ACNE
FACTS & FALLACIES
ACNE
IS NOT CAUSED BY DIRT.
Frequent
washing does not improve the condition. In fact frequent
washing or use of harsh soaps or keratolytics as
they are sold over-the-counter may irritate the skin and
limit the effectiveness of topical medications. If you suffer
from oily skin, washing once or twice daily with a mild
non-drying soap is suggested.
DIET
PLAYS NO ROLE IN ACNE.
Even
in adolescent populations, medical research shows no evidence
for a relationship between acne and diet. However, if you
discover a flare-up with a particular type of food, use
common sense and limit your intake of that type of food.
THERE
IS NO ROLE BETWEEN ACNE AND SEX
There
is no correlation between acne and masturbation, sexual
activity, or sexually transmitted diseases.
PICKING
AT ACNE CAN MAKE THINGS WORSE.
Touching the acne, squeezing it, or wearing athletic gear
over it can potentially prolong inflammation and cause excessive
scarring.
DON'T
APPLY HAIR PRODUCTS TO FACE. A variant of cosmetic acne,
known as pomade acne, can occur if greases used to
style hair are applied to skin. Pomade acne is almost exclusively
seen in African-Americans and are usually seen on the forehead
and temporal areas.
MANY
SKIN COSMETICS WILL MAKE ACNE WORSE (USE ONLY NONCOMEDOGENIC
COSMETICS).
Most cosmetics and moisturizers contain oil and can worsen
acne. Be sure to check the label for cosmetics that are
particularly labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Use
the table below as example.
|
Cosmetic
Product
|
Comedogenic
(can cause acne)
|
Noncomedogenic (does not cause acne)
|
|
Allercreme
|
Satin finish
|
Oil free, Matte finish
|
| |
Matte finish
|
|
| |
Velvet finish
|
|
|
Almay
|
|
Fresh Look Oil Free
|
| |
|
Oil Free Foundation
|
|
Elizabeth Arden
|
Ardena Moiture Oil
|
Extra Control Oil Free
|
| |
|
Visible Difference
|
|
Clinique
|
Continuous coverage
|
Pore Minimizer
|
| |
Cover Rub
|
Stay True
|
|
Max Factor
|
Pure Magic
|
Maxi-Unshine Oil Free
|
|
Mary Kay
|
Day Radiance
|
|
|
Merle Norman
|
Aqua Base
|
|
| |
Warm Blusher
|
|
|
Revlon
|
Natural Wonder Acne Spot Cover
|
Fresh All Day Medicated Make-up
|
| |
Ultimate II
|
|
| |
Formula 2 Highlighter
|
|
| |
Moisturizers
|
|
| |
Cocoa Butter
|
Keri Lyt
|
| |
Soft Sense Skin Lotion
|
Moisture
|
| |
Vaseline Intensive Care
|
Neutrogena
|
| |
|
Purpose
|
Table
from Strasburger VC, Acne, What Every Pediatrician Should
Know About Treatment, Pediatric Clinics of North America,
44 (6): Dec 1997.
