6 lies about pimples

Blemished skin probably worries everyone at some point in life. Young people in particular often have to battle pimples, acne and the like. But the many falsehoods and half truths that are circulating about it They do not make it easy for those affected. So it’s time to clear up the most common misunderstandings.

1. It’s not just teenagers who get pimples.

This is a mistake, the so-called late acne is not so rare. An American study, evaluating data from almost 2,900 women, found that 45% of women between the ages of 21 and 30, about 26% between the ages of 31 and 40, and about 12% of participants between the ages of 41 and 50 suffered from acne. Interestingly, the proportion of young people suffering from acne is much higher in Western countries.

In adolescence the hormones really kick in and fuel the production of the sebaceous glands. If the outlet of the gland is blocked due to keratinization disorders or inadequate cosmetics, the sebum accumulates to form blackheads or pimples.

2. Pimples aren’t just caused by poor hygiene.

It is true that a special strain of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes It thrives in the skin’s sebum and glands and feeds the dreaded inflammation. To suppress these acne bacteria, the pharmaceutical industry uses antibacterial substances such as salicylic acid or willow bark extract.

However, the causes of impurities and inflamed pimples are more complex.They respond to a combination of different factors, including genetic predisposition, psychological stress, and dietary imbalances.

In the field of food, the main sSuspicious are foods with a lot of sugar and white flour. But the consumption of milk and milk products can also promote acne in some people. The indigenous peoples of Paraguay and Papua New Guinea, for example, who do not consume dairy products or highly processed grains, are virtually unaware of the problem of acne.

3. Facial cleansing cannot be “deep into the pores”

“Deep cleansing” is a term that is not missing from almost any advertisement for facial care products. The expression “deep pore” is a bit of an unfortunate construction in the cosmetics industry, because it suggests that deep cleaning is necessary, when, in reality, we can only clean the surface of the skin.

Superficial cleanliness of the skin is important to remove sebum, dirt, cell debris and cosmetics and prevent pore clogging or germs breeding.

Therefore, there is no need to be obsessed with cleanliness. Washing your face more than twice a day is probably too much, as the skin’s natural protective layer is disrupted and irritation can result. The soap temporarily changes the slightly acidic pH value of the skin, This facilitates the multiplication of microorganisms.

4. Pimples are not contagious

The sebaceous glands are so close together on the face that inflammation can jump from one follicle to the next, but it is not possible to infect other people with acne.

However, it is recommended to use personal towels, change them frequently or dry the face with a facial tissue. It is better to reduce the chances of pathogenic bacteria coming into contact with acne skin. Therefore, never touch your face with unwashed hands or pop pimples.

5. Blackheads are not removed with toothpaste

Stay away from untested home remedies like this. While it’s true that toothpaste can dry out pimples a bit, other common ingredients in paste can irritate it.

In any case, Impure skin is easily irritated by frequent washing, dermatological procedures, and drying acne creams. It is advisable to avoid any product with fragrance.

6. The doctor can help you get rid of pimples

It’s easy to hear that the doctor can’t help you with acne. It’s false. From a purely medical point of view, acne begins with the first blackheads and this is the time to go to the dermatologist. When acne is mild, your doctor can give you advice on proper care or diet at an early stage.

A dermatologist can also determine if you might have rosacea or perioral dermatitis, disorders that resemble acne but require different treatment.

If the acne is very visible, with pus and red bumps, your doctor can help you prevent permanent scarring. Depending on the severity, the specialist will prescribe medications to apply to the skin or to take by mouth.

Scientific references:

Alexis C Perkins, Jessica Maglione, Greg G Hillebrand; et al. Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span. J Womens Health .