Many of us have or will have acne at sometime during our lives. For most of us this disorder occurs during puberty between the ages of 12 and 24 but for others it may continue on into their adult life. Acne can be very embarrassing and psychologically harmful to those who suffer severe cases.

What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused by a change in hormones, specifically androgen, bringing on an increase in an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands which gets trapped in the pore by dead skin cells causing the pore to erupt into a pustule known as a pimple. This pustule can become infected by bacterium on the skin and get inflamed. This can be painful and unsightly.

The Myths
For many years now several myths have circulated relating to the causes of acne. The following myths have been dispelled by the medical community:

1) Fries, chocolate, and other oily foods cause acne. This is not true but these foods can contribute to poor nutrition and obesity.
2) Not washing your face often causes acne. An individual should properly cleanse his or her face only twice a day. This will help stop infection from spreading and worsening outbreaks. Frequently washing your face only leads to dry irritated skin.
3) Engaging in intercourse will cause acne. Intercourse does not cause acne. This myth is actually over 300 years old and was used to determine if teenage boys or girls were having relations before marriage.
4) Stress will cause acne. Stress does not cause acne but can aggravate it.
5) Sunbathing will cure acne. Sunbathing can only tan the skin which in turn helps hide the outbreaks. Remember, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage and cancer. Acne has no cure at this time. All one can do is treat the disorder with proper skin care and medication (if severe).
6) Heredity causes acne. There is no sound proof that heredity guarantees a person to have acne although one may be susceptible to the disorder. Parents who suffered from severe acne have children who experience no acne and children can have acne even if their parents did not.
7) Extracting blackheads and white heads will clear up acne. The opposite of this statement is true. Squeezing blackheads and whiteheads only irritates the skin and spreads infection which can worsen an outbreak. Squeezing whiteheads can lead to the formation of cysts and nodules. Professional skin therapists and Dermatologists who use a special tool can extract blackheads and whiteheads safely, if necessary.
8) Sweating cleans the pores. Sweating actually stimulates the production of oil in the skin and along with your body heat will aggravate acne. Swimming is the sport which is least likely to cause acne breakouts because sweat and body heat are not a factor in the water.

Acne is a problem that most teenagers and some adults will face in their lifetime. Being knowledgeable and pursuing treatment when necessary are the only true options that you have when faced with this disorder. Just remember many myths exist about acne so learn the truth and you will experience less stress from undue worrying.