Acne is a common skin problem that affects a large number of people all over the world, particularly teenagers. It occurs when the pores of the skin get blocked either due to excess oil production by the body or unusually fast shedding of dead skin. This causes pimples as well as skin irritation. This is especially disturbing for people very conscious about how they look and the impact that has on their social life – read: teenagers. However, it is not just teenagers who should be concerned about acne treatments. Acne is not healthy, and the quicker it is got rid of, the better. The fact, though, is that you will only be able to find genuinely effective acne treatments when you are aware of some commonly circulated acne myths.
 
Acne Affects TeenagersMost people believe that acne is only a teenage problem. That is not true at all. Even older people can experience pimple outbreaks. In women, changing hormone levels can lead to a production of excess oil, leading to pimples, and in men personal hygiene practices, especially while shaving, can cause blocked pores and acne. There are no different acne treatments for teenagers and adults either. The creams, gels or oral medications are exactly the same. If you have an acne condition, it is best to consult a dermatologist at the earliest.
 
Wash Your Face Frequently to Get Rid of AcneA lot of people believe that acne is caused primarily by poor personal hygiene and an accumulation of dirt on the skin. Consequently, the more often they scrub their face clean, the less the likelihood of acne outbreaks. This entire line of thinking is false. Any form of debris on your skin can cause acne, not just dirt. While washing your face and keeping it clean is a good thing, doing too much of it can actually worsen your acne condition. For instance, if you scrub your face too vigorously, it will only irritate your skin and make your acne worse. Too much washing also dries your skin, and to compensate, the skin begins to produce excess oil. Once again, that will worsen acne. It is best to wash your face no more than twice a day, and scrub it very gently. A Bad Diet Causes AcneAn overwhelming number of people believe that a greasy, fast food-based diet contributes to acne. The truth is that science has not established any connection between diet and acne, and this is only a widely believed acne myth. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) categorically states that there is no relation between the two. However, while a healthy diet will not impact your acne condition, it will bring about a number of other health benefits.  Stress Causes AcneOnce again, there is no truth in this claim. The hormonal imbalances that may be caused by excessive stress do not play any role in the outbreak of pimples. The only times hormones may be responsible for acne are during puberty and in certain phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Androgens are primarily responsible for acne, and when they are at a normal level, acne begins to disappear. Now that you know that some of these widely believed claims are merely acne myths, you are safe from worsening your own condition, and you can emphasize on genuine acne treatments. There are several effective medical cures available, and it is best if you consult a qualified dermatologist.

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