one of them being acne. There are a number of anti-androgen therapy options to correct this. You and your doctor can decide if this is the best acne treatment for you.
2. Natural Remedies
The following natural remedies include food for your body, inside and out, as well as one common sense remedy. The first is a honey mask. Yes, I’m serious. Antibacterial and gentle, a honey mask applied to the affected skin once or twice a week can disinfect and heal some blemishes. Second, one food that you should definitely eat more of is our orange friend, the carrot. Full of antioxidant vitamin A, it reduces your body’s production of sebum. Last, wash your pillow case every couple nights. When you sleep, you rub the oils from your face into your pillow, only to put your head down and sleep in it again the next night. Yuck.
3. Facial Cleansers with Benzoyl Peroxide
If you have acne, you should wash your face once or twice a day to get rid of excess oils. Any old soap won’t do, however; the best products contain benzoyl peroxide, which has long been used to treat acne. For instance, Exposed Skin Care uses a unique formula, which blends benzoyl peroxide with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, sage extract, and even green tea. If going the natural remedy route didn’t quite get the job done, this could be the best acne treatment for you.
