Acne Myths - Do Greasy Foods Cause Acne? • 03.12.09
If you have acne you will more than likely have been told not to eat chocolate or to stay away from greasy food. People who tell you this are full of good intentions but completely wrong! Studies have found no correlation between eating chocolate or greasy foods and acne flareups. Of course eating a lot of chocolate or fat laden food is definitely not good for you but it will not affect your acne in any way. Here is a round up of the more prevalent myths surrounding acne!
Acne Myths
- Chocolate causes acne, or at least makes it worse - totally untrue!
- Greasy food causes acne - this myth presumably is based on the fact that there is an increased production of sebum in acne sufferers. However oil and fat in foods will not somehow be transported to the skin to make the acne worse.
- Dirt is a cause of acne - dirt does not cause acne which is caused by overproduction of sebum resulting in changes in hormone levels. This myth causes sufferers to overwash their faces and makes their condition worse.
- Acne should be left alone for the sufferer to ‘grow out of it’ - this is particularly dangerous as leaving the acne untreated can result in pain, embarrassment and long term damage to the skin. It is always best to treat acne early and prevent scarring and escalation of the problem.
- Stress causes acne - stress is not a cause of acne but can cause it to worsen.
So if anyone tries to tell you these myths you can put them straight. Explain to them the real causes of acne and do not let the myths stop you from enjoying your favorite chocolate bar or other foods, in moderation of course!
